This Year, 13 Million KRW Support Serves as a Stepping Stone for Low-Income Children and Youth Toward Society
Since 2019, Over 150 Million KRW Hope Stepping Stone Fund Raised Through Community Sponsorship
Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Soo-hee) has been creating and supporting the 'Hope Stepping Stone Fund' to serve as a reliable stepping stone for low-income youth taking their first steps into society.
On the 24th of last month, the district provided 13 million KRW from the fund to help low-income children and adolescents in the area become self-reliant.
The 'Hope Stepping Stone Fund' is a fund established and operated since 2019 to support the independence of low-income residents in Gangdong-gu. Through voluntary participation from individuals, organizations, and companies, approximately 150 million KRW has been raised to date.
Last year, six beneficiaries were selected as the first recipients of this fund and supported. This year as well, six children and adolescents preparing for independence to pursue their future dreams were identified and decided to be supported.
Among them, five are protection-terminated children who were cared for in child care facilities and have started living independently after turning 18, each receiving 2 million KRW in support. Notably, one youth among this year's beneficiaries, despite having an intellectual disability, was admitted to a university hotel culinary program through persistent effort and is preparing for independence. This case is expected to become a successful stepping stone for self-reliance through this fund.
The provided funds will be used for key money deposits for rental housing needed for independent living, as well as for purchasing home appliances and daily necessities.
A youth with outstanding baseball talent but unable to continue pursuing their dream due to family circumstances will also receive 3 million KRW for baseball training expenses, giving them an opportunity to realize their dream.
Currently, Gangdong-gu’s 'Hope Stepping Stone Fund' is the only fund in Seoul that supports youth preparing for independence. Seoul Asan Medical Center, Heerim Architects & Planners, Samju T&B, and others have expressed their willingness to help these youth and continue to donate.
Lee Sun-young, Director of Welfare Policy Division, stated, “This Hope Stepping Stone Fund was provided to low-income children and adolescents who do not give up and challenge themselves for their dreams,” adding, “We will actively identify those in need of support to be a strong stepping stone for their first steps into society.”
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