Changwon Special City Mayor Hong Nampyo Receives 'Local Autonomy Welfare Award'

Customized Points System First Implemented in Gyeongnam
Introduction of Rest Leave and Hourly Leave System

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, received the '2024 Local Autonomy Welfare Award' at the 18th Social Workers' Day event held on the 27th, hosted by the Korea Association of Social Workers and sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, received the Local Autonomy Welfare Award.

The Local Autonomy Welfare Award is given to heads of local governments who have made efforts to improve the treatment and status of social workers and have implemented innovative social welfare policies and systems to promote social welfare. It is awarded to only three out of 299 heads of basic local governments nationwide.

Mayor Hong was recognized for his achievements including ▲ the first introduction in Gyeongnam of customized welfare points for self-development of social welfare facility workers ▲ support for workers' safety by covering the self-pay portion of accident insurance premiums ▲ introduction of sabbatical leave, flexible working hours, and childcare leave systems to improve work environments and balance work and family life ▲ support for capacity building through continuing education fees, domestic and overseas training programs such as the Vitamin Camp, and learning clubs, leading to this year’s award.

In addition, in collaboration with the Changwon City Social Workers Association, Changwon City Social Welfare Council, and Changwon Welfare Foundation, the city plans to identify citizens' welfare needs, respond adaptively to demands, provide appropriate support to those facing hidden difficulties, and continuously improve the treatment of social welfare workers to enhance the quality of welfare services.

Mayor Hong expressed his gratitude, saying, “This award is even more meaningful because it was given by social welfare workers themselves. Despite difficult and challenging conditions, I will strive to improve the treatment of social workers who serve as a safety net for vulnerable groups on the front lines of welfare and lead our Changwon community toward a brighter society.”