Gimpo City's Native Speaker Program at Care Centers Expands as a Leading Model for Other Local Governments

Gimpo City Achieves High Satisfaction Among Children and Parents
Over 94% Satisfied According to Survey Results
Parents Praise "Joyful English Education Without Resistance"

The native speaker program at Woori Ai Happiness Care Center, introduced by Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province as the first of its kind in the country, has recorded high satisfaction rates and is now being recognized as a leading model for other local governments.

The native speaker program at Woori Ai Happiness Care Center operated by Gimpo City since last May. Provided by Gimpo City

According to Gimpo City on August 19, a mid-term satisfaction survey of the native speaker program at the care center, which began last May, showed that more than 94% of participating children and parents responded that they were "satisfied." As a result of this achievement, several local governments have recently visited Gimpo to benchmark the program.

Gimpo City is the first local government in the country to dispatch native English-speaking instructors to all public after-school care centers in the city, offering a variety of native speaker programs at each center three times a week. These programs include conversation, art, science, and global cultural experiences.

This initiative marks the official beginning of Mayor Kim Byungsoo's ongoing emphasis on nurturing globally competitive talent through public education and represents a significant step toward expanding the foundation for global education.

The city reported that a mid-term satisfaction survey of 170 children and parents using the native speaker program at Woori Ai Happiness Care Center revealed overwhelmingly positive responses in various areas, including increased interest and confidence in English, improved communication skills with native speakers, natural learning through diverse activities and experiences, and reduced burden of private education costs.

One parent whose child is participating in the native speaker program shared, "I am very happy that my child has developed an interest in English and gained confidence. What I find most satisfying is that it is not just a simple English class, but a variety of play and experiential activities are included, allowing my child to participate joyfully and without resistance."

In addition, officials from other cities and counties have recently visited Gimpo to benchmark the operation of the native speaker program. In response, Gimpo City has been actively sharing its comprehensive know-how with other local governments, from program planning to operation and performance analysis, fostering mutual cooperation.

Mayor Kim Byungsoo stated, "I believe that the experiences of children learning and growing in Gimpo today will become the driving force that changes Gimpo tomorrow. Gimpo is now transforming into a city where students travel from Mok-dong to take Line 2 for educational opportunities." He added, "Gimpo City will do its utmost to provide even broader opportunities so that our children can grow into global talents."

Meanwhile, on August 8, Gimpo City launched a commuter-based native speaker English camp aimed at 'enhancing global competency,' achieving a 100% student satisfaction rate and demonstrating the program's high level of completion.