On May 11, HYUNDAI WIA announced the selection of Seoul National School for the Deaf, located in Jongno-gu, as the "HYUNDAI WIA Green School" and created a forest on the school site.
HYUNDAI WIA Green School is a part of ESG management (Environment, Social, and Governance) programs that help students grow in nature by planting trees and decorating gardens at school. Since turning Namyang Elementary School in Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do into 'HYUNDAI WIA Green School' in 2019, it is the fifth green school HYUNDAI WIA has established.
HYUNDAI WIA first created a "seasonal garden" at Seoul National School for the Deaf. It allows students to feel the changing seasons by looking at growing flowers and trees throughout the year. A total of 38 species of trees, including daffodils, abeliophyllum distichum, saururus chinensis, gentian, and anemone hupehensis, can be identified. The company carefully selected plants with vivid colors and special touches for students with hearing loss.
HYUNDAI WIA has also created a customized rest area called 'Zelkova Garden' for the students of Seoul National School for the Deaf. A long and wide rest area enables students to freely communicate using sign language. Wooden decks replaced unattended land covered with soil and stones for the students' safety. Students can also relax on the round bench set under the nurse tree shade.
Forest interpreters will also lead a 'gardening experience program' at the 'Zelkova Garden'. Students can wholly experience nature by being involved in planting various plants, including endangered species. HYUNDAI WIA staff members also participated in a volunteer program to commemorate the opening of the green school. Around 30 staff members of HYUNDAI WIA attended the 'bakers and barista' vocational training activity with the students. Participants donated the baked bread to local welfare centers.
The company plans to consistently increase the number of 'HYUNDAI WIA Green School' so that students can grow healthy by taking clean air. "We strongly believe that small actions can bring a big change to the world. From cultivating green schools for the students to grow happily surrounded by green nature, we will persist in promoting diverse ESG activities," said an official from HYUNDAI WIA.