Seoul Human Resources Development Institute, Grade 5 Trainees Join Efforts to Help Turkey Earthquake Victims

Donation of 5.15 Million Won Collected and Delivered to Relief Organization

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Seoul Human Resources Development Institute announced on the 17th that 307 newly promoted officials from Seoul City and its autonomous districts have raised 5.15 million won in donations to aid the victims of the massive earthquake that recently struck the border region between Turkey and Syria, and will deliver the funds to the relief organization Good Neighbors.

The trainees participating in this donation drive are civil servants from Seoul City and its autonomous districts who were promoted to grade 5 at the end of last year. Those promoted must complete the Grade 5 Promotion Leadership Course at the Seoul Human Resources Development Institute to be appointed as officials. This program is designed to develop leadership competencies for officials by focusing on core values, leadership, humanities, common job skills, and global perspectives, aiming to redefine public service ethics and drive organizational change and performance as new officials.

On the 10th, one of the trainees, Official Hyungjong Song (Seoul City Hall, Parks and Leisure Policy Division), posted in the trainees’ group chat, “I’m posting this after watching the news,” suggesting, “How about raising relief funds in the name of Seoul City officials promoted to help the struggling people of Turkey?” Dozens of supportive comments quickly followed, gathering consensus for the donation. Led by Official Dongsu Lim, the representative of the trainees’ autonomous association, the association’s executives actively engaged in selecting the relief organization and fundraising activities. Officials from the Human Resources Development Institute, including Director of Talent Development Mikyung Geum, also contributed their small donations.

Official Dongsu Lim (Seoul City Hall, Urban Planning Division) recalled his experience managing safety during the Pohang earthquake, saying, “At the site, the greatest pain was not only the loss of lives and property but also the difficulty in returning home due to aftershock fears, making it hard to restore daily life.” His words resonated with the trainees, encouraging their empathy and participation.

Meanwhile, the trainees also individually participate by donating relief supplies such as winter clothing (coats, jackets, raincoats, ponchos, boots, jumpers, pants, gloves, scarves, hats, socks, underwear, thermal wear, etc.) and other items (blankets, sleeping bags, thermoses, flashlights, food such as canned goods and ramen).

Additionally, the Grade 5 Promotion Leadership Course, which began on the 16th of last month, will hold a completion ceremony at 11 a.m. today at the Sejong Hall in the Learning Center of the Seoul Human Resources Development Institute, with 307 trainees and Director Jongsoo Park in attendance, marking the end of the five-week program.

Director Jongsoo Park of the Seoul Human Resources Development Institute expressed, “I especially thank the officials who demonstrated the positive influence of neighborly love through the trainees’ autonomous association during the course,” adding, “We will continue to develop the Grade 5 Promotion Leadership Course into a prestigious brand of the Human Resources Development Institute to strengthen problem-solving skills and leadership capabilities that can respond to future environmental changes such as digital transformation.”