Gwangju Buk-gu Launches 'Independent Youth Mental Healing Mentoring' Program

Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, is taking active steps to strengthen the community support system for youth preparing for independence through the ‘Youth Independence Preparation Mental Healing Mentoring’ program.

On the 15th, according to Buk-gu, professional mentors formed to wisely heal the minds of youth preparing for independence (those who have been protected in child welfare facilities and whose protection ends upon turning 18) will hold a ‘Youth Independence Preparation and Mentor-Mentee Meeting’ under the theme ‘Beautiful Companionship’ at 1:30 PM in the auditorium of the Happy Harmony Center.

This meeting marks the beginning of Buk-gu’s ‘2024 Youth Independence Preparation Professional Mentor Mind Talk Project,’ designed to support overcoming emotional isolation that youth may experience during their preparation for independence. About 30 participants, including 10 mentors and 10 mentees, will attend, with activities such as ▲mentor appointment certificate presentation ▲project briefing ▲mentor-mentee matching and communication.

The 10 professional mentors, experts with extensive experience in child psychology and emotional fields, will meet with their matched mentees through quarterly one-on-one regular meetings and occasional meetings until December. They will listen to difficulties related to academics, career paths, employment, and daily life, and work together to find solutions, aiming to alleviate anxiety about the future and boost confidence among youth preparing for independence.

Additionally, Buk-gu has established a Naver Band to support online communication between mentors and mentees. Professional mentors will actively assist mentees’ independence by frequently sharing useful information related to independence through this platform.