Gwanak-gu Supports Safe Independence for Youth Preparing for Self-Reliance

Operation of 1:1 Financial Management Coaching Program for Gwanak-gu Youth Preparing for Independence
Supporting Stable Social Entry of Youth through Financial Management Coaching
From May, up to 1 Million KRW Support for Home Appliance Purchases to Reduce Economic Burden and Support Housing Independence

Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) is supporting children aging out of care in various ways to encourage their new start and help them grow into healthy members of the local community.

Gwanak-gu has the highest number of single-person youth households nationwide, with about 170 young people preparing for independence in Seoul, accounting for 11% of the city's total.

Accordingly, in April last year, the district enacted the "Ordinance on Support for Youth Preparing for Independence in Gwanak-gu, Seoul," establishing a legal basis to support these youth in becoming healthy members of the community and promoting various projects.

Starting in May, the district launched the 'Home Appliance Support Project' for the first time to reduce the economic burden on youth preparing for independence, including those leaving care facilities, by providing funds to purchase essential home appliances for daily life to help them achieve stable housing independence.

This time, through a special project competition for independence support by Seoul's autonomous districts, Gwanak-gu secured a budget of 38 million KRW to implement a one-on-one financial management coaching program from June to support the stable social advancement of youth preparing for independence.

The coaching program is conducted in collaboration with the Korea Public Interest Coaching Association and Royal Coaching Co., Ltd., a preliminary social enterprise.

Coaching is a process that helps individuals discover their potential abilities and resources together with a coach, set their own goals, and maximize their capabilities. The program, aimed at financial management and self-management, consists of nine sessions and is conducted with confidentiality except for basic information such as progress status.

Applicants must be youth preparing for independence residing in the district. They can apply by visiting the local community service center or the Child and Youth Division’s Child Protection Team at Gwanak-gu Office, or by phone.

Mayor Park Jun-hee said, “We are preparing various support measures so that young people who have just entered society can stand safely on their own,” adding, “As Gwanak, the youth capital of Korea, we will strive even harder to help young people dream of and realize their future.”