Regional Webinar on Costing and Financing SDG 4 especially Target 4.2., 12-13 July 2021

TL;DR

Uzbekistan and South Korea have made significant investments in early childhood care and education (ECCE) to ensure access and quality. Both countries have implemented various funding models, increased enrollment rates, and focused on policy reforms to meet SDG target 4.2.

Transcript

for target 4.2 hosted by unesco bangkok the asia and pacific regional bureau for education before we start this session here is some housekeeping information for you to be aware of first first the webinar is being recorded for wider sharing later on for you and occasional photos might be taken throughout this session two we welcome questions throug... Read More

Key Insights

• 🇰🇷 Uzbekistan and South Korea have prioritized ECCE as part of their national agendas due to young populations and the potential for economic growth.
• 🇰🇷 Both countries have achieved significant growth in enrollment rates, with Uzbekistan doubling its preschools and South Korea exceeding 90% participation.
• 👪 Uzbekistan has introduced innovative financing models, including public-private partnerships and family-based kindergartens.
• 🇰🇷 South Korea has allocated a significant percentage of the budget specifically for ECCE and has focused on increasing participation in public institutions.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has Uzbekistan increased enrollment rates in preschool education?

Uzbekistan has implemented reforms, including the establishment of basic preschool education, introduction of one-year free pre-primary education, and public-private partnerships. These initiatives have significantly increased enrollment rates.

Q: How has South Korea funded ECCE?

South Korea invests over 1% of its GDP in ECCE and has a mix of public and private funding. The government provides subsidies for private kindergartens and child care centers, and public education financing is allocated 20% of the total domestic internal tax grant.

Q: What challenges has Uzbekistan faced in financing ECCE?

Uzbekistan has encountered challenges in data collection, managing private providers, and ensuring transparency in funding. The split system of financing and governance adds complexity to the process.

Q: How has South Korea balanced quality and access in ECCE financing?

South Korea has focused on increasing participation rates in public institutions, improving teacher salaries and qualifications, and expanding facilities. The government has also invested in curriculum development and teacher training to ensure quality in ECCE services.

Key Insights:

• Uzbekistan and South Korea have prioritized ECCE as part of their national agendas due to young populations and the potential for economic growth.
• Both countries have achieved significant growth in enrollment rates, with Uzbekistan doubling its preschools and South Korea exceeding 90% participation.
• Uzbekistan has introduced innovative financing models, including public-private partnerships and family-based kindergartens.
• South Korea has allocated a significant percentage of the budget specifically for ECCE and has focused on increasing participation in public institutions.
• Challenges in ECCE financing include data collection, balancing quality and access, and managing private providers. However, both countries have taken steps to address these challenges and improve the ECCE sector.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Uzbekistan has undergone major reforms in ECCE, with a focus on increasing enrollment rates and expanding access to preschool education.

• South Korea has steadily invested in ECCE, achieving high enrollment rates and implementing innovative financing strategies.

• Both countries have faced challenges in financing ECCE, such as data collection, identifying priorities, and balancing quality and access.