Microsoft Korea Volunteers Organise Trip for Children with Special Needs

In early August, a group of 14 Microsoft Korea volunteers accompanied seven young children from the Amsa Rehabilitation Center on a trip to enjoy the natural environment of Namhansansung.

The Amsa Rehabilitation Center in Seoul provides specialised care and medical treatment for young children with special needs in South Korea. Many of the children at the Amsa Rehabilitation Center face considerable constraints in travelling outdoors because of their disabilities. The volunteer team from Microsoft Korea, named “Together”, took the initiative to organise a trip to Namhansansung, providing these children the chance to experience the wonders of nature during the summer season.

For more than five years the “Together” team of 35 employees has been volunteering at the Amsa Rehabilitation Center on the first Saturday of each month. The volunteers usually get together to plan ahead for their monthly visit in order to create a series of enriching programmes that the children can actively participate in. Past activities have included cooking and origami sessions, which were greatly enjoyed by the children.

On the trip, each child was accompanied by two volunteers, who were assigned to take care of their needs. The children were clearly in high spirits, as they spent a fun and relaxing morning at a mountain stream near Namhansansung. After swimming for three hours, they ended the trip on a high note with an enjoyable outdoor lunch before heading back to Seoul.

“The children were very excited about the occasion, and their excitement really showed when they all started singing together with us on the bus trip to Namhansansung,” said Bryan Do, DIR BG Lead of Microsoft Korea.

The dedication and teamwork displayed by the “Together” volunteers were duly recognised when the Social Welfare Society put up an appreciation plaque for Microsoft Korea in honour of their activities. 

“ We are delighted to have the opportunity to spend time enjoying the outdoors with the children, and we hope to continue promoting the spirit of volunteerism .”

- Bryan Do , DIR BG Lead, Microsoft Korea