The National Agricultural Cooperative Federation(NACF) Friday said that it is launching this year’s free Korean language tutoring services for children of multicultural families in rural areas.

The South Korean bank, better known as Nonghyup, said the services this year will be provided for nine months between April and December. 

Nonghyup said children recommended by its regional branches will be eligible for the free language lessons.

Initially launched in 2013, the bank’s free language tutoring program is designed to help multicultural children aged between three and 12 who are living in small rural areas. Around 670 children have benefited from the program so far and 280 other children are expected to use the program this year.

A senior company official said the number of children of multicultural families in South Korea is increasing every year, pledging that the company will continue support to prepare them to be successful, productive members of society.