Low-Income Residents' Self-Reliance → Smooth Progress Toward Poverty Alleviation
Pohang City announced on the 22nd that it has established two self-sufficiency enterprises, 'Health Dream Center' and 'Joseonso Coffee'.
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] Pohang City, Gyeongbuk Province, announced on the 22nd that the two self-sufficiency work groups, ‘Health Dream Center’ and ‘Joseonso Coffee,’ which were operated under consignment by the Pohang Sharing Regional Self-Sufficiency Center, a social cooperative, have been launched as self-sufficiency enterprises.
On the same day, Jin-gyu Gu, Director of the Welfare Policy Division, visited the workplaces in person to encourage the founders of the self-sufficiency enterprises and presented them with certificates of recognition.
This establishment of self-sufficiency enterprises was decided based on the steady increase in sales over the past three years and the sufficient accumulation of operational experience by the participants. Through this, seven members who have diligently participated in the work groups were able to realize their precious dream of independence.
A ‘self-sufficiency enterprise’ is a business started by two or more basic livelihood security recipients or near-poverty individuals cooperating mutually in the form of a cooperative or business operator. It goes a step beyond the ‘self-sufficiency work groups’ that were operated with government support, signifying the importance of becoming self-reliant and building a business independently.
The Health Dream Center self-sufficiency enterprise began in July 2018 as the Health Dream Lunchbox Work Group, operating a meal (lunchbox) supply business targeting local children’s centers, day care centers for the disabled, and day care centers for the elderly. In December of last year, it completed HACCP facility certification in preparation for launching the business.
Currently, it has contracts to supply meals to 20 local children’s centers and 2 elderly day care centers, providing meals to about 400 children and elderly people. It has received favorable reviews from clients by offering high-quality meals using local agricultural and livestock products, along with hygienic cooking facilities.
To differentiate from regular cafes, it signed an MOU with the Pohang Federation of Arts and Culture to exhibit works by local artists and holds a book concert once a month, establishing itself as a complex cultural space where local residents can enjoy nature and cultural arts.
The representative of the Joseonso Coffee self-sufficiency enterprise said, “I am grateful to Pohang City and the Sharing Regional Self-Sufficiency Center officials who gave me new hope in my daily life, which was collapsing under the weight of life.” He added, “We will strive to operate the self-sufficiency enterprise well with my colleagues and give back to society as much as we have received.”
Jin-gyu Gu, Director of the Welfare Policy Division, said, “Despite the difficult times due to COVID-19, I applaud the participants who are pioneering their lives with hope.” He added, “I hope they grow into enterprises that prosper together with the community.”
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