Gyeonggi-do Provides Independence Support Allowance and More to 'Out-of-School Youth'

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province is set to actively promote youth support projects utilizing the provincial 'Out-of-School Youth Support Center' (Kkumdreem) to foster the healthy growth and stable independence of out-of-school youth.

Kkumdreem is an institution that helps youth who have not entered the regular education system grow into healthy members of society. Currently, a total of 31 centers operate: one provincial center that develops and distributes region-specific programs and guides and supports city and county centers, and 30 city and county centers that provide direct support services to local youth.

The detailed support projects include ▲supporting independence allowance for out-of-school youth ▲operating customized services for out-of-school youth ▲supporting cultural activities for out-of-school youth.

The independence allowance support for out-of-school youth is a project being implemented for the first time this year, with a total budget of 3.25 billion KRW. It will provide 200,000 to 250,000 KRW for participation in independence training and 200,000 KRW for qualification acquisition to 1,500 youth using out-of-school youth support centers in 29 cities and counties within the province, excluding Gwacheon City and Yeoncheon County. To receive the independence training participation allowance, youth must attend at least 80% of the educational courses such as certification and job preparation. The allowance will be paid in cultural gift certificates or local currency.

The customized services for out-of-school youth will be provided to youth using out-of-school youth support centers in 30 cities and counties within the province, excluding Yeoncheon County, and include independence support, welfare support, mentoring, and mental health services.

Independence support includes 'Independence Preparation Classes' for future planning, 'Independence Skills Training' and 'Workplace Experience' where youth can experience professional vocational training and learn qualification courses, and 'Independence Workshops.'

Support is provided through non-face-to-face educational content via the provincial online lifelong learning service (GSEEK), and face-to-face workplace experience opportunities will also be arranged depending on social distancing conditions.

Welfare support includes transportation cost support, learning support (online course vouchers), and living support (mobile internet data recharge vouchers).

Youth who participate in the provincial out-of-school youth support center’s online and offline education six times or more per month can receive a monthly transportation allowance of 40,000 KRW.

Mentoring provides support for e-high school equivalency exam subject learning, telephone and video learning coaching, and academic counseling. All out-of-school youth visiting the youth support center for the first time are offered an online 'Emotional and Behavioral Characteristics Test' and other services.

Cultural activity support for out-of-school youth includes volunteer activities and learning classroom support projects such as arts and crafts using an online course system.

Youth seeking assistance can use the centers in their respective cities and counties. For inquiries, contact the Gyeonggi Province Out-of-School Youth Support Center or the nearest local out-of-school youth support center.

Meanwhile, out-of-school youth refer to those who have been absent from school for more than three months after enrollment or have deferred compulsory schooling, those who have been expelled, withdrawn, or dropped out, and those who have not entered high school or an equivalent educational institution. There are approximately 140,000 out-of-school youth in the province.

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