MANNAM Volunteer Association & MIYC - 10 Km in Their Shoes (Pledge of Peace)

  Luckily, I joined MANNAM volunteer association at the end of 2011, and took part in events last year, 2012. One of the biggest events was 10 Km in Their Shoes: Global Awareness Campaign. The 2nd 10 Km walk-a-ton was for global awareness about people who suffered from natural disasters. They are still in need, but many people easily forget their pain. 10 Km in Their Shoes was first held in 2011, to remember people suffered from natural disasters, and a friend from Turkey gave a speech to thank MANNAM, which was covered in Turkish news.

  And the next year, the 2nd 10 km-walk was held on a nationwide scale on 14th April. And from MANNAM Busan branch, around 500 foreigners walked for awareness to generate more support by better understanding suffers of people who fight an endless struggle against the forces of natural disaster. The walk focused on the following countries: Pakistan, Thailand, Japan, Turkey, New Zealand, Austrailia, and the United States.  

  I was also volunteering as a staff last year, and the route of MANNAM Busan branch was from Haeundae to Dalmagi. Many friends came and reminded us of how many people are being suffered and walked together. 

  This year, on 21st April, The 3rd '10 Km in Their Shoes' was finally held! It was in Seoul Grand Park, and It was supervised and planned by MIYC, which is a coalition of international youth communities/organizations and MANNAM do planning and core communication as an organization of it. This walk was for global awareness for PEACE, remembering 13 countries who experienced/ are experiencing wars, but many international friends, over 1,000 people, from all over the world came together and walked for world peace!

  From MANNAM Busan North branch, about 110 members came to Seoul. First, when we arrived, already the speeches from youth organizations were almost done and speaker had some problems, our branch couldn't listen to the speeches well. Next, we learned world peace flash mob dance (was very easy even for me who is a bad dancer!) and danced together! 

(I am among the people in the right picture! So exited face:-P)

   After exiting dance time, we started 3Km with flags which were chosen as 13 representative countries. We walked along with India row, but our Bangladesh Members found their national flag and other Bangladesh people from other cities, then they greeted each other, then they held their flags and walked together! The Busan North and some branches not from Seoul, walked 3Km, considering the distance and time taken to come to Seoul. 

   On a sunny day, with great people, we had a meaningful time through this walking campaign. The first meet-up and big event for MIYC, and there were some mistakes and negative feedback. But, I believe MIYC to develop more and more and will do a great project this year. I saw the sign of hope in our MANNAM members' face with smiles when they danced, greeted other global families from other cities, and walked for peace! Hope World Peace to Come Finally ! Now, I met and am with Peace Leaders of Today :)