The Prudential Foundation of Korea cohosted its 17th Spirit of Community Awards with the Korea Association of Secondary Education Principals in Seoul on Tuesday, recognizing young leaders of community service.

Prudential’s SOC is the nation’s largest youth volunteer recognition program, having started in 1999 to encourage prominent youth volunteers who contribute to community welfare and social justice.

This year, a total of 883 volunteer projects, engaged in by 3,628 students, were enrolled for the event. The annual event conferred three Ministers’ Awards, seven Gold Awards, 30 Silver Awards, 40 Bronze Awards and 202 Participation Awards.

In addition to the accolade, two Ministers’ Awardees, Kim Eun-jae and Go Yoo-rim, both 17, will be given an opportunity to represent Korea at the U.S. SOC Awards event held in Washington in 2016. They will also be able to learn about international volunteer activities and broaden their horizons with global perspectives on volunteering.

Kim Eun-jae is the leader of the 19 students of the “Jeongnamjin Talent Sharing Organization.” The group assisted the local community using their computer skills by providing free computer lessons at the local children’s center.

Go Yoo-rim was recognized for her volunteer work that she began as an elementary school student, in spite of her difficult circumstances. As a member of youth volunteering organization “Dream High,” she engaged in eliminating prejudice concerning council housing for underprivileged people. Later she organized a mentoring activity called “Book-sori” for local children.

“We hope this program continues to be an inspiration that helps many more youth volunteers share the joy and importance of volunteering and engage in more community services,” said Sohn Byoung-ok, the chairman of Prudential Foundation of Korea. 

    By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)