From June 23-25 and June 30-July 2, two sessions of three days each will be held at Chungmu Art Center, featuring Western Ho, Jung-gu Mayor's resident capacity-building lectures and resident public project consulting.
[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Seoyangho) will hold the 2020 Social Economy Academy at the Chungmu Art Center Convention Hall starting from the 23rd.
Last year, the district successfully attracted positive responses from residents by promoting the 'Nae-ilgachi Project,' an innovative social economy revitalization initiative to discover and nurture social economy organizations within the region, and the 'Citizen Academy,' aimed at improving awareness and building consensus on social economy.
Accordingly, this academy will take a step further by linking these two projects to create synergy in its operation.
The Social Economy Academy will be held in two sessions over three days each?from the 23rd to the 25th and from the 30th to July 2nd?to minimize the number of participants as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19.
The first lecture will be conducted by Jung-gu Mayor Seoyangho himself, focusing on empowering residents. Following this, Yuri, team leader of the Seoul Social Economy Support Center, will take over to deliver a lecture titled "Jung-gu Talks About Social Innovation."
From the next day, outstanding cases from last year’s resident public project will be shared, followed by breakout discussions on upcoming specialized project proposals. Participants will draft preliminary project plans and receive budget consultations. On the final day, the academy will conclude with comprehensive consulting and sharing on the project plans. Facilitators will be assigned to each table to guide discussions and the development of project execution plans.
Building on this Social Economy Academy, the district plans to simultaneously conduct the 'Nae-ilgachi Challenge' to discover village enterprises and social cooperatives with high potential for development into social economy organizations. By providing everyday social services such as care, cleaning, meal sharing, and community safety through social economy organizations, the district aims to collaboratively seek solutions to local issues and create village jobs with the community.
This initiative aligns with last year’s nationwide first launch of the Dong (Neighborhood) Government project. It envisions entrusting public services needed by residents?including cleaning, park management, small library operations, and community center management?to village social economy organizations led by residents, thereby delivering more closely connected services at the neighborhood level.
Mayor Seoyangho of Jung-gu stated, "We are planning to evolve the Dong Government, which we have laid the groundwork for over the past two years, into a neighborhood management office that can directly assist residents’ daily lives. We will spare no support to find models that meet village conditions and resident needs and to nurture social economy organizations suited to these models."
Applications for the academy are currently open, with 100 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis?50 per session?until the 19th. Residents interested in social economy or the implementation of Jung-gu-style Dong Government are welcome to apply.
Applications can be submitted directly through the Jung-gu district office website or easily via smartphone access. Phone registration is also available through the Jung-gu Social Economy Division.
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