Governor Kim Moon-soo Proposes Dispatching U.S. Military English Teachers

Governor Kim Moon-soo of Gyeonggi Province proposed on the 15th a plan to recruit volunteers from the U.S. Forces Korea and dispatch them as native English teachers to elementary, middle, and high schools.

Governor Kim met with Commander Burwell Bell at the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command in Yongsan, Seoul that day and proposed the plan, saying, "If our country's educationally enthusiastic parents see that U.S. military personnel are working as English teachers, it will create mutual appreciation."

Governor Kim stated, "Our country needs more native English teachers for elementary, middle, and high school students, but it costs approximately 50 million won per year to employ one. If the U.S. military can recommend volunteers willing to contribute 1 to 3 hours per week, it would be more efficient."

He also presented a plan to first implement the educational dispatch program on a trial basis in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, where the U.S. 7th Air Force Command is located, and gradually expand it.

In response, Commander Bell expressed his intention to proceed immediately, saying, "We will ensure the educational dispatch continues on a regular basis, not just one or two times."

Meanwhile, earlier that morning, Governor Kim attended the "2006 Gyeonggi Province Elderly Health and Medical Center On-site Evaluation" held at Ajou University Hospital in Suwon and stated, "Through combined services with each provincial hospital and health center, we will provide full support at the provincial level for elderly patients with dementia and stroke."