Nowon-gu Launches Specialized Mentor Program for Youth Preparing for Independence

Nowon-gu 'Youth... Meeting Adults You Can Rely On!' Professional Mentor Program for Youth Preparing for Independence Launched

Mentor and mentee matched carefully by gender, interests, and desired career path through the Child Welfare Deliberation Committee

Last month, 17 teams of professional mentors and youth preparing for independence (mentees) had their first meeting and created individual activity plans

Over six months, at least four activities including one-day classes, sports viewing, and cultural experiences to build bonds

Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will officially launch the professional mentor program "Adults You Can Always Rely On" to strengthen the social and emotional support base for youth preparing for independence.

Last year, Nowon-gu became the first autonomous district in Seoul to enact the "Ordinance on Support for the Independence of Protected Children and Youth Preparing for Independence in Nowon-gu, Seoul." Starting this year, as part of this ordinance, the professional mentor program is being implemented to build a social safety net and network to assist youth in achieving independence.

As of the 12th of last month, there are a total of 54 youth preparing for independence and 182 children under protection in the district. The district informed all youth preparing for independence and protected children about the program and conducted interviews to recruit mentees. Additionally, a professional mentor group was formed, consisting of active professionals from various fields such as local activists, teachers, office workers, social workers, entrepreneurs, police officers, and public officials.

The district paid special attention to matching mentors and mentees one-on-one according to the needs of the youth preparing for independence. Instead of arbitrarily forming teams, detailed surveys were conducted on the youth’s activity desires, career plans, and preferences regarding the mentor’s gender and age. The matches were then decided through meetings of the Case Decision Committee under the Child Welfare Deliberation Committee.

For example, Mr. A, who has a strong interest in career development, was paired with an expert mentor working in the youth employment support field. Mr. B, who is interested in sports, was matched with a young mentor of the same gender who shares the same hobby, demonstrating careful and delicate matching.

The 17 matched teams had their first meeting on the 25th of last month and will begin full activities this month. Based on the jointly created activity plans, they will meet at least four times over the next six months and communicate at least twice a month.

The activity themes vary widely, including one-day classes, sports activities, cultural experiences such as movies, performances, and art galleries, food tours, and camping. Since the program’s purpose is to form social networks for youth preparing for independence, the activities are not limited to grand events; the significance lies in simply being together and continuing communication.

Over the next six months, the district will support all or part of the activity expenses based on activity reports submitted by mentors and mentees and will continuously monitor the program. The district plans to identify the needs expressed by youth preparing for independence during the activities and connect them with public and private support.

Furthermore, the district will continue recruiting professional mentors from various fields and plans to expand the mentee pool beyond youth preparing for independence to include currently protected children, deepening the program so that they can build a support base through early social interaction.

In addition, the district is running the "Knock Anytime, Nowon" program to support the emotional development of youth preparing for independence. By providing necessary expenses to those who submit an implementation plan, the program helps them gain vitality and diverse experiences through travel, cultural experiences, and more.

Recently, there was a reported case where Mr. C, a youth preparing for independence who had lived as a recluse for over a year, challenged himself with a solo trip to Gangwon-do, overcoming depression and regaining self-esteem, demonstrating the program’s positive impact.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “We started this program to help youth preparing for independence adapt to society by providing active encouragement and support from mentors. We will continue to implement various projects to strengthen the local social protection system and become a reliable companion for youth preparing for independence in the community.”