Education Donation

 

Korean middle and high school students are participating in various meaningful volunteer activities. One of the volunteer activities that students perform is 'education donation', an act which senior students teach basic academic works to children in need. While volunteering students have a chance to gain more knowledge, they also spend their efforts for children living in poor environments. For those children who do not even have the chance to get education, this meaningful activity has bestowed a light of hope for them. This activity is held in numerous organizations, youth centers and even in churches throughout the nation.

Some places to seach for Education Donation:

 

Korea Nanum Volunteer Service Inc.(대한나눔복지회)

Photo Credit: http://cafe.naver.com/knws/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Korea Nanum Volunteer Service Inc.(대한나눔복지회) manages a group called the Korea Nanum Youth Volunteer Service (대한나눔청소년봉사대) which is a noncommercial organization consisted of many teenage volunteers to give social service to the elders. Among its meaningful activities, the Korea Nanum Youth Volunteer Service (대한나눔청소년봉사대) cooperates with other youth organizations to help their volunteers participate in education donation. Teenage volunteering takes place every saturday and during holidays as an ordinary program.

For more information, please visit http://cafe.naver.com/knws/

 

Good Neighbors (굿네이버스)

Photo Credit: http://blog.naver.com/dmsruddnwn?Redirect=Log&logNo=40175867997

Good Neighbors is a non-governmental organization established in 1991 to protect the lives and human rights of poor world citizens and has cared for health and peace along with the United Nations. Good Neighbors also organizes volunteer activities to put 'share' 'volunteer' 'social contribution' into action. Good Neighbors has made an agreement with the Western Incheon Office of Education Support (인천시서부교육지원청) to mature students for competence and talents. Good Neighbors has organized many winter education donation programs in elementary schools of Gangseo-gu/Yangcheon-gu. Many volunteers got involved to ensure the safe growth of young children and to encourage the development of their hidden abilities.

For more information, please visit http://www.goodneighbors.kr/main.asp

 

 

Local Children Facilities/ Youth Centers(지역별 아동복지관/청소년수련관)

Photo Credit: http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=102&oid=003&aid=0002984537

Many different children facilities and youth centers have added education donation programs to open children to a wide variety of activities they can enjoy. Children facilities and youth centers of different regions have cooperated with different organizations to invite skilled senior students for simple and enjoyable lessons. For young children in Chlidren Facilities, the education donation program focuses on building a good basis for their start in studying and for the adolescents in Youth Centers, the lessons makes sure that the problems children face with their school work are solved.

For more information, please visit the web page of children facility or youth center nearest from your resident.

 

 

 

With great  luck, I had the opportunity to have a talk with an Apgujeong high school student Yoon Hee Sung (18), who has been participating in the education donation program in a church for two years.

 


 

Q> Looking back two years, what was it like starting this volunteer activity?

At first, I didn't really have much courage and I still feel shy and uneasy when I think about my first day at the church. Since I'm not that kind of an open person, I don't really speak much and I hate standing in front of other people I do not know. I really wondered if I could get along with this well.

 

Q> What did you learn while teaching children at the church?

As I got used to giving lessons to children and sharing conversations with them, I started to get really talkative and changed into a teacher who is very eager and passoinate about her learners. Sort of like a mentor. I really wanted to tell them stories about my days at school and some fun jokes, too. I learnt that studying is not about accepting the lessons being taught. What is impotrant is that the children enjoy the materials that they and I have gone through together.

 

Q> What did you like most about this program?

To be honest, I first decided to take part in this activity for filling up my volunteering time. But when it was time for me to finish and go back to the church to get the volunteer certificate, I didn't want to show it to my students and felt ashamed of myself. All the effort and time I had spent for this program seemed worthless. The true beauty of this program is that it helped me to develop my skills of interacting with other people and it was such a pleasure to help children with the best thing I can do.


 

 

The education donation program is very rewarding for both teachers and learners and it is more than a volunteer activity. This program hopes to mature successful individuals to become sound civilians for the future society.

 

Korean Women's Literature 30 Years

From 14 Sep 2012 to 3 Nov 2012, an exhibition of Korean Female authors was held in Young-In Museum of Literature(영인문학관). The exhibition held some personal artifacts of famous Korean female writers. Along with the exhibition, the Young-In Museum of Literature had lectures every Saturday that concerned with the writers.

Due to the belief of 'male chauvinism', women in Korea did not have the chance to pursue their dreams but rather stay at home to do daily chores. However with the start of Na Hye Sok(나혜석) in 1918, Korean women started to break out from the old belief and published works that were hardly praised by others. To commemorate the courageous individuals, the Young In Museum of LIterature not only exhibited the literary works of the writers, but also showed some articles of old newspapers to describe the challenging lives of the Korean female writers.

Who are some female writers of Korea?

1.나혜석 (Na Hye Sok)

Although born in the male-centered society of Joseon, Na Hye Sok acheived her dream to become a writer and a painter. After graduating Jin Myeong Girl's High School with an astonishing score, Na continued her studies at Tokyo Women's Art college in Japan. She became Korea's first female professional painter and the first female feminist wirter in Korea. Na Hye Sok encouraged other females to break out from the traditional roles of women and have ambitions for the things that they desired. With her first work, Kyonghui (경희), which was published in 1918, Na Hye Sok seeked for women's self discovery and the true meaning of a new life for women.

Na Hye Sok

 

Photo Credit: Daum

2.노천명(Noh Chun Myung)

Noh Chun Myung was born in the disordered periods of the Japanese Imperialism. As she graduated Jin Myeong Girl's High School and Iwha Women's University, Noh spent busy times by joining a culture employment reporter at Chosun JoongAng Daily. She also became a culture employment reporter at Chosun Daily. Later in 1940s, she became a reporter in two other departments, Maeil Shinbo and Seoul Shinmun. Noh is famous for her work, "Sa Seum"(사슴) as she described her personal solitude and sadness by picturing deer as 'an animal sad for its long neck'. Unlike other fellow writers, Noh did not show interest in political movements but rather put her effort in giving lectures at her old school.

Literary works of Noh

3.박경리(Park Kyung Li)

Park Kyung Li was also born during the Japanese Imperialism when the limitation on women's roles was most strict. After studying at Jinju Girls' High school (진주고등여학교), Park made her literary debut in 1955 with 'Gyesan' (Calculations). However, Park is most well-known for her 16-volume novel, 'Toji' which clearly depicts the turbulent history of Korea between the 19th and 20th century. This highly praised novel was later adapted to other forms of art, such as television series and operas. By criticizing traditions, Park described the importance of human dignity in all her works.

Park Kyung Li

The exhibition had a great meaning its visitors. Visitors could appreciate the works of female writers who had suffered a great pressure under the society and recognize the importance of their existence. Young visitors showed a great interest in the female writers because of the well-known works and they showed regret to the hardships the writers had faced in their lives.

The 8th Charity Flea Market-WeAJa

On the 14th of October, WeAJa Charity Flea Market was opened in 4 areas of the nation (Seoul, Busan, Dajeon and Jeonju) with the theme of 'Sharing makes the economy strong! The earth strong as well!'

WHAT IS 'The 8th Charity Flea Market-WeAJa'?

WeAJa is an event that is co-hosted by the JoongAng Media Network, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Busan Metropolitan City, the Dajeon Metropolitan City and the Jeollabuk-do Province. This event aims to sell donated goods and revert the sum to charity. Starting from 2005, it has raised 1 billion, 9 million and 290 thousand won for donation.(Statistics: JoongAng Daily) The WeAJa Charity Flea market is consisted of more than 33 social enterprise booths, auctions of public figure donation and JoongAng Media Network zones.

The Seoul Market was opened in Seoul World Cup Stadium North Plaza and the opening ceremony commenced the event at noon. Along with host representatives, there were many visitors to share the meaning of this event.

Flea Market

Throughout the whole North Plaza, there were numerous booths that sold products from different social enterprises. This was a great chance for promoting valuable products and introducing visitors to unique ideas. A large booth named 'Beautiful shop' sold coffee and other drinks made from fair-trade ingredients. The booth was organized by 'Beautiful Coffee', a Korean fair trade organization.

Other booths included unique dolls made from re-cycled materials. One social enterprise, 'Yonzdoll' explained that all of their products are made of materials that were collected from thrown away garments. Another enterprise named 'Touch for Good' filled their booth with neat bags made from used banners. Visitors learned the environmental contributions of these social enterprises.

Apart from social businesses, student voluntary groups participated in the flea market as well. Whimoon Boys High School's voluntary group, Doongwoori, opened a market of 100 handmade recycled notepads and 800 re-used goods. From 2010, this group has participated in the WeAJa Seoul Market and donated the profit to the Seoul Daecheong Welfare Center for the senior citizens who live alone. I had the chance to hear some words from the 2012 Doongwoori's leader, Kim Woo Jin.

Could you briefly explain what ‘Doongwoori’ is?

 

‘Doongwoori’ is a student voluntary group that aims to help the elders who live alone. Our group visits senior citizens every month to share talks or give a hand to anything that they need help in. Also, Doongwoori participates in various activities such as trip to the YangJae Citizen’s Forest, WeAJa Flea Market, Kimchi Making (Kimjang), etc.

 

Why did ‘Doongwoori’ participate in the WeAJa Charity Flea Market?

 

We participated with the aim to help old citizens keep warm during the harsh winter by giving financial aid for heating bills through the profit we make in WeAJa Charity Flea Market.

 

What materials does ‘Doongwoori’ sell in the WeAJa Charity Flea market?

 

We sell secondhand books, clothes, stationery and donations from public figures. To add, we sell re-cycled materials that had been collected through the whole year for the WeAJa Charity Flea Market.

 

What have you learnt by participating in the WeAJa Charity Flea Market?

 

Through my experience in the WeAJa Charity Flea Market, I learnt the correct attitude of volunteering and some economical concepts. By bargaining with visitors, I learnt the ways to satisfy both the interests of the buyer and the seller. Also, I found out that volunteer activities are not limited in active helping but it can also be accomplished through fundraising.

The WeAJa Charity Flea Market did not only offer its visitors with valuable goods but it also encouraged participants to take some action to help poor nieghbours and save the planet. With participants of different ages, all gathered together to celebrate the idea of 'sharing'.

 

2012 ‘Shoes of Hope’ Festival

 

            

 

2-day festival at Gwanghwamun Square

             ‘Shoes of Hope’ sends shoes that are decorated with messages of peace and sharing to underprivileged children around the world. The 2012 ‘Shoes of Hope’ Festival will take place at Gwanghwamun Square on October 26 and 27. The 3,000 shoes decorated during the event will later be sent to Vietnam.

              The 2012 ‘Shoes of Hope’ Festival includes shoe-decorating, a photo exhibition including images from Vietnam, an exhibition showing the history of ‘Shoes of Hope’ over the past five years, a display of shoes decorated by celebrities, and a book-exchange event where participants can exchange their second-hand books for new ones.

                

 

Sharing messages of hope since 2007

             ‘Shoes of Hope’ began 10 years ago as part of the Art Miles Mural Project (AMMP), a UN-sponsored project that encourages nonviolent actions to promote world peace, culture, and children. The Seoul Youth Center for Cultural Exchange (hereafter MIZY Center) first introduced the project to Korea in 2007.

             The ‘Shoes of Hope’ project in Korea delivered the sneakers collected through this project to Ugandan child soldiers and orphans in 2007 and to poverty-stricken children in Bangladesh and Cambodia in 2008 and 2009, respectively. In 2010, sneakers were delivered to Nepalese child laborers working in dangerous conditions, such as in coal mines. The 11,500 sneakers collected in 2011 were delivered to teenagers and children in the northern mountainous region of Laos in a simple handover ceremony. This year, the shoes will be sent as messages of peace and reconciliation to Vietnam, a country where Korean soldiers once fought. 

             In addition, MIZY Center has also established ‘Libraries of Hope’ in Cambodia and Nepal in conjunction with the ‘Shoes of Hope’ project. These libraries are intended to act as a form of sustainable support for the children of these countries. This year, as part of Mayor Park Won-soon’s support plan for libraries and the establishment of a reading culture, the citizens of Seoul can exchange their second-hand books for 10,000 new books.

 

 

 

Jang Bogo Antarctic Research Station

In search for eco-friendly resources and undiscoverd organisms, scientists have turned to the mystery terrains of Antarctica. Within the land where it has not yet been affected by human touch, countries of the world seek to construct stations to embark their novel research. With the name of 'Jang Bogo Antarctic Research Station', Korea is planning to construct its second research station near the Terra Nova Bay in Antarctica. After a national vote, the station was named after a Korean historic figure named Jang Bogo who swept pirates off the coast in the Shilla Dynasty.

From 1st of August 2012 to 5th of August 2012, a 5-day exhibition was held in COEX to introduce the up-coming Jang Bogo Antarctic Research Station. The exhibition included booths that showed 3-D video clip models of the station, the practice of the Antarctic research and the history of Korea's appearance in the Antarctic terrain. The following are some major booths that introduced the new research station to the visitors.

1.The footsteps of the Polar Research

This booth contained information of Korea's continuous efforts and results of polar research. A large timeline was pictured on the wall that pointed out some important dates. For example, in 1978~9, Korea embarked its polar research with the South Pole Ocean Krill work. Soon after on 17th February 1988, the first Antarctic research station of Korea, Antarctic King Sejong Station(남극세종과학기지), was constructed. In April 2002, the Arctic Dasan Station(북극다산과학기지) was built and subsequently, in 2009, Korea's first research icebreaker, 'Araon-ho'(아라온 호) was introduced.

2.A land of mystery, Antarctica

With models of different animals living in Antarctica, this booth introduced the natural environment and the ecological resources of the Antarctic. Along with rare Antarctic animals, there were displays of meteorites discovered in the region.

3.The Jang Bogo Antarctic Research Station (1)

This booth showed a 3-D model of the Jang Bogo Antarctic Research Station that is planned to be completed in 2014. Through this model design, visitors were able to form an abstract thinking of how the design will look and get a more realistic experience with the 3-D effects.

4. The Jang Bogo Antarctic Research Station (2)

This booth contained life-sized models of some features of the Jang Bogo Antarctic Research Station to introduce the special characteristics that the new station has.

-A duplicated heat insulation tube

Regarding the extreme temperatures of the Antarctic, freeze-resistant heat rays and urethane foams were used for the special manufacture. Eventually, pipes that are exposed to out-door environment can be protected from freezing to burst.

-A safe plant company

With 98% of the terrain covered with ice and an average temperature of -34 degrees, plant farming is impossible in Antarctica. However, the safe plant company balances the light, temperature, water and fertilizer in order to produce plants in any climate or area. The safe plant company wil provide fresh, safe vegetation to the Antarctic Scouts who only had frozen vegetables to feed on before.

-A triple windshield

To handle the extreme cold temperatures of the Antarctic, the Jang Bogo Antarctic Research Station minimized the external areas and applied a triple windshield to limit the energy loss.

-A sewage disposal facility

In order to protect Antarctica's pure environment, a sewage disposal facility has been imported to re-use the waste water in the research station. The sewage disposal facility will apply a high-tech method of construction using internal circulation to create reusable water.

-A special wall and floor system

Acknowledging the extreme climates of the Antarctic, modular walls and floors have been selected to optimize the field construction in Antarctica. As a normal construction does not fit with the cold temperatures of the Antarctic, fabrication is completed in Korea and building materials are transported to Antarctica. Also, such walls and floors are designed with materials that are resistant against fires and noises for the safe and comfortable living of Antarctic Scouts.

-Facilities that have an efficient use of energy

The Jang Bogo Antarctic Research Station has a wind generator that uses the strong winds of the Antarctic climate as its energy source. This power plant is not affected by the wind direction and it can reduce the emission of carbon dioxide along with the fuel usage. Also, all lights within the research station are made with LED bulbs for energy saving. To add, LEDs do not require replacements and such eco-friendly method of lighting do not have any harmful materials such as lead or mercury.

Other than these booths, others provided recent researches of climate changes to awake the consciousness and the will to take action. Also, visitors had the chance to experience activities that were related to Antarctica. This meaningful exhibition allowed its visitors to develop a good understanding of the new research station and the special facilities it holds. Regarding the efforts that are being put into the construction, this exhibition gave a chance for people to realize the importance of research stations in the polar region.

 

 

 

Seoul International Youth Film Festival

 

 

About SIYFF& Opening Ceremony

 

Established in 1999, the Seoul International Youth Film Festival is an annual film festival for discovering and supporting talented individuals and developing various culture programs through media. Through the SIYFF, there is an aim to introduce new world’s coming-of-age films, provide media education for future generations and expand the media culture base for domestic and international youths. The SIYFF targets 20,000 people from 40 countries and this year, it opened its 14th film festival from August 23rd (Thu) ~ 29th (Wed). With various categories, the Seoul International Youth Film Festival screened 141 films of 41 different countries.

 

The opening ceremony was held in Inchon Memorial Hall, Korea University, on August 23rd 2012. On the red carpet, some famous Korean filmmakers and actors such as Im kwon Taek(임권택), Lee Joon Ik(이준익), Ahn Sung Ki(안성기) and Ha Jeong woo(하정우) showed up. With a great number of people, the ceremony really did look like one of the world-wide film festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival or the Venice International Film Festival. Young filmmakers who had taken part in the festival also appeared on the red carpet, crowded by many cameras and flashlights.

 

 

Soon after, the opening ceremony commenced with a performance of ‘풀림 앙상블’, a new-age music group. After the congratulatory message, the opening film, ‘Kauwboy’ was screened.  As a

movie made in the Netherlands, the film impressively pictured a boy’s growth in a lonely environment.

 

 

Screening Program

The screening program of SIYFF was categorized into different groups. Such groups included Kid’s Eye, Teen’s Eye, Strong Eye, Competition 13+, Competition 19+, Pyeong Chang Special Olympics Program and Clermont-Ferrand Kid’s Special Program.

 

Kid’s Eye program

This section targets preschoolers, lower grades and their parents to show 13 feature films and 14 short films. Such films are shown to be critically acclaimed or internationally recognized. Short films are divided into two sections, Kid’s Eye Shorts 1 and 2. The former introduces mainly animations while the latter introduces adventures and the lives of children.

 

 

Teen’s Eye program

‘Teen’s Eye’ section is devoted to teenagers and mainly focuses on the lives of teenagers in different countries as well as the problems they are facing. This section introduces 15 feature films and 7 short films. Some themes that films have are secretive first love, teenage stereotype, school bullying, etc.

 

 

Strong Eye

This unique section introduces 14 feature films and 7 short films that have the characteristics of R-rated films. Films of this section contain themes of sex, drugs and violence. This section aims to allow teenagers to communicate with adults by seeing films which show their reality.

 

 

Competition 13+

This section is composed of films which are made by teenagers of 13 to 18 from Korea and other countries. Consisting of 14 Korean films and 10 foreign films, the young directors talk about stories of their lives through their own filming techniques.

 

 

Competition 19+

Competition 19+ contains films about kids, youth or maturation. This section has 10 Korean films and 10 foreign films which are mostly about kids, maturation of young adults and multiculturalism.

 

 

PyeongChang Special Olympics Program

With the support of the United States Embassy in Korea, SIYFF created a PyeongChang Special Olympics section to wish the success of the Special Olympics that will be held in 2013. This section includes films which deal with the success of disabled individuals.

 

 

Clermont-Ferrand Kid’s Special Program

Among the unique and fascinating short films of the ‘Kid’s Section’ that the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival provides, SIYFF has selected 23 shorts for children and youths.

 

 

As a teenager myself, it was an interesting experience to see films that were made by directors of my age. Since the films related well with my life, it was easy to get focused and sympathize with characters’ situations. Seoul International Youth Film Festival provided its audience with great and creative films and it gave a great chance for intelligent individuals to present their works to the public. Through SIYFF, more and more youths who wish to succeed in filmmaking will be able to take a closer step toward their dreams.

 

 

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How to participate in SIYFF

 

-For filmmaking participation

1. Register on the SIYFF homepage. (www.siyff.com)

2. Send documents related with the film in a CD with a DVD copy to the address below.

 

 

 -For film judging participation

Register on the SIYFF homepage. (www.siyff.com)

 

 

 

 -Visiting SIYFF

 

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The place where people donate their education

 

 

Studying is a word students often hear from parents, teachers, anywhere it could be. It might have been a stress of just hearing of it. Why? Because when we think of ‘studying’ we often recollect the image of sitting on the chair and looking into a book. But study itself might not be that boring. For those of you who want to meet a new face of ‘study’, it may have been helpful to visit the ‘Donation for Education fair of 2012’ which was held from March 16th to 18th (Friday to Sunday) at Ilsan KINTEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donation for Education. It’s not that hard!

 

 

 

 

 

This fair was hosted by Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and was conducted by Korea Science and Engineering Foundation. The fair has stated that it has been a first time in which contributors and receivers come along together in a certain place. By doing so, it wanted to promote the activity of donating education.

In brief, it was a party of sharing educational information and experience.

There were over 130 numbers of institutions consisted of companies, universities and many kinds of organizations to donate their education to people. Then you might get a question ‘How?

Well, come along with me!

 

Corporations

 

 

On seeing a guide book, I got interested at the long list of companies. From popular companies to smaller size entrepreneurs, it seemed that most of the companies we know were there. I think now education is not the homework given only to schools, Education institutions. Companies have started to throw into an education matter. Of course there may be other reasons for attending this exhibition but the fact that a number of leading companies in Korea concern about education is worthy of notice. I would like to introduce some of companies. If you want to know other corporations, please visit the website below the article.

 

 

-LOTTE group

 

 

 

 

There was sugar craft experiencing program hosted by LOTTE hotel. It is not just listening to teachers’ explanation which might be a bit boring. You could actually make a sugar craft for yourself. Sugar craft can be unfamiliar among children as a job. To make people do sugar art would be a good chance letting them know about the rare job of sugar art itself as well as providing a new experience to students.  

 

The staff explained each of the participants prudently about how to use sugar in the way you want. A girl who were making a crane said that even thought she never have experienced a sugar art, she could enjoy making it as teachers help them carefully and it was really fun.

 

To experience being a newscaster or weather caster would be fun as well. There was another booth of LOTTE which was learning the area of broadcasting. You could actually maneuver the cameras which get the pose of participant who broadcast weather or home shopping. I was able to see many youth enjoy their jobs and then create a good work.

 

For students who are interested in economy might find KDB daweoo financial group booth helpful which was offering CEO game, finding jobs related to finance and so on. Especially CEO game was popular among children as they were able to name their own company, determine for themselves how to deal with difficulties the company was faced.

 

 

 

Public institution

 

 

Surely, many parts of community including education are complemented by a base of public institutions. Public services have contributed to enhancing Korean culture, scholarship program etc.   In this fair as I had expected, a lot of institutions participated.  

 

 

-Korea press foundation

 

 

 

As I am now working as a youth reporter at Seoul Youth Center for Cultural Exchange (MIZY), among many public institutions, my first intriguing booth was that of Korea Press Foundation. When I got near there, I could see a number of teenagers working enthusiastically. They were making a newspaper regarding the fair, completing a newspaper puzzle with friends and listening to teachers’ explanation about how news are produced.

 

There were a lot of students saying that they want to be a journalist or reporter that I became a little bit strained as a student who hope to be a newspaperman in the future as well. I could see many newspapers made by high technology as well as paper news. Seeing many future pressmen and high advanced news which would be well suited to our new social media world, I looked forward to a bright future for the press.

 

 

Besides the Korea Press Foundation, there were numerous renowned institutions so that I would want to introduce some of them.

 

*Korea Student Aid Foundation - a mentoring program from undergraduates

*The Korea National Red Cross (KNRC) - children Sex Education

*The National Folklore Museum- programs regarding multiculturalism

 

Public institutions are quite familiar to our society as they do many activities helpful for citizens. Their booths on the fair were also well made I think. I hope from kids to adults could be able to donated education from those institutions. 

 

 

Private enterprise/ organization/ association

 

 

-Education is love

 

The booth of education is love provided experience of learning traditional manner with wearing Korean traditional clothes. It was teaching how to bow in our Korean way etc.

 

  

 

-Young falcons of Korea

 

A young falcon of Korea booth was very scientific. Robots were dancing, people were riding bicycle, or in fact working on bicycle, to produce electricity which in turn contribute to making juice. Producing electricity using bicycle has been on books but it was the first time of actually seeing how juice were made. It was not only me getting interested in it; a lot of teenagers crowded around the booth and watched those processes enthusiastically. It must have been a catalyst for interests in science.

 

 

-Good neighbors

 

A renowned nongovernmental organization Good Neighbors was organizing child sexual abuse prevention puppet show. As the number of child sexual abuse victims has increased in recent years, it seemed that quite many booths were regarding prevention of it. 

 

 

 

 

Singer

 

-Girl group INY

 

According to media, a lot of students say they want to be a singer for their jobs. But on the way becoming a singer, there are many difficulties such as parent’s disagreement. On the fair, you could be able to ask your questions and your questions would be answered right away by entertainment staff and singers. A girl group called INY came to the fair to donate their experience. After dancing with a song, they talked freely about their private problems in the way of becoming singers. One member said that her family was disagreeing with her resolution of being a singer and even after having made a debut her mother was unwelcomed. However she made constant efforts and the team was able to be on the stage in Japan. INY was on the newspaper of Japan and when she brought the news to her mom, she scrapped it and stuck it to the wall and now her mother is cheering the team vigorously. The member said the most important thing is do your best in what you want to do. Many students were nodding their heads. For a lot of teenagers who have a dream of entering the entertainment world, this activity must have been a great experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It takes a whole village to raise a child “

This epigram held above the fair was well matched to the fair itself where companies, universities, public institutions whole came to it to foster Korean children within our community.

 

 

It was the fair that prepared a special place for sharing experience, in their words, donation for education. I am sure it is worthy of visiting for all the people not only for children but also adults. I hope the activity of donation education would take one’s position as a social activity. Grow your dreams and hopes in this fair!

 

 

 

 

 

 

What kind of ideas you have about Education donation?

 

Website of donation for education for more information: http://www.교육기부.kr/de2012/

 

 

 

 

 

Making the world warmer with scientific technology 

 

 

 

 

Nowadays many people go abroad to help the poor living in developing countries. As we had received financial and technical help in reconstructing Korea in the past, it is quite familiar to us as to give developing countries national assistance. Volunteers including scientists, students have been to overseas to do volunteer work of scientific technique. To hear their stories, I went to ‘Conference on overseas volunteer work of scientific technique’ hosted by ‘Scientists and Engineers Without Borders (국경없는 과학기술자회)’. It was held on April 13th at Seoul National University faculty club.

 

 

 

Let me introduce Scientist and Engineers Without Borders!

 

This corporation was founded with the aim of making those lives better who are suffering from lack of science and technology by providing assistance to them. The Scientists and Engineers Without borders organization which consists of science or industrial experts has been trying to enhance their education standard and research and develop the nations’ scientific technology which would be available in their own countries since Dec 4th 2009. In wish to know this organization further, I interviewed with secretary Lee Kyung-sun.

 

 

The Scientists and Engineers Without borders which organized today conference was founded to provide scientific technology to developing countries. Could you specify exactly what kind of activities does this organization do?

 

Scientists and Engineers Without borders puts emphasis on ‘network’. In the efforts of encouraging members to do scientific and technological volunteer works in abroad and sharing those volunteer experiences with the general public as well as members of the organization, we have been strengthening domestic and foreign networks. Today’s conference would be a good example of it. Above of all we have researched and developed scientific technology regarding ‘Appropriate Technology’.

 

Appropriate Technology?

Appropriate Technology(적정기술) literally means appropriate science and technology. When we think of scientific technology, we usually image something difficult and hard. However, Appropriate Technology is a technology which is easy to use and apply anywhere around the world. For instance, we drink water cleared by water purifier. But those living in developing countries should go a long way to get water and carry it back to home. But even that we install a water purifier in that nation, could they use it? Water purifier is useless without electric power so people don’t get benefits from the machine. Appropriate Technology is the one which can be applied and used conveniently in these developing countries.

 

 

 

From this conference, what could teenagers learn?

 

I expect that their view looking the world would be enlarged. With understanding various cultures, students could strengthen the education that builds their characters. As they have done volunteer activities and made a speech in this conference, teenagers would improve self-esteem as they come to realize that they could be helpful in the society for themselves.

 

 

 

 

Then let’s go to see how the ‘Oversee Volunteer work of scientific technique conference’ was preceded.

 

 

 

'Overseas Volunteer Work of Scientific Technique Conference' program

 

 

 

The conference consisted of three main sessions.

 

Session 1- appropriate technology research and development and support.

Session 2- scientific technique volunteer work oversees and cultivate global engineers.

Session 3- develop appropriate technology from on-site experience.

  

 

 

In session1, there was a brief explanation about appropriate technology. And about how these techniques have been applied and developed in recent one year, programs and experiences in developing countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia and Philippines.

After short break time, session 2 started. Session 2 dealt with programs of cultivating global engineers and examples of volunteer works based on these programs.

One professor said that “I think it is meaningful and important to educate students to become great global engineers for the future.”

 

Among several speeches, I found educational volunteer activity at Kenya presented by a Yonsei university Wonju campus professor interesting. Two attendants of the team members said that even though the work was hard, the team members already had expected such difficulties as no supply of energy, a lot of insects. So those were not big deterrents to them. Also they advised to people who have an idea of volunteering abroad that it would be better to participate in volunteer works with resolute determination. 

 

 

 

Last session regarded practical technologies which were already experimented in developing countries. In this session many university students made speeches based on their real experiences.

They planned project, made inventions using appropriate technology and went abroad to set these up. After some period, they sometimes go to the place to check those products’ practicality for further improvements. All these works had been done largely by themselves with the support of universities. Sometimes companies organize these kinds of activities. As an instance, I met several members from Hyosung Blue Challenger before their speech.

 

 

Hyosung Blue Challenger (효성 블루챌린저) is a volunteer group of university students supported by cooperation Hyosung.

 

 

 

 

How and why participated in this conference?

 

Our professor at Hyosung Blue challenger holds office at SEWB (Scientists and Engineers Without Borders). And he suggested participating this conference to us.

 

 

What did you learn?

 

We have learned a lot by experiencing firsthand. The most essential thing for developing countries is technology and education. As we have realized the importance of ‘teaching them how to catch fish not just giving them caught fish’.

It is also significant to understand and commute with local culture when volunteer abroad.

As an instance, Vietnamese usually nap from 12 pm to 2 pm. Without knowing it, we entered a house to install 'blue stove'(blue challenger's invention) and got embarrassed when we met drunken men.

Through this accident, we came to learn by heart that before providing them with technology, we should respect their lifestyle in advance.

 

 

It seems that we should study very hard about science for scientific volunteer.

 

No, not as such. The technology we provide for developing countries is comprised of basic principles, not very difficult one. In other words, we put stress on making the invention as simple as possible so that residents could use it conveniently. Of course scientific technology and specialized knowledge is important but I think the interest about what would be necessary to them who struggle in these areas matters more.

 

 

 

At this conference, I met and saw many people who struggle to provide developing countries with scientific technology and education around the globe. Those people have been working hard in the pure aim of helping those who suffer from lack of technology which must have been difficult. With the common aim of improving poor countries’ lives better by developing and inventing appropriate technology, volunteers including scientists, technologists, professors and students came together in the conference. They shared their experiences, presented their inventions and sought better ways vigorously.

Seeing not only those people but also the Scientists and Engineers Without Borders, I anticipated in the future the more this kind of people volunteer, the happier the world would be.

 

 

 

 

Appropriate technology is an ideological movement originally articulated as "intermediate technology". It is generally recognized as encompassing technological choice and application that is small-scale, labor-intensive, energy-efficient, environmentally sound, and locally controlled. Well-known examples of appropriate technology applications include: bike- and hand-powered water pumps, self-contained solar-powered light bulbs and streetlights and passive solar building designs. Today appropriate technology is often developed using open source principles, which have led to open-source appropriate technology (OSAT) and thus many of the plans of the technology can be freely found on the Internet.

 

 

 

From Wikipedia.

For more definition about Appropriate Technology visit the website

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appropriate_technology

 

Website of Scientists and Engineers Without Borders  for more information: http://www.sewb.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Change of Sharing Cultures through the Society's Interest

    New trend of sharing through talent giving &  K-POP

One of the performance team performing

     A new trend of sharing is becoming a trend in Korea. For example, there is the 'Give Concert' by KBS. On 14th of July, 2012, KBS is holding 'Give Concert'. 'Give Concert' is concert with K-POP stars. The money earned from the concert is donated to International Vaccine Institue(IVI). Like the 'Give Concert', lately there has been this kind of trend of sharing starting in Korea. Especially, this kind of 'giving culture' is a rising topic in our country. With the rising popularity of K-POP, K-POP concerts are held in the meanings of sharing. Lately there is a new trend of sharing through sharing K-POP. Usually, these sharing are done by K-POP stars such as idols like Girls Generation, Infinite and etc. Therefore people think that only K-POP stars can be a part of this kind of sharing. However, there is one group that consits of regular people sharing K-POP as a meaning of sharing. This group is 'Over The Rainbow'. 'Over The Rainbow' consists of non K-POP stars but regular people. Over The Rainbow is a team that consists of staffs and performers. Their purpose is to help the orphans in Thailand through earning support. These people prepare K-POP performances and share to others.

     Over The Rainbow held the Thailand Lampang Orphanage Sponsor Concert on the 2nd of June at God's Vision Church in Seoul. This concert is held every third Saturday and Sunday of the month. It is held to sponsor children that lost their parents through drug war. Through diverse K-POP, they wish to enjoy the festival and help neighbors. People dance and sing. These voices and moves are to help the others. Today I interviewed Hayeon, the manger of the Over The Rainbow.

 

Q. Why was this even with the theme as a K-POP concert?

A. The reason for making K-POP concert the theme of our event is because K-POP is currently the most popular Korean culture in and out the country. We wanted to show a performance that lots of people can like. When we perform in Thailand, when we visit, the reaction is great. Since K-POP has a repetitive melody and a fun tune, no matter what country you are from, how old you are or your gender does not get in the way to enjoy this music. Also another strong point is that if we just have speakers, we can perform anywhere. Whether we perform on the street or on a big stage, we want to show our performance to anyone who is willing to enjoy with us.

Q. How can you participate in this festival?

A. Anyone who wants to participate in this festival can contact me. This festival doesn't only require dance or singing. Anyone with the heart and time to share with others can be a part of this festival. Through a quick interview about your personal interests in the field to share or hobbies, you can become a part to prepare for our festival.

Q. What was the purpose of this festival?

A. This festival's purpose was to 'Share Happily'. Korean teenagers forced to live nicely and with effort. However it is hard for them to be exposed to where they can do such nice actions. There is a saying that playing is bad. We wanted to show that that is a wrong saying. We wanted to share the thinking of sharing and playing together.

Q. What kind of global meaning does this festival have in the global century?

A. Soon Korea will be part of the '20-50 Club'. '20-50 Club' is a club that only developed countries can be a part of. Per capita income of over twenty thousand dollars and a population over 50 million is the requirement to be a part of this club. Currently countries that are part of this club is Japan, United States of America, France, Italy, Germany and United Kingdom. There are only six countries. In this year June, Korea is expected to have a population of over 50 million. So Korea will be the seventh member of this club. Many countries agree that Korea's fast growing speed from the war is a miracle and this may be the reason for the joining. However unfortunately, Korea is criticized for not being a developed country in the culture field. One of the reasons for this is due to the donation culture. In the 2010 'World Donation Index' Korea ranked 81st. It's sad to know that Korea ranked so low on donation. Through our festival, we want to help Korean culture of sharing to spread. We wish that Korea can grow as a country that not only has a strong economic growth but also a strong culture of sharing. We do not want to limit to any country or lay borders. By one strong heart we wish to make a fantastic stage and performance of sharing.

    

Over The Rainbow not only performs in Korea but also visit Thailand and perform there. There are actually many organizations of charities that shares K-POP. These organizations share K-POP as a meaning of sharing in foreign countries. Then what makes Over The Rainbow special? First, they are a part of a new trend of sharing. This new trend can be defined into two category. The trend of rise of K-POP and the trend of sharing through talent giving. Secondly, non-K-POP stars can participate in the performance. Lastly, it is the only group that specializes in regular people's sharing through K-POP performances. There are many organizations that seem similar to Over The Rainbow. Yet, theses differences separate this group from other charity groups. Now sharing is not only 'just sharing'. Sharing is now relative with the society's interest and the country's specializations. Now Korea is heading toward the new culture of sharing through its K-POP-forming a new trend of sharing.

 

More information on Over The Rainbow is at http://www.facebook.com/gvcrainbow

Also if one wishes to be a part of Over The Rainbow, you can do so by contacting through facebook.

 

 

Video credit to Over the Rainbow

 

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