Keelung Kindergarten Abuse Case: Tong Tzu-wei Pledges 4 Commitments for Child Protection

(Central News Agency reporter Wang Chao-yu Keelung July 7) Two caregivers at Keelung's Mingren Kindergarten are suspected of child abuse. Tong Tzu-wei, a candidate for Keelung mayor from the Democratic Progressive Party and current speaker, today made four major commitments for child protection, including establishing a cross-agency dedicated platform, to strengthen Keelung's child protection system.

Tong Tzu-wei stated in a press release that due to parental anger, media reports, and attention from all sectors of society, Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang finally formally apologized to the parents last night. This is the beginning of the case moving in the right direction. He will continue to monitor the public disclosure of meeting minutes and ensure a fair and just outcome for the case.

Tong Tzu-wei said he has proposed four major commitments for child protection. First, the city government must establish a cross-agency single dedicated platform, chaired by the mayor, to integrate child welfare, education, and other units. This platform will uniformly handle matters such as reviewing footage, arranging transfers to other kindergartens, psychological counseling, trauma support, legal aid, reporting crimes, filing lawsuits, administrative appeals, and judicial referrals.

Second, the city government should establish an anonymous whistleblower platform, with reports directly reaching the mayor's office. This will allow faculty and staff to safely report suspected mistreatment. Through a confidentiality mechanism, anti-retaliation regulations, tracking numbers, and response deadlines, risks can be identified and professionally assessed early on.

Tong Tzu-wei said that third, he will promote a "Safe Kindergarten" certification system. Keelung has many professional caregivers and well-managed institutions, and all workers should not be stigmatized because of a few malicious incidents. The certification system should include diverse software and hardware indicators to rebuild trust between parents and excellent institutions and teachers.

Tong Tzu-wei stated that fourth, he will provide more comprehensive positive support for teachers and caregivers. For teachers and caregivers who diligently operate their schools and work hard, full affirmation and support should be given. In the future, a more complete support mechanism will be established to provide resources such as psychological counseling, emotional support, stress management, and professional consultation. It will also encourage educational personnel to proactively seek assistance, with institutions arranging shifts, work adjustments, or respite support as appropriate.

Tong Tzu-wei said these four commitments are also suggestions to the current city government. If the city government is willing to start, it doesn't need to wait until next year; it can be done now. Only by establishing a system that respects professionalism, supports teachers, trusts institutions, and protects children can more outstanding talents be willing to enter early childhood education, and children can grow up healthily in a safe, warm, and caring environment. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150707

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