Customized Education Programs for "Gray Youth" Experiencing Social Isolation
Supporting Social Adaptation and Job Search Activities
Yeongdeungpo District (District Mayor Choi Hokwon) announced that it has been finally selected for the "2025 Seoul City Support Project for the Socially Disadvantaged in Autonomous Districts" and will actively launch a community-based support initiative for young people struggling to adapt to society.
The "Seoul City Support Project for the Socially Disadvantaged in Autonomous Districts" is a public contest program in which Seoul City and local districts collaborate to identify vulnerable groups within the community and develop effective support measures.
Recently, there has been an increase in young people categorized as "resting," who are neither employed nor seeking jobs without any specific reason. The district defines young people who, while not completely isolated from society, face difficulties in building relationships and participating in social activities as "gray youth." The district is preparing programs for these individuals to prevent isolation and encourage social participation.
This program focuses on helping gray youth restore social relationships and continue their job search activities. It offers customized education linked with various social resources, including "Skill Enhancement" training to build practical abilities, "Communication Competency" training covering etiquette and conversation skills, and self-care programs such as meditation and yoga.
Additionally, the district plans to strengthen communication skills and support the formation of social networks by revitalizing both online and offline communities.
Meanwhile, among Yeongdeungpo District's total population of approximately 370,000, about 130,000 are young people aged 19 to 39, making the youth ratio the second highest among Seoul's autonomous districts. As a result, the need for practical support for young people is increasing, and the district continues to offer a variety of effective support programs, including the Youth Financial Academy, Youth Growth Project, and Youth Challenge Support Project.
Choi Hokwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, stated, "We will continue to listen to the voices of young people and do our utmost to address their real-life difficulties together."
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