GM Hanmaeum Foundation launches program to help immigrant-background children adapt in Incheon

GM Hanmaeum Foundation Korea announced Friday that it held an experiential program and donation ceremony Thursday at the Eoulim Ikkeurim education center in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, as part of its integrated support program "Da(多)gachi Playground," designed to help children from immigrant backgrounds adapt to Korean language and culture.

The program was launched amid a growing population of immigrant-background children in the Incheon area, many of whom struggle with school life and forming peer relationships due to language and cultural differences.

GM Hanmaeum Foundation plans to run 22 sessions in partnership with the Green Umbrella Incheon branch, targeting immigrant-background children. Activities will include themed play sessions covering culture, history and food, craft experiences, cooking classes where children prepare Korean dishes, play-based language education, and neighborhood tours combined with volunteer work — all aimed at helping children adjust to daily life and build social connections.

Thursday's program was attended by Hector Villarreal, president and CEO of GM Hanmaeum Foundation Korea and president of GM Korea, along with GM employees, Kim Jin, head of the Green Umbrella Incheon branch, and representatives from local partner organizations. The foundation presented a donation of 20 million won ($13,000) to the Green Umbrella Incheon branch and held a cooking class with 20 immigrant-background elementary school students, who made cupcakes and sandwiches.

"It is vitally important to help children from immigrant backgrounds build confidence and form natural relationships with their peers and communities, even amid language and cultural differences," Villarreal said. "We will continue working with Green Umbrella and our community partners to support children as they grow in an environment where diversity is respected and they feel a true sense of belonging."

GM Hanmaeum Foundation has carried out corporate social responsibility activities alongside local communities in areas including education, the environment, health and safety since its establishment in 2005. On May 27, GM employees conducted a volunteer project installing window screens for vulnerable households in Incheon to improve their living conditions ahead of summer.

The foundation has also run programs supporting the resettlement of Afghan special contributors and their families, as well as initiatives backing women's and multicultural organizations, as part of its broader efforts to promote community integration and self-reliance. Through this latest program, it plans to expand its support for children from immigrant backgrounds.