Samsung Electronics Opens 'Samsung Hope Stepping Stone' Jeonbuk Center for Youth Preparing for Independence

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] Samsung Electronics and the Community Chest of Korea, also known as Sarangui Yeolmae, opened the 'Samsung Hope Didimdol' Jeonbuk Center in Jeonju, Jeonbuk Province on the 10th to support the independent living of youths preparing for self-reliance.

Samsung Hope Didimdol is a program that provides housing and education in collaboration with Sarangui Yeolmae and local governments, enabling youths who have lived in child care facilities and other institutions to prepare for independence in a stable environment as they take their first steps into society at age 18.

The Samsung Hope Didimdol Jeonbuk Center, located in Deokjin-dong, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, is housed in an officetel building, providing an environment similar to actual independent living, equipped with various convenience facilities such as hospitals, pharmacies, and fitness centers.

The center consists of 22 independent residential units where youths preparing for independence can live alone for up to two years, and four spaces where youths under 18 can experience independent living for up to six days in an environment similar to real life.

Approximately 340 youths will participate in independent living experiences and various educational programs, with operations managed by Good Neighbors Jeonbuk Headquarters.

Each year, about 2,500 youths reach the age of 18 and must become independent as their protection from child care facilities, group homes, or foster care ends.

These youths face difficult situations where they must simultaneously resolve economic, housing, and career issues as they enter society alone.

According to a survey by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, youths preparing for independence have lower employment rates, average incomes, and university enrollment rates compared to the general youth population. They also experience difficulties with economic issues such as living and tuition expenses, housing problems, and employment, skills, and certification-related challenges.

Samsung Hope Didimdol supports these youths so they can prepare for independence with peace of mind.

The opening ceremony of the Jeonbuk Center was attended by Song Ha-jin, Governor of Jeollabuk-do; Kim Sung-joo, Member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party; Kim Sang-gyun, Secretary General of the Community Chest of Korea; Lee Ho-gyun, Chairman of Good Neighbors; Yoon Hye-mi, Director of the Child Rights Protection Agency; and Choi Yoon-ho, President of Samsung Electronics Management Support Office.

Governor Song Ha-jin of Jeollabuk-do stated, "Through the Hope Didimdol Jeonbuk Center, I hope that youths preparing for independence will grow into responsible adults who take charge of their lives. Jeonbuk Province will walk alongside them until they grow into adults who make the world a better place."

Kim Sang-gyun, Secretary General of the Community Chest of Korea, said, "Support with Samsung Electronics has reached its eighth year. In a situation where the importance of supporting youths preparing for independence is emphasized, we will do our best to ensure they can safely become independent."

Lee Ho-gyun, Chairman of Good Neighbors, said, "We are pleased to accompany youths preparing for independence. We will continue to provide tailored programs essential to them so they can settle into society healthily and stably, along with ongoing support and attention."

Choi Yoon-ho, President of Samsung Electronics Management Support Office, emphasized, "I am truly happy to be part of placing another new stepping stone of hope, gathered from the hearts of Samsung Electronics employees. We will cheer and support youths preparing for independence together with all employees to become their reliable Hope Didimdol."

Park 00 (21 years old), who moved into the Samsung Hope Didimdol Jeonbuk Center after completing foster care, said, "Housing was the biggest burden during the preparation for independence, so I am excited to live in such a good place. My goal is to obtain a pastry chef certification."

Samsung Hope Didimdol is a CSR activity that began in 2013 when Samsung Electronics employees directly contributed ideas and donations to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 'Samsung New Management' declaration.

In December 2013, Samsung paid special incentives to employees to celebrate the 20th anniversary of New Management, and employees donated 10% of this amount.

To use the donations meaningfully, Samsung Electronics collected CSR ideas from employees and selected projects to support through voting. One of the representative projects was the youth independence support program, which developed into Samsung Hope Didimdol.

Based on employee donations totaling 25 billion KRW, the 'Samsung Hope Didimdol Center' began operations in 2016, and by last year, about 8,500 youths had experienced independent living and received related education.

To continue the employees' intentions, Samsung Electronics added 25 billion KRW in company support funds in 2019 to significantly expand the project area.

Currently, there are seven centers in operation, including the Jeonbuk Center opened on this day. By next year, three additional centers will open in Gyeonggi, Jeonnam, and Gyeongbuk, bringing the total number of centers nationwide to ten.

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