Gwangyang, South Korea – December 24, 2024 – A new initiative is bringing specialized therapeutic programs to 89 children with special needs in the Gwangyang region, offering a holistic approach to development through music, sensory experiences, and outdoor adventures. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful therapies aren’t found in a clinic, but in a forest or a song.
Stepping Stones of Hope: Healing Programs for Local Children
A multifaceted rehabilitation program aims to improve the physical and social skills of children with special needs through music, sensory integration, exercise, and forest experiences.
- The ‘Stepping Stones of Hope’ project, now in its eighth year, launched a new phase on December 24th at the Gwangyang City Childcare Comprehensive Support Center.
- Approximately 800 people, including local officials and volunteers, attended the inauguration ceremony.
- Funding for the project comes from the POSCO 1% Sharing Foundation (60 million won) and the Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority (10 million won).
- The program will serve 89 children under the age of 12 with a variety of physical and psychological rehabilitation activities.
What kind of support are these children receiving? The ‘Stepping Stones of Hope’ project provides a comprehensive range of therapeutic interventions designed to address both physical and emotional well-being. These include ‘music/therapy’ utilizing instruments and art, ‘five sense integration therapy,’ ‘special exercise therapy’ incorporating activities like horse riding, and immersive ‘forest experience programs’ featuring mountain climbing and rope courses.
The launch ceremony on December 24th drew a significant crowd of around 800 attendees, including Gwangyang Mayor Jeong In-hwa, Gwangyang City Chairman Choi Dae-won, and Gwangyang Steel Works Administrative Director Park Jong-il, alongside representatives from the Gwangyang City Childcare Foundation and numerous volunteers.
Established in 2018, the ‘Stepping Stones of Hope’ project is spearheaded by Gwangyang Steel Works and supported by a collaborative effort between the POSCO 1% Sharing Foundation – funded by contributions from POSCO executives and employees – and the Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority. Local childcare foundations and welfare facilities also play a crucial role in the program’s implementation.
The year-long program is tailored for children under 12 with special disabilities requiring specialized care. Participants will engage in a variety of activities designed to promote both physical and mental healing. The program’s holistic approach aims to foster emotional stability alongside physical health improvements.
“Through this ongoing project, disabled children were able to promote not only physical health but also emotional stability through various healing programs,” stated Park Jong-il, head of administration at Gwangyang Steel Works. He further emphasized the organization’s commitment to continued support for children with disabilities and the pursuit of impactful social contribution initiatives within the region.
Gwangyang Steel Works actively engages in community outreach, offering initiatives such as on-site emotional education for individuals with severe disabilities, vehicle support for social welfare facilities, and meal delivery services to local families with disabled members, all facilitated through the POSCO 1% Sharing Foundation.
