The Korea Hana Foundation announced on Tuesday that it held the opening ceremony for the 12th Golf Caddy Training Program, which it operates jointly with Golfzon County.
According to the foundation, nine North Korean defectors participated in the ceremony held the previous afternoon at Eagle Mont CC in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province. The trainees will undergo a three-month program covering golf course operations, cart driving, and essential golf terminology and rules. Those who complete the training will be employed as caddies at golf courses operated by Golfzon County.
To support the trainees’ living expenses, the foundation will provide financial assistance for the three months, while Golfzon County will manage the training and provide room and board.
The Korea Hana Foundation and Golfzon County have been offering golf education and job opportunities to North Korean defectors for a decade, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in December 2014 to establish a pilot project for training defectors as caddies. To date, more than 90 defectors have secured employment as caddies at Golfzon County golf courses.
Acting Chairman Lee Ju Tae of the Korea Hana Foundation stated that the growth of the golfing population has created specialized caddy positions, which he views as promising employment opportunities for North Korean defectors. He added that next year, the foundation plans to actively promote the One More Company, One Person campaign to create quality and stable jobs, particularly for female defectors.