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Hoje Song
Joined: Jan 11, 2002
Posts: 10 (view all)
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Gender & Age: Male & 28
Country: South Korea
Province/State: Seoul Teukbyeolsi
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Korean & Japanese join hands up for brighter future.
February 28, 2002 - 11:50 AM
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One hundred and twenty boys and girls at a community school in Chrang Bak on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, have never traveled outside their country, yet they still feel close to Korea and Japan, whom they see as a pair.
"We can read and write thanks to Korea and Japan. We love them," the students of Future Asia School, aged from seven to 15, cry in one voice in videotape images. "Gamsahamnida. Arigattogozaimas" - "Thank you" in Korean and Japanese - are expressions none of them will ever forget.
With the cooperation of Korean and Japanese college students, the school opened in June last year offering free classes in Cambodian, mathematics and some liberal arts for underprivileged students in an area where 80 percent of children are distanced from formal education due to economic difficulties.
The Korea-Japan Asia Fund (KJAF), a civic organization involving citizens of the two countries to assist needy children in Asia, has provided financial assistance to the school. Three Cambodian teachers are in charge of school administration and academic activities to help foster a "cosmopolitan" attitude.
"I believe Korea and Japan should join hands in helping the needy in Asia since the two are regarded as role models for underdeveloped countries in the region," said Woo Su-keun, 36, who initiated the KJAF (www.iloveasiafund.com) last year. "By returning the aid the two countries received from foreign countries when their economies were desperate, they can generate hope among the youth in needy countries," he said.
Future Asia School in Cambodia is the first project implemented by the KJAF and Woo plans to establish such schools in other Asian countries, including Myanmar and Vietnam. When the students have completed a one-year course in the school, the civic group will help them find foster parents from Korea and Japan who can assist them to further their study at primary and secondary schools.
The school's motto, handwritten in four languages, summarizes expectations of patrons: "Founded as a symbol of the eternal friendship of Korea and Japan, and the whole Asian region. May our Asian brotherhood be deeper and broader forever."
"If Korea and Japan cooperate to address issues outside their countries they will find much room to ameliorate the bilateral relations which have been often soured by the row over Japanese atrocities to Korea in the past," Woo said.
A Ph.D. candidate for international law at Keio University, Japan, Woo has sought ways to improve relations between the two neighboring countries since he settled in Japan in 1998. He wrote a Japanese-language book, "A Straight Talk on Japan by South Korean student Woo (2000)," an account of Japanese social phenomenon from a Korean's perspective, and it gained great popularity in Japan.
When Woo suggested the idea of establishing the KJAF for underprivileged students in Asia he got positive responses from his Japanese friends and he managed to materialize the idea thanks to their active support. Majoring in peace studies at Waseda University, Japan, Kanae Hayashi, 24, played a leading role in launching the organization.
Currently, 21 Japanese volunteers work for the organization, with hundreds of others offering financial and material assistance. A Korean office for the KJAF is run by Woo's friend Seo Seung-in and a dozen volunteers.
Recognizing Woo's contribution to helping needy Asians and ameliorating Korea-Japan relations at a grassroots level, "Plant a Tree, Plant Love," a Japanese non-profit organization, awarded Woo a prize last year. A Japanese broadcasting corporation, NHK, is working on a documentary featuring KJAF activities to be aired before the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan.
Taking a year-off from his study, Woo will leave for Cambodia in April to establish an Oriental Center that will function as a venue for visitors keen to experience Korean and Japanese culture. Proceeds from the center will be used to help Future Asia School become financially independent.
"I suggest that a secondary school in Korea set up a relationship with its Japanese counterpart to jointly help needy schools in underdeveloped countries in Asia by sharing clothes and school supplies," Woo said.
When Woo gives speeches at Japanese schools upon their invitation, he always introduces himself by saying "I am an Asian from Korea," to encourage them to care for their Asian friends and transcend national boundaries. "I hope citizens in Korea and Japan will forge closer ties and eventually extend their helping hands to the needy across the world," he said.
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Naomi
Joined: Feb 22, 2002
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Country: China
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Cool~~
March 1, 2002 - 02:24 AM
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I think it's cool.And I hope that China in the future can help a bit .And hope that a lot of people in the world that can help each other for the educating.Because the educating is very important.
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Hoje Song
Joined: Jan 11, 2002
Posts: 10 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Soft-spoken
User is
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Gender & Age: Male, 28
Country: South Korea
Province/State: Seoul Teukbyeolsi
City: Seoul
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It is good project between Korea & Japan!
March 1, 2002 - 12:10 PM
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When I read this post, I thought that if we can use our power together each other we will achieve more works and wishes.
Recently Korea & Japan are very busy because two countries have a big event:2002 FIFA WORLDCUP.
Even if I am not official volunteer for this event but I will help them anywhere, subway, street and some needs from foreigner with clear and kind mind.
Because combination is always good work and as this we can live happily more and more!
Korea & Japan and all of Asia countries, Fighting!!!
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