Seocho-gu Expands Operation of Mentoring Project for Independent Youth 'Always on My Side'

Support Through Regular Meetings
Mentor Group 2nd Term Launch Ceremony on the 16th

Last year's 'Always on My Side' Mentoring Networking Day event. Provided by Seocho District Office.

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) announced on the 16th that it will actively expand the "Always on My Side" mentoring program starting this month, which helps youth preparing for independence from child care facilities and similar institutions by providing them with reliable adults they can depend on.

The "Always on My Side" mentoring program consists of mentors from various professions such as doctors, lawyers, psychological counselors, art therapists, and young entrepreneurs who meet regularly with youth at least once a month. The program supports not only daily life concerns but also offers consultations on housing, finance, and legal matters.

The program began as a pilot in July last year and received enthusiastic responses, showing high satisfaction from both mentors and mentees in subsequent surveys.

A mentee, Mr. A, preparing for independence, said, "My motorcycle was stolen, and I didn’t know how to handle it, but my mentor, a lawyer, guided me through the investigation process and carefully helped me submit legal opinions and documents as a victim. It was truly reassuring to receive help with such a difficult legal issue."

Encouraged by this, Seocho-gu will expand the "Always on My Side" mentoring program starting this month for full-scale operation. From this year, the program will extend its target to include prospective youth preparing for independence from high school age and increase the mentoring activity allowance from 30,000 KRW to 50,000 KRW per quarter for both mentors and mentees.

Earlier this year, the district recruited the second cohort of mentors through its website and social media (SNS), selecting 11 new mentors including financial experts, social entrepreneurs, native language instructors, retired teachers, and professors. Along with the 8 existing mentors, a total of 19 diverse and capable mentors will serve as a strong support system for the youth.

Mr. B, a native language instructor who applied to be a mentor, said, "Based on my experience working with special needs children, I even obtained a Level 2 Youth Counselor certificate. I am excited and looking forward to working with youth preparing for independence."

Additionally, to strengthen the network among mentors, a "Communication with Kind Mentors" meeting has been newly established, where mentors will meet twice a year to share mentoring information and experiences.

Starting with the inauguration ceremony of the second mentor group today (16th), various programs such as cultural performances and lectures will be supported to foster emotional bonds between mentors and mentees. At the end of the year, a "Networking Day" will be held to promote friendship and information exchange.

Mayor Jeon Seong-su said, "We will carefully expand the mentoring program that always stands by youth preparing for independence so that no one is left out. With Seocho-gu’s warm and distinctive support, we will become a stable foundation for youth preparing for independence to settle securely."

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