First in the Nation: Sponsoring the "Simple Breakfast Support Ordinance"
Kwangguk Na, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Muan 2, Democratic Party of Korea), announced on December 22 that he received the Grand Prize in the Metropolitan Assembly Member category at the 10th Korea Youth Hope Awards ceremony, held at the 2nd Small Conference Room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Seoul.
The Korea Youth Hope Awards, hosted by the Korea Youth Foundation, recognize legislative and policy achievements that have contributed to improving the quality of life for young people. The awards are presented to members of the National Assembly, heads of local governments, and metropolitan and basic assembly members. Notably, the winners are selected through direct online voting by youth across the country, making this a particularly meaningful honor.
Kwangguk Na, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly, received the Grand Prize in the Metropolitan Assembly Member category at the 10th Korea Youth Hope Awards ceremony. Provided by Jeonnam Provincial Assembly
Assemblyman Na was highly praised for his field-oriented legislative activities throughout his term in the 12th Jeonnam Provincial Assembly, especially his efforts to guarantee youth health rights and improve educational environments.
The main reason for his award was his sponsorship of the "Jeonnam Office of Education Ordinance on Support for Simple Breakfasts," which was the first of its kind in the country. This ordinance aims to address both the high rate of students skipping breakfast among middle and high school students in Jeonnam and the decline in local rice prices by providing simple breakfasts made from local agricultural and marine products.
Based on this ordinance, the simple breakfast support project began in 2023 with a budget of 1.2 billion won, serving 61 schools. The budget has been expanded each year, and a total of 5.22 billion won has been secured for the project through 2025. As a result, the number of schools supported is expected to increase to 125 next year, benefiting approximately 9,600 students. Student satisfaction reached 87.7%, while parent satisfaction was reported at 90%.
During the evaluation process, it was noted that this policy went beyond simple welfare measures by establishing a sustainable model through cooperation with the local community, which earned strong support from the youth voting panel.
Assemblyman Na stated, "This award is especially meaningful because it was decided by the direct votes of young people," adding, "The bright faces of students who can eat breakfast before going to school are the greatest reward for my legislative work." He continued, "I will continue to work even more carefully to make Jeonnam a place where young people can dream of hope and the future."
Meanwhile, Assemblyman Na has recently received several honors, including the Korea Women's Legislative Grand Prize and the Korea Metropolitan and Provincial Council Chairpersons' Association's Excellence in Legislation Award, and now the Korea Youth Hope Award, further demonstrating his legislative capabilities to the public.
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