(C) Pocheon City

POCHEON, South Korea – Pocheon City, through its “Greater Happiness Pocheon City Family Center,” successfully concluded the 2025 'Educational Activity Support Program for Children of Multicultural Families' on the 11th. This initiative marks a significant step in expanding educational opportunities, bridging learning gaps, and strengthening the foundation for the stable settlement and growth of multicultural families in the region.

Bridging Gaps and Fostering Growth

The program was specifically designed to provide tangible educational support for children from multicultural households. The funds, which were disbursed as Nonghyup Card points, could be utilized for a wide array of educational needs, including the purchase of textbooks, usage of reading rooms ( 독서실, dokseosil), and costs associated with various learning and career exploration activities. This flexibility ensured the financial assistance offered practical help where it was needed most.

Eligibility for the 2025 support program was extended to children of multicultural families whose household income was 100% or less of the standard median income and who were not receiving the Education Benefit (교육급여, gyoyuk geubyeo). The age criteria were broad, covering children from age 7 (born before Dec 31, 2018) up to age 18 (born after Jan 1, 2007), regardless of their current enrollment status.

The financial support was differentiated by academic stage:

Elementary School Students: KRW 400,000 (approximately $300 USD)
Middle School Students: KRW 500,000 (approximately $375 USD)
High School Students: KRW 600,000 (approximately $450 USD)
(Note: Dollar amounts are approximate conversions for general context.)

Increased Outreach and Demand

Pocheon City demonstrated a robust commitment to meeting the growing demand for educational assistance. Following the initial application and disbursement round in May, the Pocheon City Family Center significantly enhanced accessibility and convenience for families. In July, the center operated on-site application and consultation services, making it easier for families to navigate the process.

This proactive approach led to a substantial increase in participation. The number of children receiving educational activity support surged by 57%—from 209 last year to 328 children in 2025. Consequently, the total amount of financial aid distributed also rose significantly, reaching KRW 152 million (approximately $114,000 USD). This demonstrates the city’s active response to the expanding educational support needs of its multicultural community.

A Commitment to Comprehensive Support

A representative from the Pocheon City Family Center expressed satisfaction with the smooth execution of both the first and second rounds of the program. "We hope that this year's educational activity support program has been of genuine help to the children of multicultural families in continuing their studies and preparing for their future careers," the official stated. They reaffirmed the center's dedication, adding, "We will continue to pay close attention and actively strive to ensure that multicultural families receive necessary support even more thoroughly across various areas such as education, welfare, and settlement."

The Greater Happiness Pocheon City Family Center, located within the Bandabi Sports Center in Gunnae-myeon, is a hub for comprehensive family services. It offers diverse programs, including family counseling, couples' education, operation of a shared childcare center (gongdong yug-anaumteo), and the Dual Language Environment Creation Project.

Families seeking details or wishing to apply for other programs can visit the Pocheon City Family Center website under the 'Program Application' menu. Inquiries can be directed to the Multicultural Family Support Team at 031-538-3384~7 or the Healthy Family Program Team at 031-538-3380~2.