Hanwha Opens 'Hope Nest No.1' for Youth Preparing for Independence

Space Created at Salvation Army Seoul Welfare Center in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Living and Independence Experience Space for Youth Leaving Care
Collaboration with Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation
"Youth Independence is an Issue Society Must Consider Together"

Hanwha's dedicated space for supporting the social settlement of youth preparing for independence, 'Hope Nest No.1 with Hanwha,' opened on the 11th at the Salvation Army Seoul Welfare Center in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.

At the opening ceremony, attendees included Shin Jeong-won, Head of Social Contribution Cooperation at Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation, Park Jun-kyung, Director of the Salvation Army Seoul Welfare Center, Jeon Chang-soo, Head of HR Support at Hanwha, and Hanwha employee volunteers.

This project was promoted as part of the 'Youth Independence Support Project' business agreement signed in December last year between Hanwha and the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation. Youth preparing for independence refers to young people who leave protective facilities after turning 18 and prepare to stand on their own. Hanwha remodeled unused spaces within childcare facilities and installed new furniture and home appliances to create a practical and comfortable environment for them.

The space, approximately 101.19㎡ (about 30 pyeong) within the Seoul Welfare Center, will be used as a place where youth preparing for independence can participate in life education and independence experience programs to prepare for social advancement. With extended protection allowing them to stay until a maximum age of 24, it provides an opportunity to develop independence capabilities based on a stable residential environment and emotional support.

Jeon Chang-soo, Head of HR Support at Hanwha, said, "We hope Hope Nest becomes a reliable space that supports the healthy growth of children and adolescents," adding, "We will continue to support youth so they can settle stably in society."

Shin Jeong-won, Head of Green Umbrella, stated, "Youth independence is an issue that society as a whole must consider together," and added, "We hope this collaboration becomes a model case of public-private cooperation."

Meanwhile, Hanwha practices ESG management based on the group’s social contribution philosophy of 'Together, Far.' Through various programs such as the representative social contribution activities 'Seoul International Fireworks Festival,' 'Forena Library Creation Project,' and 'Construction Workforce Training and Employment Support,' Hanwha is leading efforts to contribute to local communities.