Call for Nominations for 'Youth Development and Protection Merit' Awards Supporting Healthy Growth

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on the 10th that it is calling for nominations for the '2023 Youth Development and Protection Merit Awards' to encourage those who have dedicated themselves to the healthy growth of youth.

Nominees include adults, organizations, or companies active in various fields of society for youth, as well as exemplary youth who serve as role models for their peers.

Anyone can recommend candidates, and nominations can be submitted by official letter or email (2jae0@korea.kr) by February 3rd. Considering the school vacation period, youth award nominations can be submitted until March 10th.

This year, the awards include a total of 73 honors: 23 government awards such as Orders of Merit, Medals of Honor, Presidential Citations, and Prime Minister Citations, and 50 Minister of Gender Equality and Family Citations.

The required minimum period of meritorious service by award grade is 15 years or more for Orders of Merit, 10 years or more for Medals of Honor, 5 years or more for Presidential and Prime Minister Citations, and 2 years or more for Minister Citations.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family plans to finalize the recipients through public verification and merit review, and announce them on its website in May. The awards will be presented at the Youth Month commemorative ceremony scheduled for the same month.

Last year, Professor Song Byung-guk of Soonchunhyang University received the Order of Civil Merit in recognition of his contributions to the training and qualification system establishment for youth leaders and counselors, and the establishment of the 6th Basic Youth Plan.

Lee Ji-hee, a youth affiliated with the Siheung City Youth Counseling and Welfare Center, received the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Citation for her efforts to promote mental health among peer youth through peer counseling at school and producing videos to prevent school violence.