Utilizing Elderly Workforce in Various Areas Needing School Support

Deployment of 'Student Customized Integrated Support Activists'
in 66 Elementary Schools through Agreement between Seoul Southern Office of Education and Geumcheon/Yeongdeungpo 50 Plus Centers
Gangseo Yangcheon Office of Education Supports Neulbom School Activities in 27 Schools

Efforts to utilize senior workforce, including middle-aged and older adults, in schools requiring personnel support such as Neulbom School are expanding.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education on the 19th, the Seoul Southern Office of Education signed a business agreement with Geumcheon and Yeongdeungpo 50 Plus Centers and will deploy 'Student Customized Integrated Support Activists' to all 66 elementary schools in Guro, Geumcheon, and Yeongdeungpo districts this year.

The core of student customized integrated support is providing personalized close support to students in need within the school. Middle-aged volunteers from the local community receive prior training on child abuse prevention education and other topics before engaging in activities.

The Southern Office of Education announced that it has expanded the number of personnel deployed from the Geumcheon 50 Plus Center and signed a new agreement with the Yeongdeungpo 50 Plus Center, enabling the placement of one student customized integrated support activist in each local public elementary school. This approach achieves two goals: providing close support to students struggling with class participation and offering job opportunities to retired middle-aged individuals. The Southern Office of Education supports approximately 300 million KRW in activity expenses through the Seoul City Value Companion Job Project.

Participant satisfaction with the project is also high. A survey conducted last year targeting schools where student customized integrated support activists were deployed showed a 94% satisfaction rate.

Gangseo Yangcheon Office of Education launched the 'Neulbom School Support Group' on the 17th in collaboration with Gangseo 50 Plus Center to ensure stable operation of Neulbom School and create job opportunities for the elderly. Photo by Gangseo Yangcheon Office of Education

The Gangseo Yangcheon Office of Education also launched the 'Neulbom School Support Group' with the Gangseo 50 Plus Center on the 17th.

They deployed 50 personnel to 27 Neulbom Schools in the district to assist with overall activities related to Neulbom School, including guiding students participating in Neulbom School, supervising their departure, preparing Neulbom programs, and supporting special needs students.

The group is composed of former school and child care workers, and prior to deployment, background checks for sex crimes and child abuse-related offenses were conducted, along with safety, basic knowledge, and job-related training, according to the Office of Education. The Gangseo 50 Plus Center is responsible for paying activity wages and other related matters.

The Gangseo Yangcheon Office of Education stated, "We expect positive effects in providing high-quality Neulbom services by utilizing the seniors' experience and activity capabilities, as well as in job creation and inter-agency collaboration."