On December 24, POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks held a launch ceremony for the "Bridge of Hope" project at the Gwangyang City Childcare Support Center and began supporting the physical and social development of local children with special disabilities.
Approximately 800 people attended the ceremony, including Jeong Inhwa, Mayor of Gwangyang, Choi Daewon, Chairman of Gwangyang City Council, Park Jongil, Deputy Head of Administration at Gwangyang Steelworks, officials from the Gwangyang City Children's Welfare Foundation, and volunteers.
On the 24th, Gwangyang Steelworks held a launch ceremony for the "Bridge of Hope" project at the Gwangyang City Childcare Support Center and began supporting the physical and social development of local children with special disabilities. Photo by Gwangyang Steelworks
The "Bridge of Hope" project, led by Gwangyang Steelworks, provides various therapeutic programs for children with special disabilities under the age of 12 who are in need of assistance. The project began in 2018 and is now in its eighth year.
This year, the POSCO 1% Sharing Foundation, funded by 1% of POSCO employees' salaries, contributed 60 million won to the project, while Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority provided an additional 10 million won. This demonstrates a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to support the local community. The program is jointly operated by Gwangyang Steelworks, the Children's Welfare Foundation, Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority, and local welfare facilities for children with special needs.
A total of 89 children are expected to participate in the program over the course of one year. As the project targets children with special disabilities who require care and treatment, it is composed of a variety of physical and psychological therapeutic programs.
The participating children will be offered forest experience programs that include a range of activities, such as "music therapy using musical instruments and art tools," "sensory integration therapy utilizing the five senses," and "psychological and physical rehabilitation programs."
Park Jongil, Deputy Head of Administration at Gwangyang Steelworks, stated, "Through the continued implementation of this project, children with disabilities have been able to achieve not only physical health but also emotional stability through various therapeutic programs. We will continue to seek out and promote social contribution projects for children with disabilities and work together with the local community."
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