Nursing Student Supporters Launch
Enhancing Treatment Environments and Expanding Social Contribution Activities
Pusan National University (President Choi Jaewon) and the non-profit foundation Ronald McDonald House Charities Korea (RMHC Korea), which supports critically ill children and their families, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for mutual development and cooperation on August 1 at RMHC Yangsan House in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do.
Through this agreement, the two organizations will establish an organic cooperative system in various fields, including talent development, social contribution activities, enhancement of educational and research capabilities, and contributions to the local community.
Specifically, they will promote: △ student social service activities (operation of volunteer and supporter programs) △ joint planning and implementation of social contribution programs △ and other collaborative activities.
Established in 2007, RMHC Korea has been working to create a family-centered treatment environment by providing accommodations near hospitals (Ronald McDonald House) so that children with serious illnesses and their families can focus on treatment, supporting hospital schools, and operating emotional support programs. Opened in 2019 on the grounds of Yangsan Pusan National University Hospital, the nation's first RMHC Yangsan House provides free accommodations and convenience facilities for families of long-term pediatric patients, and also offers family support services such as psychological counseling and handcraft programs.
Through this agreement, Pusan National University plans to jointly design family support programs with RMHC Korea based on its expertise in training healthcare professionals and research capabilities, and to strengthen its local community network.
In particular, nursing students will participate in volunteer and supporter programs to directly support families of pediatric patients, while gaining hands-on experience and learning the value of social contribution.
On the day of the signing ceremony, 20 nursing students from Pusan National University were appointed as RMHC supporters and held an inaugural ceremony. Going forward, they will help spread a culture of sharing through various activities at Yangsan House, including supporting families of pediatric patients, producing promotional content for RMHC House, and participating in social contribution campaigns.
Park Sanghoo, Vice President for External Affairs and Strategy at Pusan National University, said, "It is very meaningful that students can learn the value of sharing and volunteering through direct participation as supporters, and provide practical help to families of pediatric patients. Through cooperation with RMHC Korea, we will contribute to improving the quality of education and giving back to the local community."
Ahn Suin, CEO of RMHC Korea, said, "Our partnership with Pusan National University will bring together expertise and the spirit of sharing to give great hope to families of pediatric patients. We will continue to pursue various partnerships to create spaces where children and their families can smile."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
