To emphasize the importance of social responsibility, SNU operates a dedicated organization called “Seoul National University Social Responsibility” (SNUSR) to encourage student involvement in a wide range of volunteering activities. Within SNUSR, there is a student-led group called the Student Council for Social Responsibility, which empowers students to take charge of planning and participating in community outreach projects. Students are given educational sessions, professional expertise, and continuous supervision to aid their volunteering endeavors.
This semester, the SNUSR Student Council for Social Responsibility (SCSR) Regeneration and Healing team decided to address the issue of high rates of geriatric depression among resource recycling activists, particularly in the Gwanak-gu district. Previously referred to informally as “junk collectors” by the wider Korean populace, these elders who collect and recycle waste paper are now officially recognized as resource recycling activists. This recognized title, implemented by the Korean government, aims to reduce the stigma surrounding their work and honor their environmentally conscious efforts.
The SCSR Regeneration and Healing team aimed to introduce the practice of art therapy into the lives of these elderly activists to alleviate their stress and depression. Further, noting the lack of social recognition for their contributions, the team aimed to raise awareness about the environmental, economic, and social importance of these activists’ recycling efforts.
Before initiating the art therapy program, the team visited various scrap yards across Seoul to assess the working conditions of the resource recycling activists and determine the potential benefits of art therapy. After conducting numerous interviews with the activists themselves, they recruited interested elders along with students from the SNU College of Fine Arts and the SNU Art Club Midong. The team also brought in an art therapy expert, Professor Park Ju Yeon, to provide professional guidance for the program.
Throughout the semester, the elders participated in diverse art projects, including “decorating my profile,” “crafting a gift box for myself,” “making a lucky pouch,” “creating my own calendar,” “creating a poem on canvas,” and “making tote bags and moru dolls.”
The culmination of these efforts was an art exhibition titled Looking In held from July 11 to 17 at the Seoul Living Culture Center of Sindorim Station, showcasing the artistic achievements of the resource recycling activists.
The Exhibition, Looking In
A closer look at the exhibits
A closer look at the exhibits
A wall full of comments left behind by visitors
As can be seen, the exhibit items have all been crafted with deliberate care and a diverse palette of colors. Each art project effuses warmth and love, highlighting the unique individuality of its creator. The vibrancy of the pieces displays the personal touch and creative potential embedded within the elders.
After completing the art therapy program, the resource recycling activists provided positive feedback to the SCSR Team and expressed a strong interest in participating in similar projects in the future. Their enthusiastic responses highlighted the program’s positive impact and the empowering potential of art therapy in geriatric depression.
The Student Council for Social Responsibility continuously engages in social volunteering projects aimed at fostering social solidarity and inclusiveness. To stay updated on their latest initiatives and ongoing efforts, we encourage you to follow their Instagram page @snu_scsr_. There, you can find regular updates, event announcements, and insights into their impactful work in the community.
Written by Hyun Kyung Jung, SNU English Editor, jhyunk@snu.ac.kr