SNU students are teaming with the government to help narrow the widening gap between the rich and poor. They are being matched with students from about 70 schools to provide individually tailored, after-school tutoring.

Under a program initiated by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development to provide more educational opportunities for needy children, Seoul National University (SNU) students are being matched with students from about 70 schools in Seoul to provide individually tailored, after-school tutoring.

``The mentoring program is designed to bridge the widening gap between the rich and poor. University students are expected to play a key role for needy children _ like older brothers and sisters _ by helping them study, which may be left unchecked by parents and teachers at regular school classes,’’ Han Sang-shin, a ministry official, said.

Already 300 SNU students have been matched with 1,028 students under the mentoring scheme which began Monday and will run until February 28, 2007.

In February, Education Minister Kim Jin-pyo signed an agreement with SNU president Chung Un-chan to help underprivileged children.

The students are expected to learn from their mentors for two hours twice a week.

The mentors will teach not only academic studies but also extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, arts and career counseling, among other subjects.

They also receive a `credit’ for the volunteer program and are given financial support for transport, meals and cultural activities.

Since the mentoring program began 769 students have applied but only 300 were selected.

The ministry and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will operate nine teams consisting of various activities such as basketball and piano in an effort to help children learn more practical skills.

The ministry will expand the program nationwide, particularly in remote rural areas and fishing towns.

An 11-year-old elementary student, identified as Park, living with her aunt because her parents cannot afford to support her education, said she feels happy because she can learn extra curriculum from her mentor just like her peers who are taught by private tutors and private institute lecturers.

``I am not that good at math, science and social studies. I hope my mentor will help me study better,’’ she said.

``We cannot afford to get private tutoring for my daughter. I hope the mentor will provide an education for my daughter,’’ her mother said.

Another child, identified as Lee, whose mother is single, said she wants to have a mentor as a friend.
Her mother said Lee has no sister or brother to consult with or talk to about her troubles and future career.

``She is very lonely because she has no siblings who can share experiences or provide consultations for her studies and also for her private matters. She needs a mentor just like a sister or brother,’’ her mother said.

April 26, 2006
SNU PR Office