Guro-gu provides heating supplies to vulnerable groups. Guro-gu has begun providing heating supplies to help vulnerable people survive the winter.
The support of heating supplies to vulnerable groups during the winter is sponsored by the Guro Gunanum Network (Guro-gu, Guro Hope Welfare Foundation, and Seoul Community Chest of Korea).
The target of support is households in need of replacement due to missing or outdated heating appliances and households in crisis during the cold weather that need support among those subject to welfare planner management at the community center. The heating appliances required for support were prepared with donations to help neighbors raised by the Gurogunum Network last year.
The supported items are a total of 1,186 items of 10 types of heating products, including heated rugs, winter blankets, electric heaters, winter socks, weather strips, hot packs, electric blankets, winter rugs, knee blankets, and insulating bubble wrap.
In relation to this, the district held a goods delivery ceremony at the district office on the 20th and distributed support goods to each neighborhood community center.
The distributed goods will be distributed at the community center according to the schedule for each district, and a welfare planner or visiting nurse will visit some households with difficulty moving around to check on their well-being and directly deliver the goods.
A Guro-gu official said, “We hope that we can have a safer and warmer winter through this support of heating supplies,” and added, “We will continue to build a more thorough social welfare delivery system centered on the community.”
Meanwhile, Guro-gu conducted the ‘2024 Intercultural Capacity Building Training’ for community leaders and Guro-gu government officials at the district office auditorium at 3 p.m. on the 20th.
The district announced that it had prepared this training to form a harmonious intercultural community by mediating conflicts between domestic and foreign residents and promoting harmony by fostering intercultural leadership of community leaders active in the community.
Approximately 300 people, including local community leaders (bank leaders, resident autonomy committee members, community security council members, etc.) and Guro-gu government officials, attended the training, and a special lecture on cultural diversity and interculturalism was given by instructor Jeong Cheol-gyu, who specializes in multicultural understanding education and is active as a comedian. I took the course.
In addition, a world refreshment exhibition and tasting experience space was set up where you can experience representative refreshments from 14 countries, including Taiwanese nougat crackers, Japanese wagashi, Polish waffle cookies, and American chocolate chip chunk cookies, providing an opportunity to experience various cultures.
An official from Guro-gu said, “This training did not just focus on increasing cultural understanding, but also focused on equipping community leaders with the ability to actually mediate conflicts that arise in a multicultural environment and bring about cooperation,” adding, “In the future, all residents will continue to work in a multicultural environment.” “I hope that we can be reborn as an intercultural community that can coexist harmoniously,” he said.
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo Guro-gu
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Community Welfare Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today to discuss an important initiative in Guro-gu related to winter heating supplies for vulnerable groups. Could you start by explaining the context behind this initiative?
Community Welfare Expert: Good morning! I’d be happy to explain. The harsh winter months can be particularly difficult for vulnerable groups, including low-income households and the elderly. Recognizing the need for adequate heating supplies is critical not only for comfort but also for health and safety. The Guro Gunanum Network, which includes several local organizations, has taken the lead in addressing this issue.
Time.news Editor: That’s an excellent point. Could you elaborate on the specific demographics this initiative targets?
Community Welfare Expert: Certainly. The initiative specifically targets households in need — this includes those without functioning heating appliances or those whose appliances are outdated. It also focuses on families identified by welfare planners at community centers as being at risk, particularly during extreme weather conditions. The aim is to reach those who might be overlooked otherwise.
Time.news Editor: The initiative mentions the distribution of various heating supplies. What are some of the items that have been provided?
Community Welfare Expert: The response has been quite generous. A total of 1,186 items spanning ten different types of heating products were prepared through community donations. These include heated rugs, electric heaters, winter blankets, insulating bubble wrap, and even winter socks! This comprehensive approach ensures that different needs are met effectively.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a well-thought-out program. Could you tell us about the logistics involved in distributing these supplies?
Community Welfare Expert: Of course! The district held a goods delivery ceremony where they distributed supplies to neighborhood community centers. These centers will then organize the distribution based on need and schedule. Additionally, for those who may have difficulty accessing the centers—especially the elderly or those with mobility issues—welfare planners or visiting nurses will visit them directly to ensure they receive the necessary items.
Time.news Editor: That sounds very efficient and caring. What have been the responses from the community regarding this support initiative?
Community Welfare Expert: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents appreciate the proactive approach, especially during winter when the risks can be heightened. Officials from Guro-gu have expressed hopes that this initiative not only provides immediate relief but also strengthens community bonds.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of strengthening communities, I noticed that Guro-gu also conducted training for community leaders and officials. How does this tie into their overall strategy for support?
Community Welfare Expert: Yes, the ‘2024 Intercultural Capacity Building Training’ is an essential part of their approach to fostering inclusivity and understanding within the community. By equipping leaders and officials with cultural competencies, Guro-gu is ensuring that welfare efforts can adapt to the diverse needs of the population, improving the overall effectiveness of programs like this heating supply initiative.
Time.news Editor: It seems that Guro-gu truly is committed to building a robust social welfare delivery system centered around community needs. As we wrap up, what do you think is the lasting impact of this initiative?
Community Welfare Expert: The lasting impact lies in both the immediate relief provided and the precedence it sets for future community initiatives. By actively engaging in the welfare of its residents, Guro-gu is not only addressing urgent needs but also fostering a culture of empathy and support that can lead to more sustainable community development in the long run.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing these insights with us. Your expertise sheds light on the incredible work being done in Guro-gu. We look forward to seeing more such initiatives in the future!
Community Welfare Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to keep raising awareness about these important topics.