The Norwegian government is setting aside NOK 157.7 million in the proposal for next year’s state budget to ensure children from low-income families get cheaper or free before and after-school programs.
The money will, among other things, go to expand the scheme with income-graded parental payments, Minister of Education Guri Melby (V) told newspaper Dagbladet.
The scheme, which states that payment of after-school care can amount to a maximum of 6% of the parents’ income, will be extended to also include third and fourth grade, not just the first two school years as it is today.
Additionally, money has been set aside for free SFO for low-income families in selected municipalities.
“SFO and AKS have become an important arena for integration. For many children, this is where you meet your friends after school and participate in leisure activities.
Not being able to go to SFO because your parents cannot afford to pay can be a big loss for the individual child,” Melby told the newspaper.
The Government will present the proposed state budget to the Norwegian parliament (Storting) on October 7.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
Be the first to comment on "Norway allocates 158 million kroner for after-school programs for low-income families"