In November, the Student Society for Social Responsibility’s team “Happily Ever After”—a part of SNU Social Responsibility—received the “2023 Putting People with Disabilities First” award, recognizing their efforts to raise awareness for and promote the rights of persons with disabilities.

The “2023 Putting People with Disabilities First” award ceremony held at Seoul Women’s Plaza

Over the course of the last two years, “Happily Ever After” has worked closely alongside children and adolescents with developmental disabilities in producing storybooks that have since been distributed to libraries in the Gwanak district, as well as to national disability organizations around the country.

Through their storybook project, “Happily Ever After” has aimed to lower the social barriers that distinguish between people with disabilities and those without disabilities. Their books particularly sought to convey the personal stories of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities, giving the message to the public that they should be seen not merely as bystanders but as protagonists in their own right. The group’s storybook project was praised by the “We First” organization (Disability Rights Action Headquarters) for its contribution towards bringing attention to the rights of persons with disabilities in Korea.

On the day of the award ceremony held at Seoul Women’s Plaza, Han Seung-Yeon, the team leader of “Happily Ever After,” expressed her gratitude to those who contributed to creating the stories and put them together. She stated, “I will strive to learn the courageous heart that can love neighbors even more in the rapidly changing world.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the SNU Social Responsibility (SNUSR) should feel free to visit the official website (https://snusr.snu.ac.kr/en).

Written by Min Seo Ki, SNU English Editor, mskey717@gmail.com