TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei mayoral candidate Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) on Monday proposed a six-point education reform plan focused on childcare expansion, school access, and lifelong learning.
CNA reported the TPP politician said education should be a priority because it promotes social mobility. He added that falling birth rates and limited childcare services have increased pressure on families in New Taipei.
Huang said the number of newborns in the city has fallen from about 26,000 in 2020 to around 16,000 in 2024. Despite the decline, demand for childcare for children from 0-2 remains high and public daycare services cannot keep up, UDN reported.
Huang cited New York’s “2-Care” program, which offers free childcare for 2-year-olds. He said the policy shows that large cities can expand childcare support, adding that “if New York can do it, New Taipei can also achieve the same goal,” Up Media reported.
Huang said the city government should introduce a law guaranteeing free education and care for children aged 2 to 6. He also proposed fully subsidizing parents whose children attend quasi-public kindergartens, who currently pay monthly fees of NT$1,000 (US$31) to NT$3,000.
Huang also addressed the uneven distribution of education resources across the city. He said only 71% of students attend schools in their home districts, below the 85% goal previously set by New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜).
Districts such as Xizhi, Shenkeng, and Wanli, have local school enrollment rates below 50%. Many students therefore commute long distances to attend school, which Huang said “wastes time and energy for families.”
To improve the situation, Huang proposed building new municipal high schools and vocational schools in each administrative district. He also suggested creating specialized high schools that combine artificial intelligence education and bilingual learning in areas close to Taipei.
Huang said education policy should also promote lifelong learning opportunities. He proposed integrating community colleges with senior learning centers and creating programs where grandparents and grandchildren can study together, Yahoo News reported.
He added that sports centers could set up strength-training zones for senior residents. He also suggested allowing companies to sponsor or help build school facilities through naming rights programs.
