The first session of the “The First Step Towards the Future” Talk Concert, hosted by Cheongju City and the Cheongju Youth Center (CYC) and supported by The Monday Times, was held on November 21st at the CYC auditorium.

This program aims to help high school students develop cultural awareness, leadership skills, and a global mindset through global citizenship and leadership education, ultimately fostering outstanding local talent. For this program, approximately 1,000 3rd-year high school students from five local schools will participate in five sessions of lectures and Q&A sessions featuring local leading figures and global youth leaders of diverse nationalities.  

The lecture series includes speakers such as global youths who have paved new paths in Korea — Kamilah Dreux (Korean name, Han Haeng-wun, USA), Susan Shakya (Nepal), Maronko Moise (Rwanda), and Onege (Kazakhstan). Local leaders, including the mayor of Cheongju and city council members, will also contribute as guest speakers.

On the first day of the event, Mayor Lee Beom-seok of Cheongju City and TV and radio broadcaster Onege, originally from Kazakhstan, delivered inspiring messages to an audience of 150 third-year students from Affiliated High School to Korea National University of Education. They emphasized the importance of nurturing character and capabilities needed in a community and encouraged students to step confidently into the broader world.

Mayor Lee shared his personal journey in a talk titled “The Childhood and Dreams of a Cheongju Leader.” He candidly discussed what inspired him to dream of becoming the Mayor of Cheongju City and the efforts he made to achieve his goals, resonating deeply with the students. During the interactive session, students actively asked questions about leadership qualities for future leaders and proposed improvements to city bus routes near their school.

Meanwhile, Onege delivered a special lecture on Kazakhstani culture, her experiences living in Korea, and the attitudes youth should adopt as global citizens. She also engaged with students through a Q&A session using QR codes, having a meaningful and fruitful time together.

A participating student shared her thoughts: “It was a valuable opportunity to momentarily set aside the stress of the CSAT and worrying about my future, and to prepare for life as a future member of society.”

Kang Gyeong-gu, director of the CYC, stated, “The Cheongju Youth Center will continue to collaborate with schools, education offices, and other relevant institutions to provide programs like this one and various other initiatives aimed at the positive growth of Cheongju’s youth.” The talk concert will continue every Thursday at the CYC auditorium from November 28th to December 12th.