Starbucks and Areumdawoon Foundation Launch '2021 Youth Self-Reliance Settlement Dream Support Project'

On April 29, Starbucks held an orientation for the '2021 Youth Independence Settlement Dream Support Project' at the Starbucks Support Center. The event was attended by Song Hoseop, CEO of Starbucks Coffee Korea (third from the right), Kwon Chan, Secretary General of the Beautiful Foundation (fifth from the right), Shin Yonggyu, Secretary General of the Korea Social Welfare Center Association (second from the right), and Shin Seon, campaigner of the Beautiful Foundation (fourth from the right). A certificate presentation ceremony was held for 25 selected youth who have aged out of protection this year. (Photo by Starbucks Korea)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] Starbucks Coffee Korea is officially launching a support project for the independence of youth aging out of care in 2021 in collaboration with the Areumdaun Foundation.

On April 29, Starbucks held an orientation for the '2021 Youth Independence Settlement Dream Support Project' at the Starbucks headquarters building in Myeongdong, attended by Song Hoseop, CEO of Starbucks Coffee Korea, Kwon Chan, Secretary General of the Areumdaun Foundation, and Shin Yonggyu, Secretary General of the Korea Social Welfare Center Association. At this event, certificates of support were presented to 25 youth aging out of care selected this year.

The term 'youth aging out of care' refers to young people who have lived in child care facilities and are legally required to leave the facilities and become independent upon turning 18. Starbucks signed an agreement with the Areumdaun Foundation (Secretary General Kwon Chan) in January last year to support youth aging out of care and began a full-scale support project.

In particular, Starbucks, which had raised 250 million KRW for this project last year, has expanded the related donation fund to a total of 300 million KRW in the second year of support this year, providing up to 5 million KRW per year as an independence settlement fund to the youth aging out of care selected as beneficiaries to facilitate smooth career and educational activities.

Additionally, monthly projects based on individual hopes such as cultural experiences, performance viewing, and travel will be conducted, along with independence capacity-building education including employment special lectures and career aptitude tests, aiming to provide youth with opportunities to explore their aptitudes and plan their futures.

Emotional support through solidarity with other youth aging out of care and active support for information exchange during the independence process will also be provided.

Kwon Chan, Secretary General of the Areumdaun Foundation, expressed hope that “our youth aging out of care will have a chance to closely explore how they want to live through this opportunity” and added, “I hope they achieve true independence by naturally integrating with people around them and the local community.”

Song Hoseop, CEO of Starbucks Coffee Korea, also said, “With just a little interest and support, anyone can nurture big dreams,” and stated, “Starbucks will continue to do its best to support and cheer on the youth who will be the future of our society, together with the Areumdaun Foundation and the Korea Social Welfare Center Association.”

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