Adult Learners Who Used Discarded Desks and Chairs... Hanssem Improves Ansan Yongshin School's Learning Space

Hanssem Renovates Ansan Yongshin School Through the "Chanranhansaem" Project
Provides About 110 Pieces of Furniture, Including Office Desks and Chairs

Hanssem announced on October 30 that it had replaced aging furniture and improved the space at Ansan Yongshin School, an educational facility for adult learners in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province.

Hanssem held a ceremony on the 21st to mark the completion of renovations at Ansan Yongsin School. Officials, including Lee Jiseung, department head at Hanssem’s Marketing Division (fourth from left in the front row); Kim Gyeongok, principal of Ansan Yongsin School (fifth from left in the front row); and Jeon Jaehyeon, secretary-general of G Foundation (second from right in the back row), pose for a commemorative photo. Hanssem

The support was provided as part of Hanssem’s flagship social contribution program, its “Space Improvement Project.” Hanssem has been working to improve spaces for women and vulnerable groups, and plans to renovate a total of five educational facilities this year. The project was named “Chanranhansaem,” reflecting the hope that its beneficiaries’ lives will shine brightly.

Founded in 1987, Ansan Yongshin School is an educational institution for older adults who missed out on learning opportunities due to economic and social difficulties. It currently has about 100 students and 20 teachers, and offers basic Korean language education, literacy classes, and classes to prepare for the high school equivalency examination.

Because of budget constraints, Ansan Yongshin School had been using desks and chairs discarded by other educational institutions. Older students had complained of back and joint pain during class because of the old, hard chairs. Taking into account the physical needs of its older students, Hanssem focused on creating a “healthy learning environment.”

A classroom at Ansan Yongshin School, where Hanssem improved the space. Hanssem

Hanssem provided about 110 pieces of furniture, including desks and chairs from its office furniture line, so older students could focus on class without worrying about pain. In particular, the newly supplied LAY chairs respond flexibly to the user’s weight and movements, and evenly distribute pressure to significantly reduce strain on the lower back and pelvis.

About 60 people, including Hanssem representatives, its partner NGO G Foundation, and students and staff from Ansan Yongshin School, attended the completion ceremony on October 21 and toured the renovated classrooms. One student said, “The chairs were so hard that my back hurt even after sitting for a short time, making it difficult to concentrate on my studies. The new chair is comfortable even when I sit for a long time. I’d like to study harder at my new desk and write about my life.”

A Hanssem representative said, “It is meaningful to provide older adults who continue to pursue their passion for learning with a healthy, welcoming place to study, going beyond simply supplying furniture. We will continue to create positive change in communities through the power of well-designed spaces.”

Kim Gyeongok, principal of Ansan Yongshin School, said, “I had always felt sorry that our older students had to put up with such poor facilities. Thanks to Hanssem’s support, they can now study in a bright and comfortable space. I am grateful to Hanssem and G Foundation for their help, and will do my best to ensure that our students can continue pursuing their dreams of learning.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.