Nowon-gu North Korean Defectors' 'Certification Acquisition Support' Project Bears Fruit

This Year, 8 North Korean Defectors Obtained Caregiver Certifications Through Employment Support Program - Ongoing Management and Employment Assistance, Expansion of Job Training to Various Fields Including Barista Certification

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is seeing results from the 'Certificate Support Project for North Korean Defectors,' which started this year to help North Korean defectors in the area achieve stable independence and settlement.

Nowon-gu is home to about 1,120 North Korean defectors, the largest number among Seoul's autonomous districts. This accounts for 15.9% of all defectors in Seoul.

The district conducts an annual living condition survey to understand the practical difficulties faced by North Korean defectors in the area and to establish systematic support plans. The survey revealed that the highest demand was for employment and obtaining technical certificates.

Accordingly, starting in March, as part of an employment support program, the district began recruiting residents who wish to obtain a caregiver certification and fully supports their education expenses. Ten participants took the exam this year, and eight obtained the caregiver certificate, with some successfully employed as caregivers.

For the two participants who have not yet obtained the certificate, opportunities will be provided to retake the exam. Unemployed participants will be continuously connected to related departments and institutions, including the district office's Job and Economy Division and the Employment Support Center, to facilitate employment.

Furthermore, next year, the project will be expanded to include support for education expenses to obtain a Level 2 Barista certificate, in addition to the caregiver certificate, helping North Korean defectors develop job skills in various fields and find employment.

In addition, the district runs a learning support project for preschool and elementary school children from North Korean defector families. To prevent learning gaps caused by language and cultural differences, customized 1:1 home tutoring in subjects such as Korean and math is provided once a week.

Also, twice a year, the district holds meetings of the North Korean Defector Support Regional Council and Working Council, composed of the district office and related organizations, to continuously discuss practical living support measures. Efforts are being made to build a social safety net by linking the Northern Hana Center and local community centers.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, "For North Korean defectors to settle stably, it is necessary to prepare basic living measures including employment and help them adapt to the local community and culture." He added, "We will continue to prepare various support projects for North Korean defectors to create a community where everyone lives together."

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