Suwon Expands Eco-Friendly Atopic Dermatitis-Specialized School Program

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon City, Suwon Office of Education, and Namchang Elementary School have agreed to expand the program of the eco-friendly atopic dermatitis-specialized school, which is being operated with the goal of creating a healthy urban school free from atopic dermatitis.

The three institutions signed a "Memorandum of Understanding for Support of Eco-Friendly Atopic Dermatitis-Specialized School Operations" on the 21st, pledging to cooperate in activating the eco-friendly atopic dermatitis-specialized school.

In accordance with the agreement concluded in written form on this day in consideration of the COVID-19 situation, the city will provide annual operating funds of 50 million won for the atopic-specialized school program operations, and will actively support administrative efforts together with the Suwon Office of Education. Namchang Elementary School will be responsible for program development and operations.

Namchang Elementary School, an eco-friendly atopic dermatitis-specialized school, is located in Haenggung-dong, Paldal-gu. Since 2012, with the city's support, naturally-friendly outdoor learning facilities including cypress classrooms, an atopic healing experience center equipped with spa and foot bath facilities, and a healing garden have been established. Since 2014, the school has provided specialized education through atopic treatment programs and eco-friendly school meals.

The school provides special management for approximately 20-30% of the entire student body who are atopic patients each year, offering medical services and customized one-to-one programs. In the case of general prevention education programs, not only all students but also children from nearby areas in Suwon can participate during school vacation periods.

In particular, the garden cultivation program, where students directly grow various vegetables and crops and use them as ingredients in school meals and family meals, is a program that addresses both the physical and psychological needs of atopic patients.

Students with an atopic dermatitis diagnosis certificate can transfer to or enroll in the atopic-specialized school regardless of school district boundaries.

Choi Seung-rae, head of the Education and Youth Division of Suwon City, stated, "Through this agreement, we expect to smoothly provide nature-friendly educational environments and services befitting an eco-environment city and child-friendly city," and added, "We hope many students suffering from atopic dermatitis will make use of this school and receive help."