[Sponsored Report] Exim bank’s volunteer program enters 6th year

The Export-Import Bank of Korea held an opening ceremony for the sixth edition of its Seed of Hope Volunteers program at the International Youth Center in Banghwa-dong, western Seoul, on April 29. [EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF KOREA]

The Export-Import Bank of Korea is kicking off the sixth edition of its Seed of Hope Volunteers program.

The program, established in 2013, involves 100 university students split into 10 teams in nine regions around the country.

This year’s student volunteers will publicize, plan, implement and host events to benefit the local community. This year the program will focus on cooperation with relevant organizations and NGOs operating in each area.

The Seed of Hope Volunteers program traditionally concentrates on providing welfare and support for children, the elderly and multicultural families. In recent years the program has expanded to focus on issues including safety, education, protecting the environment and Korea’s aging population.

The volunteers receive some basic training through an orientation program that includes discussions about volunteer themes and helps them to develop their teamwork.

The initial volunteer program runs for eight months, after which some students will be offered the chance to continue volunteering overseas.

“The Seed of Hope Volunteers program is part of our effort to move closer to a dream society. We hope these activities will create opportunities for more volunteers.” said Shin Deog-yong, executive director at the Export-Import Bank of Korea.

The bank is also offering financial support to socially vulnerable families including those with a low income and refugees from North Korea.

BY KIM MIN-JI [kim.minji4@joongang.co.kr]