Applications Open for 'Didim Center' Supporting Youth Facing ADHD, Depression, and Anxiety Challenges

4-Week Course Registration Open Until the 11th of This Month
10-Week Participation Counts Toward Class Days
'Family Mentor' Provides Family Counseling as Well

A scene from the Didim course completion ceremony (Provided by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] The National Central Youth Didim Center, which supports adolescents aged 9 to 18 who are experiencing difficulties such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, and school maladjustment, is recruiting participants for its healing programs in the first half of the year.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on the 2nd that it is recruiting youth participants for 4-week and 10-week healing programs in the first half of next year.

The 4-week program during the winter vacation, called the 'Orem Program (January 11 to February 5),' accepts applications until the 11th of this month. The 10-week 'Didim Program (March 8 to May 14)' accepts applications until January 29 next year, and the 'Didim Program 2nd session (June 14 to August 20)' accepts applications until March 19 next year.

The Didim Center is designated as an alternative education entrusted institution by 17 metropolitan and provincial offices of education nationwide, allowing participants in the Didim Program sessions 1 and 2 to have their attendance days recognized during the program period.

Youth wishing to participate can apply through local youth-related organizations, including nationwide Youth Counseling and Welfare Centers and Out-of-School Youth Support Centers.

Recently, the 'Family Mentor' program has been conducting family counseling as well, regularly visiting families with vulnerable care environments to provide advice on communication and parenting methods within the family. For youth under facility protection, weekend care services are also provided.

Since its opening in 2012, about 7,000 youth have received healing support at the Didim Center. According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, follow-up surveys showed a decrease in problematic behaviors and an improvement in emotional stability, indicating the program's sustained effectiveness. Specifically, risk indices such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder decreased by an average of 23.4% compared to before admission, while positive indices such as self-satisfaction and self-esteem increased by an average of 13.1%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.