Songpa-gu Supports Out-of-School Youth to Grow as Garden Specialists

From Career Exploration to Healing Activities and Certification...
Garden Specialist Training Program for Out-of-School Youth
Opportunities for Career Exploration and Healing Activities

Songpa-gu (District Mayor Seo Kangseok) announced that it will conduct a "Garden Specialist Training" program to support out-of-school youth in entering society and achieving independence, as part of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's "Companionship with the Vulnerable" public project.

The district plans to provide customized education for out-of-school youth, who often face employment difficulties due to limited opportunities for career education or vocational training. The program aims to actively support these young people in confidently entering society, including obtaining professional certifications.

In particular, considering the recent increase in demand for professional garden management personnel, the district has designed a garden specialist training course. The program will be operated in collaboration with the social enterprise Korea Healing Environment Institute and will target 20 out-of-school youth.

This training program is a comprehensive course that connects basic theory, hands-on practice, and the acquisition of a Level 2 Garden Specialist Certificate. Classes will include theoretical and practical instruction, such as an Introduction to Garden Studies, Plant Cultivation and Management, and Garden Design. The program not only helps participants acquire technical skills and certifications but also provides opportunities to explore career paths in the field of garden creation.

After completing the course, participants will engage in garden activities by creating a color garden and group flower beds along Seongnaecheon. Through the experience of directly cultivating gardens within the local community, out-of-school youth are expected to foster a sense of belonging and self-confidence.

The district aims to help out-of-school youth explore career paths through this training, supporting their growth into healthy members of society by engaging in garden creation and healing activities.

The training will be conducted in two sessions, with 10 participants each. The first session will run from May 9 to June 13, and the second session will be held from August 29 to September 26.

Recruitment for trainees for the second half of the year will take place in August. For more information, inquiries can be made by phone to the Songpa-gu Social Economy Support Center.

Seo Kangseok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, "I hope this certification training program will provide practical help to out-of-school youth who are struggling to enter society," and added, "We will continue to do our best to discover new education programs suitable for the socially vulnerable, and to prepare tailored support measures such as workforce development and employment linkage."

Since 2023, the district has provided "Data Labeling Job Training" for people with borderline intelligence and developmental disabilities, creating employment opportunities. In recognition of these achievements, Songpa-gu was selected for two consecutive years as an excellent autonomous district in the Seoul Metropolitan Government's "Companionship with the Vulnerable" initiative.