Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi Province is drawing attention for its comprehensive youth education and welfare policies. The city is expanding various initiatives with the goal of establishing itself as an education-focused city, aiming to make youth not just beneficiaries but active participants in policy, and covering a wide range of areas including participation, welfare, learning, and spaces.
At the policy briefing held on the 26th in the conference room of Gwangmyeong City Hall, Hwang Heemin, head of the Lifelong Learning Headquarters of Gwangmyeong City, explained the main youth policies. Provided by Gwangmyeong City
At a policy briefing held in the city hall’s conference room on the 26th, Hwang Heemin, head of the Lifelong Learning Headquarters of Gwangmyeong City, stated, "The city is creating a new policy culture where youth directly propose policies and participate in municipal administration," and added, "We will strengthen support throughout the entire life cycle of youth and leap forward as a sustainable education city."
The city's youth policy can be summed up as "Youth Knock, Gwangmyeong Gives All." The aim is to open opportunities for youth to participate in policy, while the city actively provides those opportunities to support their growth as key members of the local community.
Youth Directly Discover Policy Agendas and Institutionalize Them
In 2023, the city launched the "Youth Committee" directly under the mayor. Targeting youth aged 9 to 24, the committee is responsible for discovering youth policies each year and proposing them to the city.
Until last year, the committee had proposed a total of 39 policies. Among these, three policies?medical expense support for victims of serious crimes, prevention and healing of psychological trauma among youth, and support for youth and young adults caring for family members?led to the enactment or revision of related ordinances. The committee also plans to hold a "I Am Also the Mayor" policy proposal presentation in November to announce their planned policies.
The city is also implementing the "Student-Led School Space Innovation Project," in which youth directly participate in improving school spaces. Since 2022, a total of 1.04 billion won has been invested in this project, transforming 24 schools into innovative spaces reflecting the opinions of youth.
Eliminating Welfare Blind Spots Through Universal Support
The city is expanding universal welfare programs for all youth in the area, regardless of income, such as "Enrollment Celebration Grants," "School Uniform and Gym Uniform Purchases," and "Universal Support for Menstrual Products."
The "Enrollment Celebration Grant," which provides 100,000 to 300,000 won in local currency to new elementary, middle, and high school students, was given to 29,116 recipients from 2022 through last month. Since last year, the program has also been extended to include foreign youth.
For new middle and high school students registered in Gwangmyeong City and for new students at alternative education institutions outside the city, the city provides up to 400,000 won for the purchase of school uniforms and gym uniforms. The universal support program for menstrual products provides up to 168,000 won per year in local currency to female youth. The city has also launched an online mall dedicated to menstrual products to improve convenience.
Strengthening Support for Out-of-School Youth Without Discrimination
The city provides customized support for out-of-school youth by connecting them with local resources through the "Gwangmyeong City Youth Support Center."
For at-risk youth facing social or economic difficulties, the city selects recipients through the Youth Welfare Deliberation Committee and provides cash support for living and educational expenses.
Additionally, through the "Youth Future Growth Project," the city supports college entrance briefings, admissions consulting, interview preparation education, and career exploration programs. At "Cafe Maru," located on the first floor of Yeonseo Library, the city also operates programs to strengthen self-reliance, such as barista certification training, workplace experience, and one-day manager programs.
In November last year, the "Gwangmyeong Mind Forest Counseling Center" opened at Gwangmyeong Library. In response to the rising youth suicide rate, the center is equipped with counseling rooms and intensive treatment facilities. Specialized programs, such as the "Psychological Support Program for Youth with Borderline Intelligence," are also being operated there.
To strengthen support for at-risk youth, the city will begin establishing a new base center in October by expanding the existing Youth Counseling and Welfare Center. The Youth Support Center is also scheduled to relocate to the Saeteo Village Dagam Center next year to further enhance its functions.
Expanding Infrastructure to Make the Entire City an Educational Ecosystem
The "Digital Innovation Education Center," which opened last year in the underground public parking lot in Cheolsan-dong, embodies Gwangmyeong City's commitment to nurturing future talent.
The center features five experience zones, including VR drones and AI drawing robots, providing youth with hands-on experiences in future industries. The center also operates the "Digital After-School Program," offering practical education in AI, coding, and big data. Last year, 748 youth participated in this program, and 525 participated in the first half of this year. The center has also established the "AI Career Exploration Program" in collaboration with major universities.
The city is also increasing the number of youth-specialized spaces throughout the city. The Gwangmyeong City Youth Foundation provides specialized programs in fields such as media, arts, after-school care, sports, science, character education, and environment through its 11 affiliated centers.
Additionally, through the Talent Development Foundation, the city awarded a total of 538 million won in scholarships to 628 students from 2022 through last year.
Hwang stated, "We will continue to expand structured policies across all areas?including participation, welfare, learning, and space?to create an educational city where youth can be happy."
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