DAEJEON, South Korea – Daejeon Dong-gu has successfully inaugurated its "Happy Together, Many Together" (행복동행 다동행) mentoring program, an initiative designed to provide comprehensive support for children from multicultural families. The program's partnership ceremony, held on June 16, 2025, at Woosong University's Woosong Hall, marked a significant step in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for these youngsters.

Co-hosted by the Dong-gu Integrated Family Center and Woosong University, the "Happy Together, Many Together" program aims to offer crucial emotional support, stimulate learning motivation, and facilitate the healthy development of children navigating the complexities of multicultural backgrounds. The ceremony was attended by approximately 60 individuals, including mentors, mentees, and distinguished guests, notably Park Hee-jo, the Head of Dong-gu District. The event featured mutual introductions, discussions on future activities, national rituals, welcoming remarks, and a commemorative photo session, setting a positive tone for the collaborative journey ahead.

Addressing the Needs of a Growing Demographic

The need for such targeted support programs for multicultural families in South Korea has become increasingly evident. According to a 2021 nationwide survey by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, many children from multicultural households face challenges in school, with significant percentages citing difficulties with academic subjects (56.2%) and social integration with peers (55.4%). Furthermore, these children often receive less private educational support, with an average of 7.64 hours of private tutoring per week compared to 9.07 hours for general adolescents. Recognizing these disparities, Daejeon Dong-gu, in conjunction with its partners, is committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their family background, have access to equal opportunities and a robust support system for their academic and personal growth.

The "Happy Together, Many Together" program is designed to bridge these gaps. It typically operates for an extended period, such as 11 months (from February to December in previous iterations), providing consistent and personalized guidance. The mentoring sessions are generally held twice a month, with each session lasting two to four hours, fostering a strong bond between mentors and mentees. The program's activities are diverse, focusing not only on academic assistance, such as reading comprehension and textbook-linked learning, but also on crucial life skills and social development. Past activities have included engaging reading and discussion sessions, as well as special events like "Mentoring Healing Camps" and workshops, designed to build camaraderie and provide enriching experiences outside of formal study. The program specifically targets children aged 5 to 13 from multicultural families residing within the Dong-gu area, ensuring that support is directed where it is most needed.

Collaborative Excellence: Woosong University and Dong-gu Integrated Family Center

Woosong University plays a pivotal role in the success of this initiative. Students, particularly from the Departments of Social Welfare and Early Childhood Education, volunteer as mentors, embodying the university's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. This involvement provides invaluable hands-on experience for the students, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting while also developing a deeper understanding of multicultural issues and the rewards of community service. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the mentees, who receive dedicated support, and the mentors, who gain profound personal and professional growth.

The Dong-gu Integrated Family Center serves as the central hub for the program's coordination and broader family support services. Scheduled for its official grand opening at the end of June, the center is poised to become a cornerstone of welfare services in the district. It is designed to offer a comprehensive array of programs for diverse family structures, including single-parent families, grandparent-headed households, and, of course, multicultural families. Services extend beyond mentoring to include Korean language education, interpretation services, career counseling and employment support for married immigrants, family counseling, and various cultural exchange programs. By consolidating these services, the center aims to provide a holistic support system that addresses the multifaceted needs of all families in the community.

A Commitment to Shared Growth and Future Prosperity

During the partnership ceremony, Dong-gu Head Park Hee-jo expressed his profound hopes for the program's impact. "I sincerely hope that mentors and mentees will understand each other and grow together through this meaningful companionship," he remarked. He further pledged the district's unwavering commitment to providing active support, ensuring that children from multicultural families can thrive and integrate as healthy, contributing members of the local community.

The launch of "Happy Together, Many Together" is more than just a mentoring program; it represents Daejeon Dong-gu's dedication to fostering a truly inclusive society where every family, regardless of origin, feels valued and supported. With the imminent opening of the Dong-gu Integrated Family Center, the district is laying a robust foundation for expanded welfare services, signaling a bright future of collective growth and harmony for all its residents.