Minerva Edu, an edtech company in Gimhae, has made headlines by donating the full proceeds from a flea market event to a local childcare facility, promoting child welfare and practicing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).

On July 7, Minerva Edu (CEO Chu Cheol-min) visited the Yangsan Childcare Center in Gangseo-dong, Yangsan, to donate the total proceeds from the "2nd Minerva Edu Marketplace." This event was co-hosted by the Gyeongnam Cultural and Arts Promotion Agency and the Meta Contents Campus Association (MCCA), with Minerva Edu as the organizer.

Minerva Edu held its first marketplace in February, donating all proceeds to the Bangjuwon in Gimhae, and the second event took place on June 25 at the Yangsan Future Design Convergence Center.

The event involved local youth participating as "vendors," selling various items such as unused toys and handmade crafts at affordable prices. The event attracted about 10 young vendors and 70 visitors, resulting in a successful gathering, with total proceeds amounting to several hundred thousand won from sales and voluntary donations.

In addition to the proceeds, Minerva Edu also prepared school supplies for the children at the childcare center.

The Yangsan Childcare Center, which received the donation, is the only childcare facility in Yangsan. Established in 1945 by the late Kim Sam-geun, it has been operated for three generations, providing a safe haven for children who have lost their parents or need separation due to abuse, helping them grow properly. Currently, there are 36 children utilizing the facility.

The donation ceremony was attended by Yangsan City Council member Kim Ji-won, who expressed encouragement to the staff of Minerva Edu and the childcare center. She also toured the facility to identify areas needing improvement and promised to take swift action regarding operational difficulties.

Council member Kim stated, "I feel sorry for not having checked on the only childcare facility in Yangsan more closely. I will secure funding as soon as possible to renovate the aging educational space located at the entrance of the facility. In the future, I will visit more often to ensure that children live in a comfortable environment and receive a good education."

CEO Chu remarked, "We aim to instill entrepreneurial spirit in the children who sold items and promote a culture of giving and sharing in the community. We will continue to plan flea markets and donation events, hoping to contribute even a little to the operation of the Yangsan Childcare Center. We will also actively engage in events that promote communication and mutual growth with the community, striving to lead in sustainable development goals."

Meanwhile, Minerva Edu is an edtech company focused on enhancing youth project skills through creative education, robotics, software, AI courses, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) integration, Project-Based Learning (PBL) education, certification training, and hosting competitions. They are expanding their business and activities with their online collaboration tool, "Kurume."

Reporter: Ahn Chung-gi newnew9@joongang.co.kr

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