LGU+ Sets Up Child-Friendly Spaces at Disaster Relief Sites

2024.07.21. The Fair Economy — LGU+, the telecom arm of LG Uplus, said on the 21st that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with international relief organization the promise and the Korea Volunteer Center to operate "U+Kids Zone," a child-friendly space at disaster relief sites. The company is led by Hwang Hyeon-sik.

At disaster sites such as large wildfires, earthquakes, and floods, children need special physical and psychological protection and care more than adults. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 1989, stipulates four basic rights: the 'right to survival' for children to enjoy basic health services and life, the 'right to protection' from all harmful things, the 'right to development' to receive education and enjoy leisure, and the 'right to participation' to express opinions on matters affecting their lives. South Korea also ratified the convention on November 20, 1991, the day it joined the UN, which is Segye Eorini Ui Nal (World Children's Day), and has been striving to guarantee children's rights.

However, while overseas disaster sites have often seen relief organizations provide playgrounds and schools for children alongside rescue and reconstruction activities, domestic disaster sites have not seen active development of separate facilities and programs such as child-friendly spaces.

As a telecommunications company that shares in customers' daily lives, LGU+ will become the first domestic firm to operate a child-friendly space at a disaster relief site, rolling out tailored disaster support activities. The company plans to set up air tents near shelters for displaced residents and run programs focused on children's education and care.

The promise will manage the space, including education, play and care programs, while the Korea Volunteer Center will provide personnel and relief supplies through its nationwide volunteer network. LGU+ will supply smart pads, air conditioners and heaters, and child relief kits so that children can access "Aideulnara," a service tailored for kids.

The child relief kits are designed to help stabilize children's emotions and include coloring books, colored pencils, toys, full-body pillows and school supplies. LGU+ plans to produce 120 such kits through employee volunteer activities in July.

Earlier, LGU+ produced a mobile phone battery charging vehicle and is ready to be the first to respond to disaster relief sites. Along with the child care space, it is also preparing specialized activities to guarantee animal rights.

"We have set up a dedicated child care space for children, who have often received less attention at disaster relief sites," said Lee Cheol-hun, executive vice president and head of LGU+'s Communication Center. "We will operate a friendly and reassuring space so that children can grow strong despite the wounds of disaster."