Andong City’s 2025 Children & Family Initiatives: A Summary of Successes
Andong City has made significant strides in 2025 towards becoming a truly child-pleasant city, with initiatives demonstrably impacting citizens’ lives. Here’s a breakdown of their key projects and achievements:
1. Accessible & Improved Childcare Infrastructure:
* Free Access Maintained: Continued the first-in-Gyeongsangbuk-do policy of waiving fees for the childcare support center and toy library, resulting in high usage: 18,336 users of the center and 11,579 users of the toy library.
* Facility Upgrades: Remodeled both the childcare support center and toy library in November to create safer and more comfortable environments for infants and toddlers.
* Expanded Infant Care: Opened a new joint childcare sharing center specifically for 0-year-olds at Yeongmu Yedaum Apartment (opening December) and a new Community Care Center in the same complex, concentrating care resources.
2. Strengthening Family Bonds & Co-Parenting:
* Popular Camping Program: the “Andong Outside the Tent,Enjoy Co-parenting Through Camping” program was a hit,with 180 participants (45 families) enjoying bonding experiences like recreation,performances,and concerts. Notably, the program actively included multicultural families and families with children with disabilities.
* Extended Care Options: “K Bodeum 6000” (expanded night & weekend care) continued stable operation.
3.Becoming a UNICEF child-Friendly City:
* Formal partnership: Signed a business agreement with UNICEF in 2025.
* Planning & Input: Conducted surveys (standard & citizen opinion) to develop a child-friendly city promotion plan.
* Child Participation: Launched the first “Child Participation Committee” to directly involve children in policy-making.
* Certification goal: Aiming for UNICEF certification by the second half of 2026, which will unlock training, advice, and collaborative opportunities with other child-friendly cities.
4. Engaging Experiences for Children & Families:
* Seasonal Programs: The “Child Happiness Four Seasons Imaginary Play Program” and Children’s Week events offered diverse, season-specific activities.
* High Participation: 24,260 people participated in these programs, including:
* Amsan Ice Festival (customary games): 14,500
* Nature-friendly playground programs: 360
* Children’s musicals & summer performances: 1,400
* Children’s Week events: 8,000
5. Supporting Childcare Needs & Vulnerable Families:
* Gap Resolution: Strengthened policies to address childcare gaps for dual-income and single-parent families.
* Specific Services:
* Sick Child Hospital Accompanying Service: 159 users
* Care services linked to senior citizen centers: 4 locations
* All Together Care Centers: Expanded to 7 locations
* Increased Caregiver Capacity: Expanded the number of caregivers to 194, supporting 620 children.
* Multicultural Family Support: Provided customized support to 135 individuals through home visits, childbirth support, mentoring, and therapy.
6. Ensuring Child safety & Protection:
* Inter-Agency Collaboration: Operated the Case Decision Committee and Facts Link Council 15 times to improve cooperation.
* Awareness Campaigns: Held 12 child abuse prevention campaigns.
* Protective Measures: Systematically managed 140 children requiring protection.
Andong City’s 2025 initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for children and families, with tangible results and a clear vision for the future.
Mayor Kwon Ki-chang’s statement underscores the city’s dedication to understanding and addressing the needs of parents.