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PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture

For children, the home lays the foundation of character formation. Parents have a tremendous role to play in the education of their children. It has been pointed out, however, that marked recent social trends, including the increase of nuclear families and families having only one or two children have resulted in a weakening of the educational function of the home. Accordingly, the Ministry is promoting various programs and services for parents, including; the expansion of parents' learning opportunities by organizing family education classes; the preparation and dissemination of family education materials for different developmental levels of children; the presentation of information for family education through television programs and other means; and counseling services for parents who have worries and anxieties related to the education and care of their children.

In addition, the Ministry has been promoting community programs to increase personal contacts and exchange of experiences among parents in order to develop the educational functions of the home and the community.

With a view to enriching family education and activating the educational functions of the community, the Ministry should take comprehensive measures in close cooperation with related institutions and organizations.