[Seoul Metropolitan Council and Seoul Autonomous District News] Choi Ho-jung, Floor Leader, to Form Special Committee on the 7th to Identify Vulnerable Groups in Blind Spots and Respond Immediately to Emerging Issues & Seoul City Accompanies Vulnerable Groups Task Force Work Report, Oversees and Coordinates Support Projects for Vulnerable Populations Across Seoul and Strives for Restructuring from the Perspective of the Vulnerable ... Seocho District Council Delivers 120 Bags of New Rice (10kg) to 6 Social Welfare Facilities for Chuseok ... Gwangjin District Council Holds Traditional Market Shopping Event for Chuseok
[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The Seoul Metropolitan Council's People Power Party (Representative Choi Ho-jung ·photo) announced on the afternoon of the 7th that it had formed the 'Committee for Accompanying the Vulnerable' at the Seoul Metropolitan Council main building.
The chairperson of the Committee for Accompanying the Vulnerable is first-term member Lee Jong-bae, with members Kim Kyung-hoon, Kim Gyu-nam, Kim Hye-young, Jung Ji-woong, Yoon Young-hee, and Lee Hyo-won participating as vice-chairpersons.
Lee, who was appointed as chairperson, previously served as the representative of the 'People's Association for a Fair Society' and began his legislative activities as a proportional representative in the 11th Seoul Metropolitan Council.
Representative Choi Ho-jung explained the purpose of forming the committee, saying, "The Committee for Accompanying the Vulnerable will identify those in blind spots and respond immediately when issues arise. Due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the economic downturn threatens the basic survival of vulnerable groups, and social and economic inequalities such as social polarization and wealth disparity are intensifying amid low growth. Therefore, it was necessary to form a special committee at the People Power Party level."
The special committee held its first meeting on the 7th and received a business report from the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Accompanying the Vulnerable Promotion Team. Both sides agreed on the need to establish a comprehensive and diverse definition and scope of the vulnerable and to oversee, coordinate, and restructure support projects for vulnerable groups throughout Seoul from the perspective of the vulnerable.
Additionally, various opinions were raised, including developing a platform connecting donors and beneficiaries, operating 'university student supporters' to jointly support marginalized vulnerable groups, installing additional free meal centers and improving meal quality, and preparing support measures for children aging out of protection.
The People Power Party's Committee for Accompanying the Vulnerable in the Seoul Metropolitan Council plans to continue broad activities through connections not only with Seoul but also with the People Power Party's central party and Seoul city party.
The Seocho District Council (Chairman Oh Se-cheol) visited six social welfare facilities over two days, September 6th and 7th, to deliver relief supplies and share warmth in celebration of the Chuseok holiday.
Seocho District Council members divided into six groups visited six locations: Banpo Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Daniel Welfare Center, Umyeon Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Sinmangae House, Republic of Korea Veterans of Agent Orange Association, and Saebit Paul’s House, delivering 120 bags of newly harvested rice (10 kg each). The rice delivered will be provided to about 100 low-income households, elderly without family support, disabled persons, and other marginalized groups within the district.
In particular, the council members visited the institutions directly to listen to on-site difficulties and explore support measures. The relief supplies were purchased through local retail stores to help revitalize the local economy, which has been depressed due to COVID-19, adding further significance to the gesture.
Chairman Oh Se-cheol said, "Although it is a small token, it was prepared with the hope that everyone can have a happy holiday without any marginalized neighbors," and added, "We will continue to be a council that strives for socially vulnerable and marginalized groups."
The Gwangjin District Council (Chairman Chu Yoon-gu) promoted a shopping event on September 6th and 7th to revitalize the use of traditional markets ahead of Chuseok.
Started in 2017, the shopping event is held to participate in local economic revitalization and listen to merchants' difficulties. Council members visit traditional markets by electoral district, conducting market use campaigns and shopping.
On the first day, September 6th, members from electoral districts Ga and Da visited Junggok Jeil Market and Jayang Alley Market, respectively. On the second day, September 7th, members from electoral districts Na and Ra visited markets around Hwayang-dong and the alleys from Neungdong-ro to Norunsan to Yeongdonggyo. The members directly examined agricultural and daily necessities at the markets and purchased goods using Onnuri gift certificates to provide practical support to small merchants. They also listened to merchants' difficulties on-site and offered encouragement.
The purchased items were directly delivered to welfare facilities in the region, ensuring that marginalized neighbors could have a warm holiday, fulfilling social responsibility and roles.
After completing the traditional market shopping, the Gwangjin District Council members said, "We are honored to participate in this meaningful event ahead of the Chuseok holiday. We will continue to strive to create an atmosphere where traditional markets can be revitalized and to carefully watch over and lead a culture of sharing so that vulnerable neighbors are not left out," conveying their holiday greetings.
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