The Goheung-gun Shoulder Dongbu Volunteer Group carried out warmth sharing activities to warm up the chilly weather. On the 7th, Goheung-gun (Governor Gong Young-min) operated a shoulder-to-shoulder volunteer group targeting about 1,700 residents of four villages in Deungam-ri (Deungam, Baekryeon, Jangjeon, and Sincheon) at the Deungam Village Hall in Goheung-eup.
On this day, the Shoulder Volunteer Group visited each household that had applied for service in advance and provided 14 types of on-site services, including gas timer cock installation, water supply repair, fire extinguisher installation, and solar sensor installation. At the village hall, knife sharpening, home appliance repair, and physical therapy were provided. , providing customized services in a total of 30 areas by providing 16 types of collective services, including replacement of insect screens.
A military official said, “The Shoulder Comrades Volunteer Corps is operating by selecting areas of service that are actually needed by the residents, and we will continue to listen to the opinions of the residents and do our best to help increase their satisfaction and convenience.”
Starting with the 236th service on February 1st of this year, the 16th Shoulder Dongmu Volunteer Group was operated on this day, and the 252nd Shoulder Dongmu Volunteer Group is scheduled to continue targeting four villages in Seokbong-ri in Seokchon Village, Gwayeok-myeon on November 14.
Meanwhile, Goheung-gun conducted a joint inspection of the event venue on the 6th to ensure a safe and successful hosting of the ‘4th Goheung Citron Festival’.
A total of 15 officials, including Goheung-gun, six related organizations, and private experts participated in this joint inspection, and an in-depth inspection was conducted in a total of six areas, including firefighting, facilities, transportation, electricity, safety, and gas.
Previously, Goheung-gun held the 5th Safety Management Working Committee to deliberate on the safety management plan and review measures to prepare for various accidents, and conducted a preliminary inspection in each field the day before the event when the installation of major facilities such as temporary stages and electricity at the event venue was completed. Through this, the effectiveness of joint inspection was increased.
The joint inspection team ▲checks whether the matters pointed out in the last deliberation meeting are corrected ▲inspects structures, electricity, firefighting equipment, etc. ▲checks whether rescue and rescue routes are secured in preparation for situations where large crowds of people gather ▲ensures traffic safety within the event site and checks the deployment of safety personnel. We conducted a broad and detailed inspection of safety management at the event venue.
A military official said, “The Goheung Citron Festival, now in its 4th year, is a festival representing Jeollanam-do, and we will do our best to ensure that visitors to the festival site can experience Yuzatopia filled with the refreshing scent of citrons through thorough safety inspections.”
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Goheung-gun
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Community Service Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our feature segment! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Yoon Kim, a community service expert, who’s been closely following volunteer initiatives in rural areas. Ms. Kim, thank you for joining us!
Yoon Kim: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the incredible volunteer efforts happening in Goheung-gun.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see how communities come together, especially during the colder months. Can you tell us more about the recent activities conducted by the Goheung-gun Shoulder Dongbu Volunteer Group?
Yoon Kim: Absolutely! On November 7, they organized warmth-sharing activities aimed at approximately 1,700 residents across four villages in Deungam-ri. This initiative stands out for its holistic approach to providing essential services tailored to the specific needs of the community.
Editor: Holistic indeed! What kinds of services did they offer to the residents?
Yoon Kim: They provided an impressive variety! Residents were offered 14 types of on-site services, including practical installations like gas timer cocks and fire extinguishers, as well as water supply repairs. Additionally, at the Deungam Village Hall, they offered activities like knife sharpening and home appliance repair, making sure they catered to both urgent and everyday needs.
Editor: That’s wonderful! It seems like they are quite thorough in their approach. How have the volunteers decided which services to prioritize?
Yoon Kim: Great question! This initiative is driven by direct engagement with the residents. According to a military official involved in the project, they focus on services that are genuinely needed, based on feedback from the community. This responsiveness is key to ensuring residents feel supported and valued.
Editor: It certainly sounds effective! I understand this is not the first occurrence of such volunteer groups in the area—could you elaborate on that?
Yoon Kim: Yes, this was actually the 16th Shoulder Dongmu Volunteer Group event, with services having started back in February. They have continuously expanded their efforts, and the upcoming event in Seokbong-ri is merely the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at various needs within the community.
Editor: It’s great to see such a sustained commitment. Besides these local efforts, how does this reflect on community spirit and engagement in the region?
Yoon Kim: This kind of proactive community service fosters a strong sense of belonging and mutual aid. It creates networks of trust among residents and shows that collective efforts can significantly uplift individuals’ well-being, especially in rural contexts where resources might be limited.
Editor: Indeed, it underlines the importance of community cohesion. Are there any lessons that other regions could learn from Goheung-gun’s model?
Yoon Kim: Absolutely—first, the model emphasizes the need for community involvement in identifying services. Secondly, flexible and responsive volunteer operations can create a ripple effect encouraging more residents to participate. Lastly, integrating services for immediate needs and long-term solutions can be an effective strategy for community resilience.
Editor: Ms. Kim, thank you for sharing your insights! It’s inspiring to hear about such impactful initiatives. We hope to see more regions implementing similar strategies for community welfare.
Yoon Kim: Thank you! I hope to see that too; the more we engage, the stronger our communities will be.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We hope this interview sheds light on the power of community service and inspires you to get involved in your own neighborhoods!