Suwon's 'Together Care Centers' to Expand to 9 Facilities This Month

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon's 'Together Care Centers,' which provide 'customized care services' to elementary school students in need of after-school care, are expected to expand to nine facilities this month.

On the 8th, Suwon City opened the doors to Branch 7 of the Suwon Together Care Center on the first floor of 'Choice Park' (12 Songwon-ro 14-gil, Jangan-gu) and held an opening ceremony. Branch 7 has been in operation since February 26.

Branch 8 (Homaesil Hyundai Himasia Apartment Complex 8-danji, Gwonseon-gu) and Branch 9 (Suwon Gwonseon Dream Green Apartment, Gwonseon-gu) are scheduled to open successively within April.

Suwon's Together Care Center Branch 7 spans 159.51 square meters and is equipped with two program rooms, a staff office, and a consultation room. It has a capacity of 36 children. The Suwon Jeil Welfare Foundation operates it under a management trust agreement.

The Together Care Centers, a civic pledge project of the 7th Popular Elected Administration, are facilities that provide care services to all elementary school students (ages 6-12) in need of after-school care.

Regardless of parental income level, all elementary students can use the facilities, with priority given to children from dual-income households and multi-child families with younger children. It plays a significant role in reducing the burden on families struggling with childcare and addressing care service gaps for elementary school students.

The Together Care Centers provide meals and snacks, and operate play, tutoring, and specialized programs. They are open Monday through Friday. Operating hours are noon to 8 p.m. during the school year and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during school holidays.

The city aims to operate 20 Together Care Centers by next year. It plans to open the 12th facility by the end of this year and establish eight additional facilities in 2022.

A city official stated, "As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the childcare burden on parents has increased, and demand for care services continues to grow steadily. We will make efforts to ensure that Suwon's Together Care Centers become a safe and happy space for children and a place where parents can leave their children with peace of mind."