Nowon District Supports Social Reintegration of Reclusive Youth... Up to 880,000 Won Allowance Provided

A Virtual Company Supporting the Social Reintegration of Reclusive Youth
Open to All Reclusive Youth Aged 19 to 39 Living in Seoul

Nowon District in Seoul (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it is recruiting new members for "Neuseunhan Company," an online virtual company designed to support the social reintegration of reclusive youth.

"Neuseunhan Company" is a program that helps isolated and reclusive youth restore their connection to society by allowing them to experience virtual company life online. Participants gradually adapt to social activities through online check-in and check-out, departmental activities, and weekly meetings.

The program consists of "Neuseunhan Company," which runs for two months starting June 2, four days a week, three hours per day, and "Neuseunhan Work Experience," an optional two-month program held from August to September. Participants can experience a variety of company activities, including healing programs, online company dinners, and occasional fieldwork. Those who participate in "Neuseunhan Work Experience" can receive up to 880,000 won in allowances.

This year, the program has been expanded. A new "Neuseunhan Making" course has been introduced, in which youth who have participated in the work experience can plan and brand their own products, leading to planning, exhibition, and sales. The "Self-Organized Groups" program, covering various topics such as employment, relationship building, cooking, and art, will also be expanded. In addition, youth will directly participate in producing videos and casebooks aimed at improving social awareness of isolated and reclusive youth.

Participants can also take part in creating the "Euneun Kit." The "Euneun Kit" is a care package sent from one reclusive youth to another, containing a variety of items. The district plans to use the distribution of these kits to identify reclusive youth in the community and provide opportunities for them to form a sense of solidarity with one another.

Any unemployed youth aged 19 to 39 residing in Seoul who has been reclusive for at least three months is eligible to apply for Neuseunhan Company. The recruitment period began on April 29 and will continue until all spots are filled.

Applications can be submitted through the Nowon Youth Work-Life Center, and further details are available on the center's website.

Meanwhile, "Neuseunhan Company" has been selected for the second consecutive year as a public contest project under Seoul City's "Support Project for Districts in Solidarity with the Vulnerable," in recognition of its effectiveness and the need for wider adoption. Nowon District's community-tailored support policy for isolated and reclusive youth, aimed at addressing gaps in the welfare system, is gaining attention as a model case.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon District, stated, "What reclusive youth need is a 'first step forward' and 'an opportunity to be together.' I hope that 'Neuseunhan Company' becomes a safe starting point for reclusive youth and a chance for them to regain hope and confidence for the future."