INCHEON (UCAN): A delegation from the Korean Bishops’ Conference paid a visit to a Church-run facility for children and youth facing abuse and promised support for their wellbeing and a self-reliant future.
The delegation visited the Starflower facility in the Diocese of Incheon on May 9 and vowed to assist the children and youth to overcome their difficulties.
Starflower has been a beacon of hope for children and youth who fled their homes to avoid various forms of domestic abuse. It offers them support to get education and skills training to settle down in life.
The Committee for Pastoral Care of Youth of the bishops’ conference arranged the meeting.
The conference chairperson, Bishop Mathias Ri Iong-hoon of Suwon, Bishop John Baptist Jung Shin-chul of Incheon, and Bishop Pius Moon Chang-woo of Jeju were among the visitors.
Other delegates included Bishop Simon Kim Ju-young of Cheongju, Bishop Simon Kim Jong-Gang of Cheongju, and Bishop Titus Seo Sang-Beom of the Military Ordinariate of Korea.
Bishop Kim of Cheongju said it “was a good opportunity to meet with the youth on the edge and ponder the issues,” adding, “It is important for the Church to play a pastoral role in the face of Korea’s serious youth problems.”
At Starflower, we protect young people separated from their families and support them to continue their education
Fatehr Song
Starflower’s director, Father Song Wonsup, appraised the bishops of the various challenges faced by the youth in their path towards self-reliance.
According to South Korea’s National Police Agency, an estimated 50,000 children and adolescents have run away from home due to abuse, violence, or neglect.
Many of these children wander around cafes and other places to make a living, and often turn to crimes such as Internet fraud and illegal gambling. Sexual exploitation of minors is the most common form of victimisation.
“At Starflower, we protect young people separated from their families and support them to continue their education,” Father Song said.
“However, the emotional and psychological wounds are not easily healed, so we also provide therapy,” he added.
He pointed out that the youth are trained to earn their living, pay their bills, handle banking and real estate matters, and learn the basics of independent living such as cooking, washing, and cleaning at a young age.
Father Song said that the young people are given a second chance even if they fail to achieve their goals.
Peter Song Ki-ju, a 24-year-old who came to Starflower at the age of 18, works at the café and is preparing for a job. He hopes to carry forward the lessons of kindness and care that he has received.
He has earned various certifications, including a barista’s license, a brewer’s license, a hairdresser’s license, and a cosmetic care-related trade license.
