Celebrating Youth Day: Recognizing Achievements and Opportunities for Young People
- Original source
- blog.naver.com

[Journalist Choi Jeong-im]
The third Saturday of September is celebrated as 'Youth Day,' a meaningful occasion dedicated to ensuring the rights of young people and supporting their dreams and potential. As we approach this year's Youth Day, the announcement of the Youth-Friendly Constitutional Award winners has once again highlighted the solid achievements of youth policies across the region. In this evaluation, organized by the Youth and Future Association under the National Assembly Secretariat, cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province received recognition for their efforts in expanding youth spaces, supporting independence, and fostering active communication.
Customizable spaces and stepping stones for independence: 'Grand Prize' winners Paju, Hwaseong, and Ansan
Paju's 'GP1939' and Hwaseong's 'Youth Employment Support Center' are operating as dedicated spaces for young people. The most notable winners of this evaluation are undoubtedly the municipalities that received the Grand Prize. Paju and Hwaseong have both earned this honor for two consecutive years, demonstrating their strong policy competitiveness. Paju has significantly expanded its youth-exclusive space infrastructure and provided comprehensive support for employment and housing, enhancing the quality of life for young residents through a multi-cultural youth space and tailored governance. Hwaseong has focused on alleviating housing burdens through practical support such as rent subsidies and moving expenses, while consistently creating platforms for youth participation in city management through job support and policy councils.
A vibrant space for communication and growth: Ansan's 'Imagination Station'
Apart from the Grand Prize, Ansan has also excelled by broadening its policy scope to include participation, rights, employment, housing, welfare, and education. By actively incorporating youth suggestions through various participatory bodies, including the Youth Policy Committee, Ansan has fostered empowerment and independence through its spaces 'Imagination Road' and 'Imagination Station,' while implementing tailored support programs for rent and military service obligations. The combined efforts of these three municipalities have led to a rich harvest of the Grand Prize, reflecting their commitment to enhancing opportunities for youth.
Practical support and relatable policies: 'Policy and Communication Prize' winners Anyang, Gunpo, Siheung, and Gwangmyeong
Alongside the substantial achievements of the Grand Prize, the notable advancements in the policy and communication sectors are also impressive. Anyang and Gunpo, recipients of the 'Policy Prize,' have consistently identified effective projects that young people can feel in their daily lives. Anyang has expanded civic participation through its 'Anyang Youth Talent Registration' and provided diverse support for housing and employment. Gunpo has actively reflected youth voices in its policies through initiatives like the 'Youth Autonomous Participation Budget' and the 'Welcome Box' for single-person households.
Siheung's 'Youth Creation Center' and Gwangmyeong's 'Youth Storehouse' have also made significant strides in creating platforms for youth-led participation and communication. Siheung has engaged youth in policy discussions from the outset and expanded support for youth clubs and festivals, while Gwangmyeong has facilitated direct youth proposals through its mayoral youth committee and enhanced local youth hubs.
Towards a Gyeonggi Province where youth can thrive and envision their future
The diverse achievements of the 9th Youth-Friendly Constitutional Award exemplify the serious consideration given to the realities faced by young people and the intense efforts made to find tailored solutions. By building safe spaces for youth to thrive, designing policies that alleviate burdens, and listening to their voices, Gyeonggi Province has strengthened its youth-friendly ecosystem. As regions and youth grow together, we hope that the warm and robust policy support from local governments will continue to illuminate the path for young people's futures.

Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeonggi_gov/224418798898
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