Customized Lifelong Learning Program for Young Adults with Borderline Intellectual Functioning and Their Families
From Social Adaptation Education to Vocational Training... Establishing an Integrated Support Platform for Young Adults with Borderline Intellectual Functioning
Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is operating the ‘U Center Program for Slow Youth (FOR YOU WITH YOU)’ to help young adults with borderline intellectual functioning become independent and expand their social participation.
Individuals with borderline intellectual functioning have IQ scores that lie between those classified as intellectually disabled and those who are not. They require support and protection for social adaptation. However, under the current system, they are not classified as intellectually disabled and thus fall into a welfare blind spot.
The ‘U Center Program for Slow Youth’ has been established to enhance the independence capabilities of young adults with borderline intellectual functioning and to help them form peer relationships so they can grow into healthy members of society.
The main programs include ▲Family Integration Program (art integration classes) for young adults with borderline intellectual functioning and their families ▲Office Automation (OA) ▲Slow and Happy Cook (cooking) ▲Expression and Appeal (self-introduction) ▲Self-Determination Education (I am a shining decision-maker), and ▲Healing Percussion Program (Knock and it will open), among others.
In addition to lifelong education programs, various vocational training programs such as ▲Pet Dog Care Course ▲Content Creation Using Generative AI ▲Brunch and Dessert ▲Furniture and Woodcraft Production ▲Smart Farm are offered to help young adults build inner qualities and gain job experience, enabling them to grow into healthy and independent members of society.
The program targets young adults aged 18 to 39 with borderline intellectual functioning, prioritizing residents and community members (students, workers, etc.) of Nowon-gu. Applicants from other regions may apply only after Nowon-gu residents have participated and if there are remaining spots. Some programs may require a nominal fee.
Those interested in participating can inquire at the Nowon Borderline Intellectual Functioning Lifelong Education Support Center.
Last July, the district established the ‘Borderline Intellectual Functioning Lifelong Education Support Center,’ the first of its kind among Seoul’s autonomous districts, providing systematic support and customized education for individuals with borderline intellectual functioning. Especially this year, with sponsorship from the Nowon Education Welfare Foundation, the district plans to hold the ‘1st Nowon Borderline Intellectual Functioning Youth Job Fair’ to provide systematic employment support and expand practical job connections.
Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “I hope this program will serve as an opportunity for young adults with borderline intellectual functioning to avoid social exclusion and establish themselves as healthy members of society. We will continue to do our best to establish a sustainable support system in connection with the local community.”
Guro-gu Provides Cockroach Control Products to Vulnerable Groups
4,800 Indoor Cockroach Control Products Supplied to Single Elderly, Low-Income, and Disabled Households
Guro-gu is promoting a cockroach control product support project to prevent infectious diseases and create a healthy living environment for vulnerable groups during the winter season.
Cockroaches are classified as sanitary pests that contaminate food, cause allergies, and potentially spread diseases, requiring prompt extermination and thorough hygiene management.
Especially due to cockroaches’ tendency to live in groups in warm places, the likelihood of them entering indoors increases as the outdoor temperature drops in winter, raising concerns about the spread of food poisoning and infectious diseases among vulnerable households.
Accordingly, the district will provide 4,800 indoor cockroach control products to vulnerable groups such as single elderly, low-income, and disabled households to minimize blind spots in pest control.
The products will be distributed through community service centers starting February 5 and are expected to be utilized in focused management projects for vulnerable groups by district. For more details, contact the Disease Control Division at Guro-gu Public Health Center.
A Guro-gu official said, “We hope the provision of cockroach control products will help stabilize the lives of neighbors in need. In the new year, we will continue to implement efficient pest control projects to protect residents’ health and strengthen infectious disease prevention systems.”
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