[MANNAM PEACE IS POSSIBLE] MANNAM International Victory Cup: soccer player interview

[MANNAM PEACE IS POSSIBLE] MANNAM International Victory Cup: soccer player interview

I participated in the MANNAM International Victory Cup on September 8, 2013 in Chung-Ju. It was held with wishing all successful upcoming IPYG forum. On the green field, there was Polish student with blue eyes. He seemed enjoy this event and he was great soccer player!

Q. Now you are attending “wishing all successful the upcoming IPYG (International Peace Youth Group) forum MANNAM International Victory Cup”. So, how are you feeling participating in this event?

A: I feel great! It has a lot of fun with many friends. Especially, It’s ending now. Really tired after all the games But, now final game is going over there. It’s really interesting. Everybody is making a lot of fun to win.

Q. Today, Which team looks like it will win?

A: When we get started the game, maybe our team will win. But now, Uzbekistan will win the game. They are strong and they have big tense.

Q. We want the world peace. So what is peace?

A: I think peace is the most important thing in the world. Because without peace, People can’t bond together. They can’t get stronger. They can’t develop. They can’t be happy actually I think so.

Q. Then, How can peace come to this world?

A: I’m always convinced that if you want to do something, we should start with ourselves. So I think, if people try to be friendly with other people, that is what it should be. That’s what everybody should do. And if everybody put effort to do that, there will be peace.

   

Q; After this event, there will maybe be another one. Do you have the will to attend?

A: Oh! Of course!

Thank you for the interview!

[MANNAM ‘PEACE IS POSSIBLE’] INTERVIEW : North Korean volunteer

[MANNAM ‘PEACE IS POSSIBLE’] INTERVIEW : North Korean volunteer

I met special friend last week in orphanage. Kim is from North-Korea. I was curious that why she want to do volunteer in South-Korea.

Q: Kim, it’s so great to see you. Because, you know, My grandfather is from North Korea as well. But, since the Military Demarcation Line has created, he never see or meet his family; he doesn’t know whether they are alive or not. How about you? How do you feeling with this situation?

A: Yes, of course I miss my family. The last touch with my family was 3 years ago since when I got out of North Korea 6 years ago. I am the person who really hopes to bring about the unification between South and North Korea. I will be happy even if I can get in touch with my family. This is the story that must happen in the near future.

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Q: Totally I feel the same way. I think you are Korean. But, you must be hard because of something different culture.

A: yeah, still such things happen. Even if I’m speaking in Korean, some of North Korean words sound weird to people. And they get a laugh. One day, my friends asked me to go together ‘Bangsubang방서방’ chicken (Name of famous chicken restaurant.) I asked, “Who is the Bangsubang?” They all laughed out loud. It’s kind of culture gap. But, It makes always happy. Differences could be hard and could be fun to get to know each other.

Q: Why do you want to be a volunteer in MANNAM volunteer association?

A: I naturally got to know one of member of MANNAM volunteer association, working with her at the same company. One of my dreams was going abroad because I was not allowed it in North Korea. Before, it was difficult to have a relationship with foreigners. Maybe, the main reason was unfamiliar with the other cultures. However I can naturally talk with many foreigners by doing volunteer work. When we are doing something good together, we are more likely connected across language. It’s amazing.

Q: What is the memorable volunteer experience?

A: I have my brothers and sisters in North Korea. Now, I can’t see them. I have brothers and sisters in MANNAM volunteer association instead. When I cooked for them, foreign friends were very happy. Every time I explain ‘I’m from north Korea’ in nursing home, old people give me hug or hold my hands. Like this, the memorable moment is when I give something and I take something while I’m volunteering.

Q: Do you think ‘peace is possible’ even in Korea?

A: Absolutely, yeah. I know some people are negative with unification. But for me, I desperately believe it to meet my family again. I think it isn’t just for me.

Q: I believe you will see your family again. I think each of us could be a peace leader since we are hopeful that peace will someday be achieved, so what do you want to do as a peace leader?

A: Well, I liked these words: Understand each other across all borders, religions, races and languages. Understanding will be a clue of peace. Secondly, Unity with foreigners through volunteer: By helping people in need, we could be the one. If reunified, I want to be a wingback between North and South Korea.

MANNAM 'PEACE IS POSSIBLE': interview of a student volunteer.

MANNAM 'PEACE IS POSSIBLE': interview of a student volunteer.


Thesedays, lots of the twenties are studying for good grades at school and good occupation in society, day and night. I have interviewed one of the 20's university student who is steadily doing volunteer work in MANNAM volunteer association.


Q1.If you did the things related with volunteer work before, what was the most memorable volunteer work for you?

A:For me, the most memorable volunteer work was to help flood victimes through MANNAM Volunteer Association. A few years ago, landslide occured near SoYang multipurpose dam in Chuncheon Korea. So I was helping the people who lost their houses and farms with MANNAM one day. Actually, Volunteering to people in that site suffering from landslide was the first time in my life. It was quite beyond expectation. Every place was a mess by the flood and there were many things to be take care of. The volunteer work was really a hard job for all of us. All volunteers were worn out. But no one showed their exhaustion by thinking the flood victims. Even though that was my hardest volunteer work ever, also it still remains as my best volunteer work ever because I still remember the flood victims saying "Thank you" to us with their tears.

Q2.When you volunteer, what kind of mental attitude do you volunteer with?

A: First of all, I volunteer with pleasure and gratitude that I can be a person who can help others. I realized that no one is worthless. Not only me but also everyone is precious because they are needed somewhere.

Q3.Do you think world peace is possible?

A: Yes, it is possible. If mankind on earth love and respect one another, world peace will come true. Q.Then, what is the first thing you can do for world peace? A:I am trying to bring world peace by volunteering in MANNAN International volunteer Association. All members in MANNAN are giving their hand to the world keeping hope and the hope for better life in mind. I appreciate your kind reply:)



[MANNAM International] interview Korean volunteers

[MANNAM International] interview Korean volunteers

  

I visited the place where MANNAM international volunteers are preparing for upcoming orphanage volunteer. I wanted to watch the process of how they prepare before they do volunteer. I was lucky to meet two Korean young men. They are Park and Jun-sung. They were making some material of activity for children. “No matter how we prepare before volunteer, I used to feel it’s not enough when we get there.” Jun-sung said. 

Q: I think volunteer work is really not popular for youth in Korea. What would you like to accomplish in the future?

P: I want to become an international lawyer. During my high school years, I’ve usually watched world news and I found myself I can’t put up with injustice. To make better world, I want to devote for something worth to do.

J:  I want to become an educator of English. What I really hope to accomplish for children is the change of Educational System. While I was in the army, I taught English and mathematics at children’s center. At that time, I realized that the way I have learned English in school was not helpful for speaking with foreigners. So, now I’m preparing for a civil service exam while volunteering.

    

Q: That’s good to see, both of you are passionate about dream. Is there any particular memorable volunteer work or event in MANNAM? Tell me your episode!

J: I just remember my first volunteer. The outside of the building was full of snow when we visit the nursing home. It was massive work shoveling snow even if we worked together. After finish our work, one of manager of nursing home served us hot tea and that was unforgettable moment of happiness. I guess we might shovel snow with one though, keep a safe elderly people from dangerous slippery road.

P: For me, it’s Mongolian festival. I wanted to be more familiar with Mongolian friends. That’s why I participated in Mongolian festival and I got to know about Mongol by joining activities like wrestling and shooting. I changed my mind through participating culture program.

Q: What is the advantage of volunteering with foreigners?

J: You know, when I work with them, I can’t complain it’s hard or tough. It is heartening to see the foreigners in volunteer work because it’s very thankful. By talking and volunteering with foreigners at the same time, I think it makes good use of my time. It’s interesting and sometimes it changes my mind like education. In real, one of motivations to transform the system of Korean education is from conversation with German friend.

Q: Do you think PEACE IS POSSIBLE?

J: Yes. If we have a strong leader advocate peace, Peace is possible.

P: It’s possible. I think the role of media is important to bring world peace. Recently, I think there is some of part the media caused democracy movement over the Middle East. We could make it if we can spread peaceful message throughout the world. 

Thanks again to these two healthy Korean guys who answered my questions J  

MANNAM: international Student interview

MANNAM: international Student interview

When we had an MANNAM international party, there was a good voice and fluent speaking in English MC. I asked my friend, “Who is he?” ” Alex is a young prospective man from China”, she said.

Nowadays, the number of international students has been increasing in Korea universities. I am wondering how the other countries students handle with peace. In China, with the increase in economic, how peace matter is important among young generation?

Q: Alex! You seems smart. I’m curious what you want to be in the future.

A: Oh, that’s not true. I want to be a professor of civil engineering in Korea or Singapore.

Q: As a student, what have you done for peace?

A: Personally? I’ve given up my selfish idea and shamefully, I’ve not done that much for peace, I think. In this year, participating in Peace Walk with MANNAM international was my first try for peace. At that time, it was so hot and hard to stand under the sun. After that day, I was surprised to the reports of Peace Walk on the news. So I got started to have more interests on it now.

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Q: Do you think PEACE IS POSSIBLE?

A: yes, Peace is possible, but it takes long time.

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Q: What do you think what should we do for World peace?

A: For first step, we need to extend education about peace since we’re young. If we were educated since we are young, we could be messengers of peace. Plus, we should have more volunteering work in other countries which have no opportunity of education.

Now, he is planning to move to the other city in Korea. But, he promised he will go on volunteer work with MANNAM!! Wherever you go, we are connected through MANNAM.

[MANNAM] Interview: Mongolia Naadam Festival 2013 in Korea

[MANNAM] Interview: Mongolia Naadam Festival 2013 in Korea

Mongolian major holiday, Naadam Festival held in Korea. I participated Naadam festival and also joined traditional game ‘shagar’ and tug of war. Shagar is a game of hitting the target with a piece of wood. It needed to take good aim and power of middle finger.

 

In the tug of war, our international team lost. But no matter about the result, it was exciting.

Best part of Nadaam festival was Mongolian Wrestling. What’s interesting about rule is that there’s no weight divisions. All wrestlers looked like brave commander and real men.  

Beside the games , there were plenty to see and do outside– traditional dance, food, music, traditional custom; the culture of Mongol.

 

I had an interview with cute Mongolian student who was cooking Mongolian food.

Q1: How do you feel having a Naadam Festival in Korea?

A: This is the biggest festival of year in Mongol. It means a lot. I’ve stayed 3 years for studying in Korea and it reminds me my hometown. It is held in large scale in my area.

Q2: They look like friends, family, relatives to each other. What’s Naadam Festival for?

A: It’s a huge event of sports and traditional culture and we can see which guy is powerful with many sports.

Q3: Mongolians seem good at gathering and being united. What should we do to unit peaceful as you guys do?

A: well, it’s not easy to gather as one. How about what if we participate  sports and cultural event as an internatioanl team (with people from around the world), would it be easier.

Q4: I agree with that. I don’t draw huge picture for World Peace. I hope to held that kinds of events. In this question, you should think realistically.

Do you think World PEACE IS POSSIBLE?

A: Yes, It will be someday when we want.

I enjoyed Naadam festival with Mongolian and MANNAM international friends. It was great opportunity to get to know about Mongolian and beauty of their culture.    

[MANNAM]Interview: Peace Walk 2013

[MANNAM]Interview: Peace Walk 2013

In 1950, there was Korean War between the Republic of Korea (South Korea), supported by UN, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), at one time supported by the People’s China and the Soviet Union. As a result of the war, 2.5million of civilians killed and wounded and 3millon of total soldier. To contribute to the world peace, I was participated in Peace Walk May 25, 2013 in Seoul. In Peace Walk, I met an Indian guy holding the picket “I love peace.”  

Q1. How do you participate in this event?

Ally: One of my Korean friends was talked about this event. Because, now this world is evil and we need more peace.

Q2: Now many people are walking for peace event. How do you feeling now?

Ally: It’s really great. Korean is super amazing country. Right here, I’m glad to be here to come together with different people.

Q3: Do you think World PEACE IS POSSIBLE?

Ally: Of course, it’s not that simple to see the World Peace. But, someday I think it will be reality.

Q4. Then, how can we bring peace to the world?

Ally: Through this walk for peace, I hope many people feel the need to bring peace. I think we can bring the peace to the world if the leaders of each nation join for restoration of peace.

Q5. Do you have in mind to participate in these kinds of Peace Walk next time?

Ally: No doubt! Before, I was participated in Peace Walk around DMZ (the Korean Demilitarized Zone between South and North Korea). It was great experience. So, next time, I would love to join it.

It was first time to participate in Peace Walk. As a Korean, it was good opportunity because I didn’t notice many foreigners and Koreans want to bring peace to Korean Peninsula and the World. After the Walk, I could find peace of mind from passion of people.

Following the site, there’s beautiful Peace walk held in Cambodia. Beyond politics and religions, there are efforts and the way how different representatives try to gather.  

http://mekongpeacejourney.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/peace-walk-on-the-day-of-vesak/

[MANNAM] Interview on peace

[MANNAM] Interview on peace

Q1. Do you think world peace is possible?

I think it is possible, because I believe this Earth was once peaceful when it was first created.

                           

Q2. What do you want to do for world peace?

If possible, I’d like to participate many various peace campaigns and events no matter the size of events.

Q3. Have you ever participated in volunteer work? If you had participated, what kind work did you do?

I had participated in Youth Peace Walk, peace campaigns and other volunteer events.

Q4. Why do you participate voluntarily work in MANNAM international association?

In MANNAM international is like a small world where I can exchange cultures with people from various countries, and also do volunteer work together. Not only that, its (which refers to volunteer work) good influences spread out more widely around world throughout people from different countries.

Q5. Is there anything you want to say?

In the future, I hope more people to participate to achieve world peace together. Through us, MANNNAM, I hope many people to be inspired that peace is possible on this Earth. If you participate this peace moment, you will not regret it and it would be one of the most valuable action you took in your lifetime.

[MANNAM] Interview: Bucket list for peace

[MANNAM] Interview: Bucket list for peace

 

We have been to monument on June 8: Memorial Day. For celebrating the Memorial Day, We made the Bucket list for peace since the day is for patriotic martyrs who died for wars.

 

Maria’s bucket list for peace

Accept the other countries’ cultures, religions, etc.

Help people in need.

Cook for foreign friends

 

Q: Why did you pick those 3?

A: When I accept the other countries cultures, thoughts, religions, etc., they can accept mine as well. Unfortunately it is not easy to live today’s world. People have become indifferent to the suffering of others include me. After I volunteered at an orphanage through MANNAM, I am more interested in orphans. Even if this kindness is passed on, it can multiply and multiply. For the third list, one day, I was invited for dinner from Korean friends. I could feel more like familiar, and understand their cultures a little better.

 

 

 

[MANNAM Peace Campaign] To Achieve WORLD PEACE, What Is Needed?

To eat pasta, a fork is needed.

To drink coffee, a cup is needed.

To dry your hair, a hair dryer is needed.

To make you up, a mirror is needed.

To take a rest, a sofa is needed.

To listen to the music, a CD-player is needed.

To do the laundry, a washing machine is needed.

To write your journal, a note book is needed.

To sleep, a bed is needed.

Then… …

I am asking you....

To achieve WORLD PEACE, what is needed?

[MANNAM] The Art Of "Giving": Volunteerism

In Korea, you can have several kinds of side dishes in a restaurant, and one of the most common side dishes is Kong-na-mool Moo-chim (Seasoned Bean Sprouts). Every time I have Kong-na-mool Moo-chim it brings my mind back to my grandmother in my homeland.

When I was very young, my grandmother used to grow bean sprouts at home. Growing bean sprouts seems very easy, but it needs quite a lot of work. I remembered my grandmother put some soy beans in a jar, cover the jar with a cloth, and frequently water the bean sprouts. Even during sleeping time, she had to wake up and water them.

Whenever my grandmother watered the bean sprouts, the water flowed down through a hole in the bottom of the jar. I was very curious about it. I wondered why she didn’t close the hole before watering. In my opinion, watering in a jar with a hole is just labor in vein. What made me more curious was the bean sprouts grew so well though most of the water ran down. I asked her several times why she didn’t close the hole. Every time she answered that if there was no hole, the water could not flow down that all the bean sprouts would go bad. In short, all the bean sprouts would spoil without running water. Nevertheless, I couldn’t understand.

While partaking in many volunteer activities as a MANNAM International volunteer, I gradually think about volunteerism a lot. Still, many people think they may “lose” a lot through volunteerism and volunteer work is what only rich people can do. However, if you think carefully, you will find that what equals to “lose” is to “posses” but not to “give”. When water flows down, the bean sprouts grow well, while when they are with all the water, they  go bad .

MANNAM International is an organization where you can “flow down water” to those who need it. If you have talent of patience, you can play with children in the kids’ center. If you have a sense of humor, you can go to the nursing house and make elders laugh. In addition, if you have strength, you can go to clean the animal shelter. Through these volunteer activities, you can gain joy, which makes your life so meaningful and valuable. By doing volunteer work, you will not "lose". Instead, you will "gain" something really precious in your life. 

MANNAM Volunteer Work : Making Kimchi For People In Need!

Hello, MANNAM friends!

Let me ask a simple question to you, what will be the most loved side dish in Korea?

Yes!, that's right. It's Kimchi!

Kimchi gets along well with any kind of Korean food too!

Then, what happens if you are run out of Kimchi? :-(

Then we do Kimgang(김장)!  

Kimgang(김장) is an event for making kimchi in large quantities so that it may be stored and eaten during the winter. Since kimchi is the most basic side dish in Korean dining, this is considered a major family event in preparation for the cold season.[1]

So as a MANNAM family, we did Kimgang(김장) for people who needs Kimchi.

In Korean culture, mother sometimes make Kimchi to send it to her daughter who lives far away or to her daughter in-law. It is a way how mother express her love.

Also among siblings, they also share Kimchi to one who are too busy to do Kimgang(김장)

Making Kimchi isn't only about preparing food for winter, but it brings family together in the process of making kimchi, and also shares love.   

Through 'MANNAM meets Kimchi' volunteering event, volunteers made Kimchi and delivered it to people in need.

When you eat Kimchi next time, I hope you think about culture of sharing love through Kimgang!

Here is a video of MANNAM people making Kimchi and delivering it to people in need.

MANNAM meets Kimchi  - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCDKBvxK-xE

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[1] Naver dictionary http://endic.naver.com/krenEntry.nhn?entryId=c8faaf77d1514ccc9d69d7555d25b2f2

MANNAM: Mt.Bukhan Oak Tree Preservation Project

On 2012 Earth day, I went to Seoul to Mt. Bukhan for MANNAM volunteering event.

The forest of Mountain Bukhan is one of the biggest national parks in Korea.

But this famous nation park was devastated by oak wilt disease.

Therefore,they needs people helps to save trees.

So I decided to particpate the volunteer work!

By the way, what is oak wilt disease?

Oak wilt is a fungal disease that kills oak trees.

When tree is infected with Oak wilt, the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum blocks the path of carrying the water and minerals, which kills the tree at the end.

(Actually I didn't know about it before I participated in MANAM oak tree preservation Project. :-)

Our initial plan was to wrap the tress with roll trap to prevent the spread of oak wilt disease. On the roll trap, there is some solution that kills the fungus so, if it can save tree from oak will disease.

BUT THEN!

On the Earth day, the weather was rainy!

Due to rains, I didn't get a chance to involved in wrapping. The roll trap wouldn't be wrapped tightly enough in the raining weather.

Instead, we carried the soil to covered the exposed roots of trees.

There were soil bags that need to be carried to the upper side of mountain.

So all together, we made a long human-line,!

Each of us wore colorful raincoats and passed the soil bag to the person standing on the next one by one and one at the time.

Finally we carried out all the soil bags (it was a lot!)

Because of rain and heavy soil bags, my arm was aching and I was quit tired.

But! I think it was all worthy.

I can't live without oxygen. I am taking privilege from the air that provided by trees, actually not only me. But all of us.

It was a good time since I can give back that unconditional love from natural.  

Not only that, while I participated in Mt.Bukhan Oak tree Preservation Project, I had chance to talked with other volunteers who came from various countries. Across the nations and race, we did volunteer work together as human-being who want to thank back to natural who provide air to us unconditionally.   

I go to Seoul sometimes, but my visit to Seoul for MANNAM volunteer work on Earth day, would be my most meaningful trip to Seoul.

Here are asome youtube link for MANNAM volunteer work:

Bukhan Mt. Oak Tree Prservation Project!!

Mannam 2012 Earth Day Event - Promo1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V46JMw2lp7s

Mannam 2012 Earth Day Event - Promo2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaTT1UcG8Sk

 Mannam 2012 Earth Day Event - Promo3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaTT1UcG8Sk

   

1 Year As A MANNAM International Volunteer

Among dozens of MANNAM volunteer activities in 2012, as for me, one of the most impressive activities was spending time with children in kid’s center.

As a foreigner, I had always had a mind to do some volunteer activities in Korea, but I didn’t know where I can. Fortunately, I got to know MANNAM International and began to do volunteer activity in kid’s center every month.

As for the children, they had never met so many foreigners at one time, so they were very curious about us and always asked, “Where are you from, teacher?”, “Do you have Korean name?”, or “How old are you, teacher?” and so on. Some questions may not proper to ask in non-Korean countries, but every MANNAM International volunteer answered their questions so honestly without any unpleasant feeling. I didn’t know why, but every time when I was with the children, all my heart and soul seemed to become so pure and free, and I myself got purified.

Among the activities we did in kid’s center, there was time for children to decorate food. Every time, we would cook in advance and brought the food to the kid’s center. We made food such as pan cake, brownies, and parfait. After decorating the food, when it’s time for children to enjoy their food, there would be always some children coming up to MAMMAN International volunteers and distribute theirs to us. At that moment, every volunteer felt so proud, happy, and even surprised. We knew what food means to a child! Sharing their food with us, it’s a signal showing that they opened their hearts and wanted to spend time with us. It was the best reward for us. What we did was only taking bus, going to child center and playing games with the children. However, every time, we received much more than we gave.

If I am asked what the most valuable thing I did in 2012, my answer will definitely be going to the kid’s center. It is so beautiful that people from all over the world, transcending the bounds of race, nationality, and religion, bringing laughter and warmth to the world and sharing love together.