Mrs. Kim Also Participates in Meal Service Volunteering
On December 30, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung visited the Jongno Welfare Center for the Disabled in Jongno-gu, Seoul, toured the center's facilities, and participated in meal service volunteering, spending meaningful time with staff and users, according to Deputy Spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo of the Presidential Office.
The day's schedule was attended by Kim Eun-young, Director of the Jongno Welfare Center for the Disabled, Baek Kyung-hak, Executive Representative of the Purme Foundation, Hwang Hye-kyung, Founder of the Purme Foundation, as well as the center's secretary-general, social workers, other staff members, and users.
During a preliminary conversation, Mrs. Kim listened to updates on support for daytime activities for adults with developmental disabilities and heard about challenges faced on the ground. Mrs. Kim remarked, "With the relocation of the Presidential Office, I will soon become a resident of Jongno-gu, and since the welfare center is very close by, I came here first to meet all of you." In response, Executive Representative Baek Kyung-hak said, "We are truly grateful for your personal visit. When the Presidential Office was suddenly relocated, there was a great sense of loss, so the local residents are very happy to see you return. If you invite local residents in the future, it will be even more meaningful."
Next, when Director Kim Eun-young explained, "When people with disabilities receive vocational training here at the center and it leads to actual employment, not only the individuals themselves but also their parents feel the greatest joy," Mrs. Kim responded, "Employment for people with disabilities is meaningful because it gives them a place to go every day and opportunities to communicate with others. I will continue to pay attention and make efforts so that people with disabilities can become independent and realize their potential within the local community."
Afterward, Mrs. Kim toured the center's facilities, including the vocational skills development room where people with disabilities receive job training, and examined the overall operations. She then participated directly in meal service, providing users with Korean dishes such as multigrain rice, radish leaf soybean paste soup, boiled pork belly, and buckwheat noodles.
Finally, Mrs. Kim stated, "It is important to create an environment where people with disabilities can live a more complete daily life within the local community. I will continue to work to improve the quality of life and protect the fundamental rights of people with disabilities."
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