MOE's NTEE Subsidizes Over NT$300 Million for Campus Pool Renovations at 64 Schools

TAIPEI (CNA) — To provide safe and comprehensive swimming education environments for elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, the Ministry of Education's National Academy for Educational Research (NTEE) has launched the 'Campus Pool Renovation Subsidy Program.' To date, the program has supported 64 schools with pool renovation and improvement projects, with cumulative subsidies exceeding NT$303.76 million.

According to a press release issued today by the NTEE, the 'Campus Pool Renovation Subsidy Program' has been implemented since September 2025. The total subsidy amount of approximately NT$303.76 million has enabled systematic investment in resources, effectively improving swimming instruction environments across schools and enhancing overall teaching quality and student learning outcomes.

The swimming pools at National Jiadong Agricultural & Industrial Vocational High School and Taipei's Hongdao Junior High School faced multiple issues, including peeling PVC lining at the pool bottom, outdated filtration systems, insufficient water pressure in shower facilities, and pool depths not meeting requirements. In 2025, expert evaluations were commissioned to assess and recommend improvements. Both schools have since successfully completed renovations. Following the upgrades, the pools are not only used by school swimming teams and enrolled students but also support swimming instruction for approximately 15 nearby schools.

The NTEE stated that schools at the elementary, junior high, and senior high levels seeking pool improvements may apply annually between September 15 and November 15. Applications will be reviewed by experts through assessments or on-site inspections, with final approvals determined based on factors such as the extent of facility damage, safety urgency, regional resource balance, and annual budget allocations. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang)