SEOUL, South Korea – In a significant stride towards fostering an inclusive society, the Ye-Gang Hope Nurturing Foundation has officially commenced recruitment for its groundbreaking 'Kium Road' program. This initiative, specifically designed for multicultural youth in their first and second years of high school, aims to address the critical challenges they face, including linguistic and cultural isolation, as well as difficulties in career exploration. The program, developed in collaboration with Lara Social Partners, represents a comprehensive support system tailored to empower these young individuals as they navigate their academic and professional journeys in South Korea.

A Foundation Built on Hope and Comprehensive Support

The launch of 'Kium Road' comes shortly after the official establishment of the Ye-Gang Hope Nurturing Foundation (also known as Yekang Hope Growth Foundation), which received approval from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and officially commenced operations on June 20, 2025. Founded by Kim Ik-rae, the former Chairman of DaouKiwoom Group, the foundation embodies a profound commitment to societal well-being. Its name, 'Ye-Gang' (霓岡), a pen name of its founder, poetically translates to "a hill to lean on and provide hope, like a double rainbow in the sky after rain," symbolizing its mission to serve as a beacon of support for vulnerable populations.

The foundation operates with a substantial budget, estimated at around 60 billion Korean Won (approximately 43 million USD), reflecting its ambition to implement impactful, large-scale projects. Beyond its core focus on bridging health and educational disparities, the Ye-Gang Hope Nurturing Foundation is dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional stability for self-reliance among vulnerable groups. It also provides crucial emergency support during disasters and public health crises. Notably, a significant portion of its efforts, including 'Kium Road,' is directed towards uplifting multicultural youth and their family caregivers, alongside initiatives like providing focused artificial intelligence training for social welfare workers to enhance professional capabilities within the social welfare sector. Park Sang-jo, the CEO of the Ye-Gang Hope Nurturing Foundation, emphasized the broader vision behind 'Kium Road,' stating, "This program transcends mere academic assistance; it is a process that helps young people from diverse backgrounds grow into confident members of society. We view diversity as another possibility and hope 'Kium Road' will become a model for collective growth within our society."

'Kium Road': A Holistic Pathway to Growth

The 'Kium Road' program is structured to run for approximately seven months, from July 2025 to January 2026. At its core, the program features a robust mentor-mentee matching system, connecting participating youth with experienced professionals who will guide them through various facets of personal and academic development. This personalized approach is crucial for addressing the unique needs of multicultural youth who often face distinctive challenges compared to their peers.

The curriculum is multifaceted and aims to provide integrated career coaching alongside essential academic and personal development support. Key areas of focus include:

Career Exploration: Mentees will engage in guided sessions to explore various career paths, understand their strengths and interests, and receive professional coaching to develop realistic and achievable career goals. This component is vital for youth who may lack exposure to diverse professional opportunities or face cultural barriers in understanding local career landscapes.
Literacy-Based Korean Language Learning: Recognizing that language proficiency is fundamental to academic success and social integration, the program provides specialized Korean language instruction focused on improving literacy skills. This ensures that participants can effectively comprehend academic materials and navigate daily life.
Academic Management Skills Enhancement: Participants will receive expert coaching to improve their study habits, time management, and overall academic performance. This support is particularly beneficial for students adapting to a new educational system or balancing cultural expectations with academic demands.
Beyond structured coaching, 'Kium Road' incorporates a variety of interactive and supportive activities designed to foster a sense of community and belonging among participants. These include peer interaction programs, which allow multicultural youth to connect with each other, share experiences, and build a supportive network. Career camps offer immersive experiences and deeper insights into specific industries, while graduation ceremonies will celebrate their achievements and mark their transition into future endeavors, reinforcing self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

Application Process and Societal Impact

Recruitment for 'Kium Road' is currently underway, with applications accepted through the 'Kium Road' website until July 13, 2025. The selection process involves an initial document screening, requiring applicants to submit a brief self-introduction and a statement of purpose, followed by a second round of interviews for shortlisted candidates. This rigorous process ensures that participants are genuinely committed to the program and can benefit most from its offerings.

The initiation of 'Kium Road' by the Ye-Gang Hope Nurturing Foundation and Lara Social Partners aligns with broader efforts in South Korea to support its growing multicultural population. The nation has seen a significant increase in multicultural families, leading to a recognized need for tailored programs that assist children and youth from these backgrounds in successfully integrating into society. Existing government and non-profit initiatives often include Korean language education, financial aid for educational materials, academic tutoring, and psychological counseling for multicultural children. Programs like 'Kium Road' complement these efforts by offering a specialized, holistic approach to career and personal development. By nurturing the potential of multicultural youth, 'Kium Road' not only empowers individuals but also enriches Korean society by fostering diversity and inclusivity, preparing a new generation of leaders and contributors. The program is poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of many, helping them transform their diverse backgrounds into unique strengths and possibilities for the future.