Hanwha E&C employees build libraries for the disabled

By Jun Ji-hye

Hanwha Engineering and Construction (E&C) employees have built libraries for the disabled for the past eight years as part of the firm's social contribution programs to help the underprivileged.

“The Dream & Green Library,” named after the firm's apartment brand, have been set up in unused spaces at social welfare facilities.

Kim Seok-won, a deputy general manager at the support team of the administration and management department, who came up with the library project, said, “Most construction companies are renovating houses as part of their volunteer work, but we wanted to do something more meaningful.”

He said his company used its knowhow to satisfy the needs of the disadvantaged groups through its library project.

“I heard the disabled experienced problems visiting libraries as they have mobility difficulties,” he said. “I thought it would be great to build a library that the disabled can easily use within the facilities where they live.”

The first Dream & Green Library was built in a disabled living facility located in Hongeun-dong, Seoul. Most recently, the firm opened its 76th library in a welfare center in Mapo.

Officials of Hanwha E&C have participated in the construction work in person, such as assembling cabinets and applying paint.

The company has also carried out a book donation campaign, in which citizens can participate. Through this, more than 40,000 books have been donated to the libraries.

Kim said the Dream & Green Library offers the disabled a comfortable reading space that is easily accessible, noting that his firm is receiving an increasing number of inquiries regarding the construction of libraries.

Hanwha E&C is planning to open its 80th library within the year and its 100th library by the end of 2020.

The firm is also planning to expand the Dream & Green Library to other cities around the country and encourage officials to participate in the project.

“We have had some difficulties in building libraries in rural areas as our personal have to take turns participating in the volunteer activities by taking time out of their busy schedules,” he said. “We are considering encouraging our officials, who are dispatched to construction sites in rural areas, to participate in the volunteer activities.”