On December 30, members of the SNU community gathered to celebrate the achievements of the SNU Student Council for Social Responsibility in the fall semester of 2024. Visitors were warmly greeted by the aroma of delicious sandwiches, beverages, and the sounds of lively conversations at the Woojeongwon. Celebrating the semester's achievements, there were displays of various team activities all around the venue with refreshments for those in attendance.
The council leader presenting last semester's activities
A Legacy of Student-Led Contribution
The Student Council for Social Responsibility is an organization in which SNU students plan and execute social contribution projects each semester. In the 2024 fall semester, ten students participated in projects that focus particularly on addressing challenges that members of society face due to a lack of proper welfare mechanisms. Last December’s gathering celebrated the culmination of the semester’s efforts and representatives from partner organizations—including teachers from Saram Sarang Nanum School, supporters of the Asak Asak team, and educators and students from Banseok School—attended to witness the students' achievements.
Diverse Projects with Tangible Impact
The event featured six projects, including four newly initiated this semester and two ongoing long-term ones. Each project’s leader presented their team’s objectives, accomplishments, and societal impact, creating an inspiring showcase of dedication and creativity.
The Once Again Dreaming Turtle team, aimed to raise awareness of borderline intellectual functioning. Students from Saram Sarang Nanum School participated in board game and theater clubs run by the team that aimed to support lessons in expression and regulating emotions. These activities also helped foster heartfelt connections to better understand the students. The team also organized book displays throughout the year that centered on introducing books about borderline intelligence, and those written in easier language to help overcome barriers caused by difficult expressions.
Visitor looking at the displays of the Once Again Dreaming Turtle team
The Empty and Fill team addressed urban environmental challenges, particularly waste management and public space improvement. Their activities included labeling trash cans with playful messages to encourage their proper use and creating infographics to guide people on waste bin locations. Additionally, the team launched a therapeutic gardening program designed to support seniors at high risk of dementia, fostering both community engagement and mental well-being while improving the environment.
The other two newly introduced initiatives were conducted by the Asak Asak team and the Booksori team. The Asak Asak team focused on children living in group homes, offering nutrition education and cooking workshops, while the Booksori team collaborated with North Korean refugee youth from the Banseok School to compile their stories into a book, scheduled for publication this February. Those who participated in the program from the Banseok School attended the performance sharing event and presented their writings themselves, leaving a lasting impression on the event's attendees.
Students from Banseok School presenting
Long-Term Projects on Sustainability and Social Awareness
The teams that led the two long-standing initiatives also shared their achievements. Colorfully, active since 2023, has focused on promoting more accessible makeup for individuals with visual impairments. This semester, they collaborated with cosmetic brands to advocate for inclusivity in the beauty industry and create accessible product information.
The Barrier-Free (BFF) team also addressed accessibility issues within and outside SNU. Their efforts included developing a barrier-free map for SNU, hosting an inclusive film festival which featured movies that actively used subtitles, and installing monitors on campus shuttle buses for individuals with hearing impairments.
Looking Ahead to the Future of SCSR
The Student Council for Social Responsibility’s activities are particularly meaningful because they are entirely student-led, from conception to execution. The results shared at the year-end event underscore the impact of their hard work and commitment to social contribution. As SNU students continue to address pressing societal challenges, the program exemplifies how education and empathy can drive meaningful change. With monthly meetings to share progress, the SCSR paves the way for a growing culture of social responsibility, promising even greater impact in the years to come.
Written by Jeemin Suh, SNU English Editor, jiminasuh@snu.ac.kr