Although South Korea’s economy has improved since the 1997 financial crisis, the situation of children and youth, especially those growing up in poor families, has worsened. The number of abused and neglected young people has grown, as has the number of runaway and homeless children. In the face of such challenges, South Korean young people often have few places to turn for support.

This situation motivated a group of successful venture capitalists to develop a new organization for young people through a partnership between professionals in the corporate and social service sectors. They were motivated by a genuine commitment to address the needs of young people who were excluded from economic opportunities. In February 2000, Kids&Future was born. From the beginning its mission has been to promote a “new sharing movement” in South Korea where businesses partner with social service organizations to address social needs. Kids&Future seeks to identify and address emerging problems such as the digital divide and social and cultural barriers to the positive development of young people. Kids&Future is designed as a new type of foundation, with professional management and transparent procedures.

Today, Kids&Future has a staff of six, and is governed by a Board that includes representatives from business, academia, and non-governmental organizations. So far it has focused on three initiatives:

* Supporting group homes, after-school centers, and shelters for children and youth via a project named “Sharing with Neighbors”.

* Providing computer technology (PCs, software, and Internet access) to disadvantaged young people.

* Training and re-training social workers through workshops, and helping them extend and strengthen professional networks.