Gwangyang Steelworks Maeumieum Volunteer Group Makes 'Heartwarming Tofu' with Local Seniors

Gwangyang Steelworks Maumeum-eum Talent Volunteer Group Has Been Carrying Out Diverse Empathy-Based Volunteer Activities for 7 Years

The Stories and Laughter of the Elderly Create a Warm Atmosphere

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] The Posco Gwangyang Steelworks Maeumieum Talent Volunteer Group (Director Hong Jongin) engaged in a tofu-making experience with local elders in Doseon Guksa Village, Gwangyang City, on the 1st.

The Maeumieum Talent Volunteer Group is a communication and healing-type volunteer group addressing the increasingly prominent issue of elder isolation. Since 2017, they have been warmly accompanying solitary elders in the district.

Additionally, they receive annual training to enhance elder care capabilities through expert invitations and meetings, and have signed a business agreement with the Gwangyang Jungma Senior Welfare Center, adding professionalism and systematization to their volunteer activities.

On this day, as part of the solitary elder Maeumieum project, the volunteer group visited Doseon Guksa Village to provide elders with a cultural experience opportunity by conducting a ‘handmade tofu-making’ event using a cauldron and millstone.

The elders participated in all steps, from putting soaked soybeans into the millstone to grinding, and finally placing the tofu into wooden frames for completion. The Maeumieum Talent Volunteer Group provided a soybean milk pressing machine to ensure the elders’ wrists were not strained, showing careful consideration.

In particular, Doseon Guksa Village was filled with warmth from the savory smell of tofu and the elders’ stories and laughter unfolding.

Hong Jongin, director of the Maeumieum Talent Volunteer Group who participated in the volunteer activity, said, “Seeing the bright and excited faces of the elders in this affectionate village reminds me of my childhood picnics,” adding, “I thank the elders who shared this happy time and the volunteer members who worked hard for this activity.”

Meanwhile, the Gwangyang Steelworks Maeumieum Talent Volunteer Group plans to conduct additional tofu-making volunteer activities on the upcoming 3rd and is carrying out empathy-based volunteer services such as △tours △outings △preparing birthday meals △acting as temporary children during holidays.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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