Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Reclamation Service, headquartered in Wonju, has launched a local talent development project with ChildFund Korea's Gangwon branch to support children in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province who face financial barriers to developing their abilities.
The corporation donated 15 million won ($11,300) to ChildFund Korea's Gangwon branch for the project and will provide individual support to seven children with potential in the arts and sports through December. The funds will be used for equipment purchases, training costs and competition entry fees tailored to each child's needs.
The beneficiaries are children from Wonju, Chuncheon, Cheorwon and Hoengseong, active in sports including wrestling, tennis, weightlifting, basketball, judo and taekwondo, as well as arts disciplines such as piano.
ChildFund Korea, a professional child welfare organization, will handle recruitment, screening and selection of participants, disbursement of funds, case management and progress monitoring.
ChildFund Korea's talent development program, known as "i-Leader," selects and supports children with talent and potential who face economic hardship. One of its most prominent alumni is Park Sang-young, who won a gold medal in fencing at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
The corporation plans to wrap up support in January and receive a final report, then in February assess whether to continue funding based on a comprehensive review of each child's talent development, the effectiveness of the support and their financial circumstances.
The project is designed as a medium- to long-term initiative that provides ongoing support aligned with each child's stage of development, with the goal of building a virtuous cycle in which local children grow into regional talent and give back to society.
"We launched this project to help children who are working hard toward their dreams despite financial difficulties freely develop their talents," said Hwang Young-sik, president of the corporation. "We will consistently work with professional organizations to support children in Gangwon Province in growing into the talent that will lead the region's future."
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