Haenam-gun to Raise 50 Billion KRW Scholarship Fund... 120 Donations in 8 Months

Published 29 Nov.2021 16:01(KST)

"Let's Make Haenam the Best Place for Education Nationwide" Hot Enthusiasm

Haenam County is promoting the establishment of a 50 billion KRW scholarship fund to create a better environment for education. ⓒ Asia Economy

[Haenam＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Myung Hyun-kwan) is fervently promoting the scholarship fund project, aiming to raise 50 billion KRW in scholarship funds as a key initiative together with residents and the local community to create a better educational environment.

According to the county on the 29th, since launching the 50 billion KRW scholarship fund campaign in March, there have been 120 donations totaling over 400 million KRW in just over eight months.

The county is securing long-term and stable financial resources while local businesses return part of their profits to the community, establishing a foundation for mutual growth between the county and enterprises.

Haenam-gun public officials are also leading the way in contributing to the scholarship fund. Governor Myung Hyun-kwan donated his entire salary of 248 million KRW over his three-year term, fulfilling his promise to the residents to “come empty-handed and receive only the love of the people.” Four exemplary public officials who received the Prime Minister’s Award also donated their prize money in full.

About 20 employees from the Economic and Industry Department donated their prize money twice after winning the grand prize in the 2020 Jeollanam-do Regional Economic Revitalization Evaluation, and some rookie public officials contributed to commemorate their first anniversary of appointment.

There are also about 40 public officials who donate a fixed amount monthly by splitting their salary, including those who pledge to donate 1% of their salary every month until retirement.

Moved by the news of Haenam-gun public officials’ participation in the media, Lee Bong-kwon, CEO of Namyang Industry in Hwasun, also donated scholarship funds for the children of Haenam-gun.

Members of the Scholarship Fund Operation Deliberation Committee also joined in, with members Sun Gwang-jeon, Kim Jong-sook, and Lee Mi-hyang consecutively participating in a donation relay, reaffirming their commitment to the educational development of Haenam-gun.

Participation is increasing not only from organizations but also individuals. Kang Gap-sim, a member of the Bukil-myeon Community Security Council, and Kang Hyun-hee from Haenam-eup each donated for the youth of Haenam-gun, and cases of families such as couples and mothers and children donating together are also on the rise.

The scholarship fund campaign in Haenam-gun is spreading as a county-wide donation culture, expanding a sense of community that encourages raising local children together beyond just fundraising.

Social organizations have voluntarily organized and are active as the “Haenam Children Raised by 70,000 Residents Solidarity,” fostering a culture where local governments and communities cooperate on educational issues.

Haenam-gun is promoting the establishment of the Haenam-gun Education Foundation to realize more professional and systematic educational policies. Currently, the first round of consultations with Jeollanam-do and investment and contribution institutions is underway, and once completed, all necessary procedures such as feasibility studies for the foundation’s establishment will be carried out, aiming for establishment by the end of next year.

Governor Myung Hyun-kwan stated, “Raising 50 billion KRW for the scholarship fund is the foundation for long-term educational development and nurturing future talents,” adding, “With the determination to make this the best place for education nationwide, we will prepare a century-long plan for education together with the local community.”