One and Half month left, looking back my 2013 with MANNAM and Hope for Peace

How was your 2013? It's 13th, November, 2013. One and half month are left. If you can choose some keywords for summarizing your year, which words will you choose? I want to pick two words, 'MANNAM' and 'Peace.' Exactly saying, there are more some sub-keywords related to them, such as 'MIYC' and 'The Peace.' 

The war in the world haven't been stopped yet. The world is still in war, and many people suffer from it. It is caused by separation and non-tolerance among different political parties, different sexes, different cultures, different nationalities, and different religions. I have heard and seen many cases that is not in peace this year, discussing with friends from all over the world in The Peace talk concert programs. Our branch MANNAM Busan North started in January, and soon 11th concert is coming. 


Doing discussions, I found that all people have hope for peace and they want peace in their life, country, family, and friends. The second part was usually discussion time and we discuss about how we make peace. Of course, depending on the topic, solutions were various, however, there was always one basic thing in all solutions. It's 'Understanding.' 


Understanding does not happen suddenly. It can be possible when we gather, discuss, and cooperate through creating a network. This year, MANNAM and other youth organizations made a network named MANNAM International Youth Coalition. One of the peace projects was the peace walk, 10km in their shoe with POP (Pledge of Peace) in April. 

In May,  All MANNAM members were also invited to participate in the event. Especially, MIYC youth representatives attended and walked together, too. It was impressive for me to see that about more than 20,000 people gathered and walked for peace together. Peace leader Mr.Lee announced the Declaration of World Peace and cry '만세! (Man-sae, a word used in Korea and China, like 'Hurruh.') Here are some parts of the declaration:

We call on the heads of state of every country to sign an international agreement - a commitment to bringing all wars to an end. We ask them to do this from a spirit of deepseated love for the people of their country. 

We call on all youth to unite in an effort to stop wars and pursue the restoration of peace by agreeing not to fight one another. For World Peace to become a reality, this is the duty of all youth, everywhere. The only way to stop the fighting and pointless, tragic deaths, is to stop fighting. Nobody can ask for anything greater than this, and know now that your efforts - the efforts of the young people of the world today in pursuit of peace - will remain as a never fading light of life for all future generations. 

Furthermore, we call on every person, every man, woman, and child in the world, to pick up the mantle of peace. In whatever way you can, we ask that you work t further the cause of world peace and restoration, making it a reality in your direct environments. 

Lastly, we call on the media to port responsibly and promote a message of peace to the world.

After walking together in this event in May, We were connected much more strongly. 
I expect the MANNAM INTL to make many great projects next year, looking forward to seeing youth people in MANNAM and all youth organizations all over the world work together. 

This year, I found hope for peace, and now I believe my hope for peace is not unrealistic one, and hope world peace to be achieved and want to witness it is realized in my life. There is no peace yet in the world, but I was and am happy to be with MANNAM, because there is hope and MANNAM made me believe it can be possible. 

All youth, Let's do peace!  

A Present from Sri Lanka : MANNAM Volunteers Work Together, Stand Hand in Hand

In MANNAM Busan North branch office, there are some present from other countries or other branches. Many international friends in our community, when their visa ends, they have to turn back their country, but often people who love Korea, they come back to Korea. Also, students and workers visit their country using their holidays and vacations. 

One Indian friend presented a pretty waterball (snowball) that has a castle and ocean. And when we lent our emblem flags to other branch, they sent back them with post cards with warm-hearted message (it was MANNAM post cards!)

Recently, in our office, three small 'Hand-in-Hand' decoration items were arranged and it makes us think our Sri-Lankan member's love and his affection for us. He was in his country, Sri-Lanka, in summer vacation time, and he introduced MANNAM Volunteer Association in his local community and his friends. Also, when he came back, he gave his Korean class teacher these presents for us, MANNAM volunteers. 

He said he bought these because their 'Hand-in-Hand' which is a pair of shaking hands, let him come up with MANNAM's logo. He was really proud of buying these presents. 

This 'Hand-in-Hand' actually I named after the official song of Seoul Olympic in 1988. This Hand-in-Hand song and the motto of Olympic wishes the end of war and the harmony and peace of world. I put the links here. :) 

Now, he is still participating in our activities passionately and really making harmony in our community with his humor and warm heart! I believe we are becoming more and more 'a real volunteer.' 

What I Have Learned in MANNAM Volunteer Association 02: Be Myself

How much did you grow last year? I can surely tell you, I found myself developed so much at the end of last year.

Volunteering in MANNAM Volunteer Association, I learned to Be Myself.

I didn't have confidence to show and express myself-my idea, opinions, and emotion. In the period during which I participated in activities in MANNAM with other volunteers and planned cultural events together, expressing each idea was so important to make international events.

And communicating with many friends, found them shining in their own color! More and more, I can express myself and be myself.

Hope you to be yourself in your all life and also to have a chance to grow together in MANNAM,too ! :)

What I Have Learned in MANNAM Volunteer Association 01: Appreciate

In MANNAM Volunteer Association, I learned to Appreciate others. 

I am in youth, so often I used to focus not on what I am, but on what I don't have.

However, volunteering in MANNAM made me focus on what I am, and what I have.

Meeting many elders when delivering briquettes, and radios,

I learned their philosophy and really appreciated all elders. 

They enjoyed talking about their children, and their life,

I felt they had difficulty raising children, living in poverty.

Actually, I did not thought much about my grandma and grandpa, 

even my parents' love and their struggle to live their life.

Also, I met many friends who have different backgrounds.

My friends whom I met in MANNAM, they are from all over the world,

and they make me think in different way,

they broaden my knowledge of cultures. 

I can tolerate 'difference' much more than before! 

Now, I appreciate all people whom I meet in everyday life,

and especially, the learning from volunteering in MANNAM is so valuable.

I learned to appreciate,

and now I appreciate all learning.

Thank you, MANNAM :)

What I Have Learned in MANNAM Volunteer Association: Prologue

What do you know about MANNAM Volunteer Association?

Have you ever met people in MANNAM or joined its activities?

Do you know about our motto?

MANNAM Volunteer Association started in 2003, based on Ap-gu-jeong, Seoul, South Korea, and it has been growing to be one of the largest international volunteer association. I joined MANNAM at the end of 2011, in Busan. Busan branch started then. 

What is merit or attractiveness which made me and other people join and work together? There are several reasons, I summarize them into four. 

• Love and Understanding among Members; we break down the barrier of difference. 

In MANNAM International, there are a lot of people who come from all over the world. We do communicate with each other, and different people who have different nationalities, cultures, religions, and political views. We break down the barrier among us called 'Difference' little by little. 

• Opportunities to Volunteer; Extension of Love

There are many opportunities to volunteer in local communities in MANNAM. We visited nursing homes, orphanages, hospitals, welfare centers to help people who need help and care. Also, we held many cultural concerts or festivals for donations and we held awareness campaign for people who suffered from natural disasters. This year, MANNAM International Youth Coalition held the walk for peace on April. 

The Busan branch started '더(The) Radio Campaign' for elders who live alone, presenting them radios as their friends, and every 2nd and 4th Saturday, we are attending the Soup Kitchen.

• Understanding Based on Learning Other Cultures

Working and volunteering together, I met many people who are different from me. First, I could not understand and had difficulty communicating with them, but in MANNAM, through many events and other cultural programs, I learned about other cultures and other people's thought. Through learning, we can understand better each other. 

• People; you can learn many things from volunteers in MANNAM

I want to tell you what I have learned in MANNAM Volunteer Association for last two years.

I have met many nice volunteers, and the Honorary Chairman Man Hee Lee 

and the Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim are also among them. 

So, now, do you wonder the details/stories/information about MANNAM Volunteer Association? I will tell you about MANNAM A to Z! I want to write using a word which includes an alphabet character. 

I hope you not to misunderstand MANNAM, but to understand MANNAM, even though you do not like or do not want to join us. You just need to tolerate us. You do not need to love us, you do not need to accept us, you do not need to lead us, but just tolerate. 

MANNAM Volunteer Association, now this is the part of my life.  

The 9th MANNAM Peace Talk concert, The PEACE: Understanding Party; Share Your Holiday Tradition

Hello, everyone, how was your Chu-Seok holiday? MANNAM Volunteer Association Busan North Branch's The 9th 더 Peace is coming soon! We are going to hold something called, Understanding Party! We want to share each country's culture, especially about traditional holidays.

-When: 9. 28. Sat 6-9 p.m.

-Where: Korean Restaurant 'Cham House' next to Merinol Hospital

★Meeting Place and Time: 5:30p.m.@ Pusan station Exit 3 

-Programs

  Part1: Having Dinner together :)

  Part2: Open mic. About each country's holiday tradition 

  Part3: Games&Recreation time 

★Contact: Kristen Hwang   mannamthepeace@gmail.com / 010.6718.0091

안녕하세요 ^^ 추석은 다 잘 보내셨나요? 자원봉사단 만남 더피스 토크 콘서트 9회가 곧 있습니다~ 이번 9회에서는 각 나라의 문화에 대해 이야기를 나누는 Understanding Party 시간을 가집니다.

더 피스 제 9회는 각 나라의 문화에 대해 이야기를 나누는Understanding Party 시간으로 특별히 명절에 대해 이야기 나누어 보아요~

-시간: 9.28. 토. 6-9시

-장소: 메리놀 병원 옆 '참집'

★만나는 시간&장소: 5시 반 @ 부산역 3번 출구

-프로그램:

1부- 맛있는 식사 (한국 음식 메뉴 선택 가능)

2부- 각 나라 문화 토크 (짧은 토크, 오픈 마이크 형식)

3부- 게임 및 레크리에이션 

★연락처: Kristen Hwang   mannamthepeace@gmail.com / 010.6718.0091

The 8th 더 PEACE TALK: PEACE RACE- On the Road of History

Hello, everyone! Hot summer it is! Many people are enjoying their vacation and holidays. The 8th 더 PEACE is going to have a special tour time.

The 8th 더 PEACE TALK: PEACE RACE- On the Road of History

The city of Busan was the provisional capital during during Korean War. So, in Busan, there are museums to remind us of Korean War period: Memorial Hall of Provisional Capital, Modern History Museum. With exiting group missions, we can hear the stories of Korean War and history, also sharing opinions of peace and each country's stories! After the tour, we can have a good time with a delicious meal together, too.

☞When: August 24 3:00-6:00 PM

☞Meeting Place: Toseong Exit 2 (Line 1: orange line #109)

☞Tour Place: Memorial Hall of Provisional Capital → Modern History Museum

☞Admission Fee: FREE

☞Links: 

* Memorial Hall of Provisional Capital: http://monument.busan.go.kr (Korean)

http://engmuseum.busan.go.kr/sub4/01_01.htm (English)

(There are Chinese, Russian, Japanese pages: Click the button at the top)

*근대 역사관: http://modern.busan.go.kr/main/

(There are English, Chinese, Russian, Japanese pages: Click the button at the top)

☞Contact: 010.6718.0091/ mannamthepeace@gmail.com

안녕하세요 여러분 :) 매우 무더운 여름! 많은 분들이 휴가, 방학을 즐기고 있을 것 같네요. 이번 8회 더 PEACE는 무더운 여름 휴가 시즌을 맞아 특별한 순서로 준비했습니다.

제 8회 더 PEACE TALK: PEACE RACE - 역사의 길을 걷다

부산은 6.25 한국 전쟁 당시에 임시 수도였습니다. 부산에는 그 전쟁을 기억할 수 있는 당시의 임시 수도 기념관과 근대 역사관이 있습니다. 재미있는 미션과 함께 박물관을 투어하면서 함께 한국 전쟁뿐 아니라 각자 나라의 전쟁과 역사에 관한 이야기도 나누고, 평화에 관한 생각들도 나누는 시간 가지려고 합니다!! 또 투어 후에는 맛있게 식사도 같이해요 :)  

☞일시: 2013년 8월 24일 오후 3시-6시

☞모이는 장소: 토성역 2번 출구 (1호선)

☞방문할 장소: 임시 수도 기념관 → 근대 역사관

☞관람료: 무료

☞관련 홈페이지:

*임시 수도 기념관: http://monument.busan.go.kr (한국어)

http://engmuseum.busan.go.kr/sub4/01_01.htm (영어)

(중국어, 러시아, 일본어도 있습니다: 위쪽 버튼 이용)

*근대 역사관: http://modern.busan.go.kr/main/

(영어, 중국어, 일본어, 러시아어 있습니다: 위쪽 버튼 이용)

☞문의처: 010.6718.0091/ mannamthepeace@gmail.com