Standing on My Own Two Feet

Every year in Korea, approximately 2,500 teenagers leave childcare facilities and face an abrupt transition to independent living. No longer protected by the facilities, these teenagers experience financial problems like housing as well as mental health problems resulting from the burden of having to live alone for the first time. Samsung Stepping Stone of Hope is a program to support these students. The program offers comprehensive support from safe accommodation to tailored educational help for young people beginning to lead a life on their own. In partnership with private and public sectors, Samsung aims to help their transition as they make their way into the real world.

Originated from the heart of Samsung employees

Samsung Stepping Stone of Hope was borne a result of Samsung employees’ sincere aspiration to help adolescents. Marking the 20th anniversary of Samsung Electronics’ New Management Initiative in 2013, employees were given special incentives from which they voluntarily chose to donate 10% of. To find the most meaningful cause to give, employees collected ideas for corporate citizenship programs and put it to a vote. That is how Samsung Stepping Stone of Hope was born.

25 billion Korean won (approx. 21 million USD) worth of employee endowment was earmarked to launch the program, and Samsung also created a matching gift of 25 billion Korean won. Thanks to these efforts, as of today, seven centers are now in operation throughout the country. Three more centers are in line to be opened by 2022.

Learning the basics of independent life

Yunho is a college freshman who has recently moved into Stepping Stone of Hope center. “I moved into the center as soon as I started college. I felt nervous to live alone for the first time as I was used to spending the day with others back in childcare facilities. I am still learning independence but those at the center are of great help to me.”

At Samsung Stepping Stone of Hope center, teenagers learn to manage their own money. They learn to go grocery shopping and cook on their own. In addition, the center distributes monthly utility bills to the students to help them handle basic household finances. The monthly bills collected are returned to the students when they leave the facility.

Time to plan for the future

The young adults at the center explore career opportunities and prepare for the future. “These days, students are learning how to bake at after-school baking classes. Advanced courses can help them obtain a national technical qualification certificate for bread making,” said one of the instructors at the center.

Hyunmook is also a university-student resident who is working as an intern at the center, assisting with educational programs and events. “An instructor from the center knew of my interest in becoming a social worker and offered me an internship opportunity. The center has offered me so much support and I am grateful to have been given such a valuable opportunity to experience practical work.”

A safe home for teenagers

“Samsung Stepping Stone of Hope center is an essential institution for young adults who are just beginning to stand on their own feet,” says Soyeon, a former resident of the center who is now a social worker. She says her experience at the center sparked her interest in social welfare. “It was a great relief to have someone I can talk to when I needed emotional support. This gave me the courage to overcome the fear of being alone.”

As of today, Samsung Stepping Stone of Hope has helped 8,500 young adults who have been discharged from public care systems. Samsung Stepping Stone of Hope will continue to support young people and their transition into a safe and stable adulthood.