"Creating Future-Oriented Play Environments, Execution Deviating from Project Intent"
Concerns have been raised about the poor execution and management of the school transfer fund budget by the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education.
Kim Nayoon, a member of the Gwangju City Council (Democratic Party, Buk-gu 6), stated during the administrative audit of the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education on the 8th, “There are many cases of improper execution deviating from the purpose of transfer fund projects, such as the Future Play Environment Creation Project,” and added, “The budget should not just be sent without attention; thorough management and supervision must be conducted to ensure that spending aligns with the intended purpose.”
Councilor Kim pointed out, “The Future Play Environment Creation Project’s guidelines specify that the purpose is to create an environment focused on immersive content through ‘AR·VR multimedia learning devices,’ and it was noted that tablets should be used for cooperative activities rather than one device per child in early childhood education. However, some places purchased only teaching aids without multimedia learning devices, and several kindergartens bought multiple tablets.”
He continued, “There are 20 kindergartens that purchased more than 10 tablets each, with a total of 261 tablets purchased by these kindergartens, exceeding half of the total 486 tablets bought. Additionally, 17 kindergartens purchased tablets equal to or exceeding the number of children in a single class,” he pointed out.
Councilor Kim said, “This project has had several issues since its inception, including the lack of pilot projects before full implementation and contract problems, and many parents have expressed concerns about the use of video devices. The Office of Education itself failed to adhere to the precautions it set, which only increased parental anxiety. Appropriate usage restrictions and operational standards need to be established.”
In response, a representative from the Metropolitan Office of Education stated, “In the future, when conducting similar transfer fund projects, we will thoroughly review whether the projects align with their intended purposes and gather sufficient feedback before proceeding. We will also actively consider the various opinions gathered from satisfaction surveys regarding the Future Play Environment Creation Project.”
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