Namyangju City Council Welfare and Environment Committee Holds Meeting to Improve 'Sangsangnuriter' Operations

The Welfare and Environment Committee of the Namyangju City Council (Chairperson Lee Kyungsook) held a meeting on the 23rd in the city council's small conference room to discuss improvements for the operation of 'Sangsangnuriter'.

The Welfare and Environment Committee of Namyangju City Council held a meeting on the 23rd in the city council's small conference room to discuss improvements for the operation of 'Sangsangnuriter' and is taking a commemorative photo afterward. Provided by Namyangju City Council

This meeting was organized to share the current status of 'Sangsangnuriter', Namyangju's model after-school care center for elementary students, to identify its main achievements and areas for improvement, and to discuss future development plans. The meeting was attended by Lee Kyungsook, Chairperson of the Welfare and Environment Committee of Namyangju City Council, Park Yunok, Vice Chairperson, Councilor Jeon Hyeyeon, professional staff, the head of Sangsangnuriter, and officials from the Women and Children Division.

At the meeting, the heads of Sangsangnuriter centers shared the following issues and requested improvement measures: the necessity of linking with the Gyeonggi-do Anytime Care Service; operational challenges arising from being classified as 'other facilities' rather than social welfare facilities; the need to supplement staff at Sangsangnuriter; and the limitations in providing specialized programs due to budget shortages.

The Welfare and Environment Committee members emphasized, "We fully understand the limitations and practical difficulties of providing stable care services with only two staff members per center, including the center head. In the future, we will also actively review, together with the executive branch, the expansion of dedicated staff for children with disabilities."

They also stated, "'Sangsangnuriter' faces operational and financial difficulties because it is classified as an 'other facility' rather than a legally designated social welfare facility. However, this classification also allows for more flexible operation due to fewer legal restrictions. Our committee will seek support measures through various means, including the enactment and revision of ordinances."

Chairperson Lee Kyungsook expressed her gratitude, saying, "I would like to thank the heads and teachers of Sangsangnuriter who are working hard for the children despite difficult conditions." She added, "We will regularly hold meetings like today to listen to voices from the field and communicate, in order to ensure the stable settlement and sustainability of Sangsangnuriter, which plays an important role in securing the future of our city's children."

Meanwhile, 'Sangsangnuriter' is the nation's first after-school care center for elementary students introduced by Namyangju City. It plays a role in addressing care blind spots for elementary students by establishing a community-based, voluntary, and proactive child care community. Currently, a total of six centers are in operation, and one additional center each will be established in Hopyeong-dong and Dasan-dong in July.