Sharp Decline Since COVID-19, Stagnation Without Recovery
Teenagers Decrease to One-Sixth Level in 5 Years
December 5th is the 'International Volunteer Day' designated by the United Nations (UN) every year, but welfare institutions are struggling with a shortage of manpower to the extent that the official commemorative day seems meaningless. This is because the number of volunteers, which sharply declined after the COVID-19 pandemic, has not recovered to previous levels.
According to the '1365 Volunteer Portal' operated by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 5th, the actual number of people who participated in volunteer work at least once this year was 2,040,073, which is half the level of 2019, and has not recovered to the original level.
In particular, teenage volunteers have decreased significantly to one-sixth of the level five years ago. Among this year's volunteers, teenagers numbered 360,729, accounting for only 17.6% of the total. In contrast, in 2019, there were 2,067,438 teenagers, nearly half of the total (4,190,548).
The decrease in volunteers is because volunteer activities are no longer noted as special achievements in school records, and only school-based volunteer activities are recognized. A high school teacher, Mr. Lee, said, "Students used to do volunteer work even if reluctantly to get into college. Even if there was a clear purpose, they must have learned something," adding, "After the admission system changed, most say they don't have enough time and question why they should volunteer when it doesn't help with college admissions."
On the 29th, elderly residents are doing walking exercises at Seoul Nursing Home in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@
Welfare institutions such as welfare centers and volunteer centers are suffering from a shortage of hands. A representative of a senior welfare center in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, said, "Before COVID-19, most volunteer recruitment targets were met, but recently there are almost no applicants," lamenting, "Apart from regular events, we have no choice but to reduce programs that require volunteers."
A representative of a disability welfare center in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, also said, "Corporate volunteers and students have decreased a lot, and it seems everyone finds it hard to spare time," adding, "In cases such as providing care services or visiting severely disabled people at home, volunteers' help is greatly needed, but as their numbers decrease, it feels overwhelming on the ground."
Professor Jeong Ik-jung of Ewha Womans University’s Department of Social Welfare advised, "Since people need to get used to volunteering from their student days, it is necessary to improve the system so that volunteering can be done compulsorily," and added, "Opportunities should be created through methods such as establishing volunteer-related courses to expose them to the important value of community relationships."
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