Gwangsan District Council of Gwangju Takes Steps to Support Academic and Career Development of Youth with Migrant Backgrounds

The Gwangsan District Council of Gwangju has taken steps to establish a system to support the academic and career development of youth with migrant backgrounds who face difficulties due to language and cultural barriers.

An ordinance bill on supporting youth with migrant backgrounds in Gwangsan District, sponsored by Councilor Kang Hansol (Democratic Party of Korea, Proportional Representation), passed the review of the Economic and Welfare Committee during the 299th temporary session of the Gwangsan District Council on September 5.

Kang Hansol, Gwangsan District Councilor of Gwangju.

Youth with migrant backgrounds refers to young people who have immigrated to Korea, including children from multicultural or foreign families and adolescents who entered the country midway through their education. Many of these youths require support in areas such as learning and career development as they grow up. The number of youth with migrant backgrounds in Gwangju is increasing each year, reaching approximately 5,200, which is 3.2% of all students. Of these, about 2,500 reside in Gwangsan District.

Last October, Councilor Kang held a policy forum and discussion with the Gwangju Madang 2030 Forum, and in July this year, organized a policy meeting with the HK3.0 Pluriresilience Project Group of Chonnam National University’s Institute of Humanities. Through these efforts, he has worked to bring support policies for youth with migrant backgrounds into the public discourse and to establish relevant systems.

The ordinance bill stipulates that the district mayor will carry out programs to support the self-reliance, career development, and employment of youth with migrant backgrounds, and may provide allowances for educational and transportation expenses. It also establishes the legal basis for creating and operating a “Support Center for Youth with Migrant Backgrounds” to ensure systematic assistance.

Councilor Kang stated, “I hope an environment will be created where youth with migrant backgrounds can grow into confident members of the local community,” and added, “I will continue to develop practical support measures to ensure that no one is left behind.”