Daejeon City announced that it held the 2026 School-Outside-Youth Union Dream Festival, titled "Dream Festival YA-HO!", on October 14 at the Daejeon Youth WeCan Center, delivering messages of encouragement and hope to youth outside the school system.

Marking its 10th anniversary this year, the festival was jointly organized by the Daejeon Metropolitan City, Seo-gu, and Yuseong-gu Support Centers for Youths Outside School, with approximately 200 attendees, including youths, their families, and youth organization practitioners.

This event was designed to promote support programs for youths outside school in Daejeon, Seo-gu, and Yuseong-gu, while enhancing their social skills and self-esteem through youth performances and art exhibitions.

The event kicked off with a performance by a band composed of youths outside school. This was followed by commendations for exemplary youths and instructors, with 4 individuals receiving the Daejeon Mayor's Commendation and 1 organization receiving the City Council Chairperson's Commendation. In addition, Lotte Chemical Corporation's Basic Chemical Research Institute donated 10 million won in scholarships for youths advancing to college, supporting their studies and self-reliance.

Presentations of best practices and further performances followed, while the second part featured 22 interactive experience booths where youths could directly participate and connect with one another.

Oh Su-geun, Director-General of the Civil Society Bureau of Daejeon City, stated, "We cheer on the youths outside school who continuously demonstrate their capabilities, and we thank the instructors who closely assist in their growth. We will continue to steadfastly support these youths so they can prepare for a bright future."

Meanwhile, the Daejeon Support Centers for Youths Outside School (Dream Centers) provide counseling, education, self-reliance support, self-development, health checkups, and meals for out-of-school and non-enrolled youths aged 9 to 24, with Daejeon City operating a specialized program known as the "Dream Growing Allowance."

For more detailed information regarding support for youths outside school, inquiries can be made to Daejeon Dream Center (☎ 042-222-1388), Seo-gu Dream Center (☎ 042-527-1388), or Yuseong-gu Dream Center (☎ 042-826-1388).

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