Operating the "Seo-gu We Create Together" Youth District Governance Participation Group
Participating in playground design and more... Recruiting 80 members until the 13th of next month
Seo-gu, Gwangju has launched full-scale operations of the '11th Seo-gu Youth Policy Participation Group,' where elementary, middle, and high school students directly propose policies. Provided by Seo-gu Office
Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, is actively reflecting the voices of the youth who will lead the future in its local policies. Seo-gu will begin full operation of the 11th Seo-gu Youth District Governance Participation Group, in which elementary, middle, and high school students participate as key actors in administration, examine local issues, and directly propose policies.
The Youth District Governance Participation Group is Seo-gu's representative youth participation body, established to provide experiential administrative services tailored to the perspectives of young people. Starting with a launch ceremony in April, Seo-gu plans to offer the group various opportunities to participate in policymaking for six months under the theme of "The World I Hope For, Seo-gu We Create Together."
The group will take part in the implementation and monitoring of policies proposed by previous cohorts.
They will contribute ideas to the design of public indoor playgrounds for children and adolescents and engage in drainage maintenance activities to prevent flooding during the rainy season in the areas of Kumho-dong, Pungam-dong, and Mareuk-dong. In addition, by directly planning and operating an environmental festival for children and adolescents, they aim to enhance the effectiveness of related policies.
In particular, in October, Seo-gu will implement open and communicative administration through an "Environmental Policy Auction" program, in which members propose policies and Seo-gu selects and adopts them. To support the group’s activities, Seo-gu will operate a university student mentoring team and provide various forms of support, including the awarding of letters of appointment, recognition of volunteer hours, activity allowances, and commendations for outstanding members.
Seo-gu will recruit 80 children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 18 who either reside in Seo-gu or attend schools within the district until March 13, 2026. Those wishing to participate should prepare the required documents from the Seo-gu Youth Training Center website and submit them in person to the Child and Youth Welfare Division of Seo-gu Office or via email. Applications can also be submitted through Naver Form.
Seo-gu Mayor Kim Ikang said, "The process in which children directly propose and participate in policymaking will go beyond a simple experience and become a real opportunity for learning and growth," adding, "We will spare no effort in supporting young people so that they can actively contribute to the local community and grow into talents who will lead the future."
Meanwhile, since the launch of the 1st Seo-gu Youth District Governance Participation Group in 2016, about 380 children have taken part over the past 10 years, and Seo-gu has steadily expanded the foundation for youth participation.
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