Seoul Gangseo-gu 'Child Participation Budget Proposal Project' Contest

Children and Adolescents Aged 9 to Under 18 Living or Studying in Gangseo-gu Eligible to Apply... Reviewed by Relevant Departments, Public Debate, and Child Participation Committee Before Inclusion in 2022 Budget

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Kim Min-young (alias, age 14), a student living in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, decided to participate in the public contest upon hearing last year that the district would organize a child participation budget for the first time. Thinking it would be good for out-of-school youth to join with their peers, she proposed the project "Out-of-School Youth: Strong Body! Strong Mind! Activities." This proposal was adopted as a district project in 2021, and the related budget was allocated. Min-young felt proud thinking that the project she proposed would lead to district administration.

Gangseo-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Noh Hyun-song) announced that it will hold a public contest for the "Child Participation Budget Proposal Project" for the 2022 budget allocation.

The Child Participation Budget System is a system where children and adolescents aged 9 to under 18 directly propose projects needed by the district and participate in the budget allocation process.

Since last year, it has been promoted to increase the effectiveness of child and youth policies and enhance their rights by encouraging the participation of children and adolescents in the budget allocation process.

The target projects for proposals total 50 million KRW in scale and cover various areas such as culture, education, human rights, environment, and safety, actively utilizing ideas from children and adolescents across the district administration.

The application period is until June 13, and applications can be submitted by visiting the Education and Youth Division, the local community service center, or Gangseo Youth Center in person, or by mail (302 Hwagok-ro, Gangseo-gu, Gangseo-gu Office Annex 5th floor) or by email to the person in charge.

Detailed information can be found on the "Gangseo-gu Office website - News Plaza - Notices/News," where application forms can also be downloaded.

Submitted proposals will be reviewed by the relevant departments in June and July, advised by the Ombudsperson (Child Rights Advocate), and evaluated by the Child Participation Committee.

In August, a public debate will be held where children and adolescents will directly explain their proposed projects and have a voting session.

The proposed projects will be finally selected based on the voting results and the Child Participation Committee's evaluation and reflected in the 2022 budget plan.

A district official said, "We expect various project ideas that adults may not have thought of to emerge from the Child Participation Budget System," and added, "We ask for much interest and participation so that various necessary projects for children and adolescents can be proposed."

Meanwhile, a total of three projects amounting to 25 million KRW were allocated in the 2021 Child Participation Budget.

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