Korea Zinc announced on the 4th that it has donated 100 million KRW to the Seoul Independence Support Agency, which aids young adults preparing for self-reliance.
The donation ceremony took place at the education center of the Seoul Independence Support Agency in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. It was attended by around 10 people, including Kim Ki-joon, Head of Sustainable Management at Korea Zinc, and Jang Da-gyo, Director of the Seoul Independence Support Agency.
The Seoul Independence Support Agency, which operates under the Seoul Metropolitan Government, supports young adults preparing for independence, including those in child welfare facilities and foster care, as well as those whose protective measures have ended or who have left such facilities within the last five years.
Children in welfare facilities must begin living independently after their protection ends, usually between the ages of 18 and 24. As of the end of December last year, there were 1,455 young people in Seoul within five years of protection termination, according to the Seoul Independence Support Agency. The agency provides specialized and systematic welfare services to strengthen their self-reliance capabilities and help them grow into healthy members of society.
The 100 million KRW donated by Korea Zinc will be used for scholarships for college students, living expenses support for job seekers, next-generation youth activities, hosting of ‘My Independence’ video contests, and therapeutic group writing counseling.
Kim, the Head of Sustainable Management, expressed his hope that the donation serves as a strong support for young people on the threshold of achieving independence, stating, “Korea Zinc will continue to engage in social contribution activities that deliver warmth and courage to marginalized neighbors within our community.”
Jang, the Director of the Seoul Independence Support Agency, thanked Korea Zinc for their significant support and interest, noting that the donation will provide substantial assistance to young people striving to establish a solid foundation and transition smoothly into society at this crucial stage of beginning their independent lives.