Minister Lee Ju-ho of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology speaks at a ceremony
to launch the ministry's 2012 business year.
Minister Lee says there will be further restructuring of universities. Minister Lee Ju-ho of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) said his ministry will continue to push major educational policies such as widening job openings for high school graduates and accelerating the restructuring of universities as part of efforts to successfully complete educational policies under the Lee Myung-bak government. In his New Year message, Minister Lee announced a five-day free education program for preschool children aged five, which will make its debut during this year. "Quality education for five-year old kids will be launched at cheaper prices regardless of their attendance at children's houses or kindergartens, and preparations are being made to expand the free preschool educational program to include three- and four-year-old kids," he said. Under the program, dubbed "Nuri Course," children of low-income earners, families in farming and fishing communities, and working couples, who leave their children behind at home will be given childcare and educational services, he added. nw