Damaged Schools Near Military Facilities to Receive Administrative and Financial Support

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] The ordinance bill on "Support for Schools Affected by Noise from Military Bases and Military Facilities near Gyeonggi Province Office of Education," initiated by Rep. Hwang Dae-ho (Democratic Party, Suwon District 4) of the Second Education Committee of the Gyeonggi Province Council, has passed the plenary session of the Gyeonggi Province Council. As a result, many schools that have suffered damage from noise near military facilities are expected to receive administrative and financial support from the provincial office of education.

Rep. Hwang Dae-ho, who initiated the ordinance bill, stated, "So far, students' right to education and instructors' teaching rights have been seriously threatened by noise generated from military bases and military facilities across the province, including flight training at military airports and artillery fire at shooting ranges." He added, "Through the enactment of this ordinance, I am glad that an alternative can be provided to ensure the right to education that has been infringed by noise damage, and a foundation for administrative support such as various educational program assistance has been established."

The ordinance bill defines it as the responsibility of the superintendent of education to ensure equal educational opportunities for students in noise-affected schools, guarantee their right to education, and secure instructors' teaching rights. It also mandates the establishment of basic plans annually to support schools affected by noise.

In particular, more detailed administrative support is expected to be provided, including curriculum operations considering regional characteristics, improvement and modernization projects for educational facilities and environments, promotion of educational welfare and after-school care programs, support for commuting convenience, operation of special aptitude and experience programs, and psychological therapy support for students and instructors.

Rep. Hwang Dae-ho stated, "Overlooking the damage to schools near military facilities due to the constraints of national affairs has been a grave error in light of the spirit of local autonomy." He added, "The Office of Education exists for students, and the fact that the office has agreed with the spirit that no single child should be discriminated against in terms of educational rights represents progress and a change in attitude."