The Wonju chapter of the Gangwon Province Women Business Leaders Association (chapter president Lee Jeong-im) has stepped up to support the healthy development of children and families enrolled in the Dream Start program.
Wonju's Dream Start initiative provides integrated services — spanning health, welfare, childcare and education — to children from vulnerable households and their families.
The Wonju chapter and Wonju city said Wednesday they would sign a mutual cooperation agreement on Dream Start support. The public-private partnership came together at the initiative of local women business leaders.
Under the agreement, the two parties will cooperate on identifying and connecting education, cultural, experiential and emotional support programs for Dream Start children and families; linking sponsorships and community resources to meet the needs of children and their families; and contributing skills and conducting community service activities that draw on the expertise and experience of association members.
The Wonju chapter comprises 71 women business leaders active across a range of fields in the region and has maintained a steady record of volunteer and giving activities driven by members' voluntary participation. The chapter plans to expand systematic and sustained community service efforts in coordination with local organizations, led by Lee, who took office as the sixth chapter president in December 2025.
"I have been thinking with our members about what kind of community service activities could make a real difference locally," Lee said. "Through this agreement, we hope to share the experience and resources our members have built up, and to help children grow up healthy through a wide range of experiences."
Wonju Mayor Ku Ja-yeol thanked the women business leaders for rallying behind the city's children. "I hope this becomes a meaningful starting point for cooperation between local business leaders and city government in nurturing children's dreams and potential," he said. "Wonju city will do its part to ensure this partnership continues as an enduring collaboration."
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