Gwangyang Steelworks Holds 4th Launch Ceremony of the 'Stepping Stones of Hope' Program for Local Children

Emotional Support Program for Special Needs Children in the Region... Comprising Professional Therapy Sessions and Forest Experiences

Operated with Financial Support from POSCO 1% Sharing Foundation, Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority, and POSCO Humans

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks (Director Kim Ji-yong) held the launch ceremony of the ‘Bridge of Hope’ program, which provides emotional support to special needs children in Gwangyang City, on the 6th.

The launch ceremony, held at the auditorium of the Jungmadong Childcare Support Center in Gwangyang City, was attended by Lee Cheol-ho, Deputy Director of Gwangyang Steelworks; Kim Kyung-ho, Vice Mayor of Gwangyang City; Jin Su-hwa, Chairperson of Gwangyang City Council; Hwang Jae-woo, Chairman of the Gwangyang City Children’s Care Foundation; Choi Yeon-cheol, Vice President of Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority; and Choi Byung-ryul, Head of CS Support Office at POSCO Humans, adding prestige to the event.

Now in its fourth year, the ‘Bridge of Hope’ program is designed to provide various therapeutic programs for severely disabled children in the region who require care, helping them grow up bright and healthy by laying a ‘bridge of hope’ for them.

This project is operated with financial support from the ‘POSCO 1% Sharing Foundation,’ funded by 1% of POSCO employees’ salaries, and the Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority. Starting this year, POSCO Humans, a subsidiary-type standard workplace for the disabled established by POSCO for the first time in Korea, is also participating in this meaningful project.

After the launch ceremony, the program will offer professional therapeutic courses such as music, art, developmental play, and special exercise to aid psychological healing. Additionally, forest experience programs including forest exploration, art play using natural materials, and ecological experiences will be conducted to promote children’s physical development and emotional stability.

In particular, the ‘Bridge of Hope Volunteer Group,’ composed of Gwangyang Steelworks employees and their families, plans to spend even more meaningful time by assisting the children to safely and enjoyably participate in the forest experience programs.

On this day, Lee Cheol-ho, Deputy Director of Gwangyang Steelworks, said, “Through the Bridge of Hope project, now in its fourth year, I hope the children can recover their health and gain emotional stability.” He added, “As a corporate citizen, Gwangyang Steelworks will continue to carry out social contribution projects for children, the hope of the future, and strive to realize the value of co-growth with the local community.”

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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