Ministry apologizes for ‘offensive’ childcare adINAPPROPRIATE: The education ministry promised to self-reflect after a video promoting its childcare policy was accused of mocking figure collectors and anime fansBy Lee I-chia / Staff reporterThe Ministry of Education yesterday apologized for a video it released last month promoting the government’s childcare policy amid criticism from anime and manga fans that it disrespected people’s hobbies and preferences. Called the “National Childcare Policy for Ages 0-6,” it includes increasing affordable education and care services, reducing tuition costs, boosting childrearing allowances, and raising salaries for childcare and education personnel to ease the burden of raising a child. The entrance to the Ministry of Education is pictured in Taipei in an undated photograph. Apologizing for the incident, the ministry said that it welcomed public scrutiny and supervision. He added that the ministry would reflect on its actions and continue to emphasize public communication when it makes videos to convey its ideals and values.
