2008 Asian Youth Culture Camp

1- Asian Youth Culture Camp

Background

The Office for Hub City of Asian Culture, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Republic of Korea held the AYCC for the mutual understanding of Asian youth since 2006 together with the Asia Culture Forum as a part of the promotion project of the Hub City of Asia Culture. In the 2006 AYCC, about 80 Asian youth participated in the Camp and discussed such diverse themes as arts and culture, creative industries, immigrants, Asians’ value, etc. In the follow

ing 2007 AYCC, under the theme ‘Devices for the Network Framing for the Quest and Exchange of Asian Culture,’ with the participant of over a hundred Asian students including Islam

ic students, the participants shared various ideas and opinions about the mutual understanding of Asian and Islamic cultures. The two camps proved that Asian youth were open to acknowledging and understanding

other cultures and moreover that they wanted a place where such encounters could occur. Therefore, in responding to their needs, the 2008 AYCC is to function as a bridge among Asian youth.

Introduction on 2008 Asian Youth Culture Camp (2008 AYCC)

AYCC this year started from 30 October to 02 November, 2008. Prepared by The

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; sponsored by United Nations Environment Program National Committee for the Republic of Korea (UNEP); organized by Gwangju International Center (GIC); and hosted in Chonnam National University, Gwangju City, South Korea.

The 2008 AYCC, under the theme “Asia, Culture and Environment,” Provided a period of time for the Asia participants to share and exchange ideas. During the Camp period, the participants

were divided into 7 smaller groups to discuss two subordinate themes. “World heritage in Asia Damaged by Climate Change” and “The Culture and Environment of Gwangju, Hub City for Asian Culture.” The participants were to have time for sharing their experiences and knowledge, and for discussing concrete alternatives for better Asian culture and environment. Furthermore, the participants visited the Asian Culture Forum and Hub City of Asian Culture Information Center to have first-hand experience and participate in the Asian Youth Culture Night events. Unlike the previous two camps which focused on lectures and discussions, the 2008 AYCC provided Asian youth participants with a chance for mutual understanding and for the recognition of the importance of culture and environment through such diversified approaches as workshops, cultural events, tour, etc.

Participants

The program was joined by 62 participants from Cambodia, China, Denmark, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. They are students and graduate students interested on international cooperation.

2- 2008 AYCC Programs Activities

Day 01- 30 October, 2008

2008 Asia Youth Culture Camp opening ceremony started at 13:10, introduction by Ms. Kim Seol Hyun to all participants and guests about program. Also, four guest speakers gave address coming from Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Gwangju international Center, United Nationals Environment Programme National Committee for the Republic of Korea and Chonnam National University. After participants were given 30 minutes to prepare group presentation to all audience, each group got 5 minutes for presentation performance.

Group Discussion I

This discussion was an intra-group activity. Each group consists of 6 to 11 participants and two AYCC observers as group moderators. Each group allocated a class room with essential multimedia presentation equipments.

Participants have presented about their proposed write-ups to other members with in the groups. Each participant got about 5mins for presentation and 3 minute for Q&A from their team and moderators.

In the case of Group 6, we introduced our self to each other after that we presented on our proposal. Group 6 have six members so 6 proposals were presented. Here are information and questions on each proposals on theme “The Culture and Environment of Gwangju, Hub City of Asian Culture”;

First proposal by Mr. Hong Min Ho on “Culture Blossoms in Gwangju”, he indicated that Gwangju City is a place of rich culture and have a lot of core-competitions to get the project from government. In his presentation he answered the question “Why Gwangju City should be The Hu

b City of Asian Culture”. Even though he didn’t make a case study or specific point for groups’ discussion but he proposed a lot of tourist attraction places and gave many more suggestions to improve the project.
Second proposal by Ms. Seulgi Kim on “Taste in Gwangju”, focus on food, Gwangju City is the best in Korea, according to general survey. Moreover she explained Gwangju must be the center of the taste in Asia due to many foreigner restaurants and abundant grain, fish, fresh seafood and wild edible greens, especially, a lot of famous chefs.

Third proposal by Ms. Kang Hyung Gon on the same topic, so most of her presentation in general was Gwangju as Hub City in Asia such as purpose of building the ACC, vision and Strategies for the ACC, functional roles of the ACC.
Fourth proposal by Mr. Park Hyeong Kuk on “Gwangju Festival”, he like to show that Gwangju have so many festivals which is one of best thing Gwangju having nowadays to get attention from other areas. But all of those festivals are still not improved as international standard like those festivals in EU.

Fifth proposal by me on “Negative Impact of Asian Culture Complex”, I showed in my proposal the huge benefit of Gwangju Citizens will get after ACC is completed. But it is making a lot of unacceptable reasons from people who were touched by their heart especially if ACC will replace former Provincial Hall which was the main spirit, historic symbol of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

Sixth proposal by Ms. Park Eun Ji on “A method for Route Improvement Plan of Cultural Tourism Through

Eco-friendly Train of Narrow Gauge Railway”. She criticized many bad points of transportation in Gwangju City. Also she wants to improve eco-friendly through her transportation project.

Group Discussion II

This session was also an intra-group activity. However in this session topic(s) have given by AYCC moderators. This session was a free style discussion session. The participants were expected to actively discuss in-depth, about the topic by stating facts, opinion and suggest. Participants are free to use any means to communicate their thoughts to other team members.

For my group we discussed on our suggested proposals. Mostly we talked more deeply on project explanation due to the first session’s moderators who asked lot of questions so group members didn’t have much time to exchange ideas on each issue.

Group Discussion III

This session is for consolidation and summarizing the ideas that wer

e proposed during the previous discussion session. Each group made PowerPoint for presentation and group discussion report to AYCC.
My group for that day was not able to submit report on time since we needed more time to make sure all our members understand what our team is going to present.

Day 02- 31 October, 2008

Before dinner, all participants had chance to join 2008 Asian Culture Forum which was organized by Korea’s Global TV Arirang and hosted by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism at Hotel Ramada Plaza Gwangju, Grand Ballroom(4F). The forum theme is looking to the future of the Asian Culture Complex through the European Cultural Cities and Cultural Contents of Asia. Here are the topics in the forum;
• Expectation of activities and plans of the Asian Culture Complex
• APA approach to promoting cultural diversity in Asia.

• Strategies and network establishment plans between culture contents and artists: Focus on the cases of Biennale and Urban regeneration.
• Programme-led ways to build artistic infrastructure: Liverpool Biennial, a case study in urban regeneration.
• Culture as a means of identity and development
• A collaborative project proposal to facilitate cultural exchanges among Asian countries: science films crossing national boundaries to unite humanity.

• Towards enhancing cooperation in the culture sector in Asia.
• Policy Proposal for the Asian Culture Complex and Asian Culture Network Establishment Plans.

Group Presentation

AYCC divided all participants into seven groups. Group 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 pre

sented on World Heritage Demand by Climate Change. Group 5, 6 and 7 on Gwangju as Hub City of Asian Culture Complex. It was a free-style presentation, each group got 8 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes for question and answer on their result group discussion in session I, II and III.

Day 03- 01 November

Mission Impossible

It was outdoor tour day at Gwangju City on theme “Mission Impossible” after breakfast. All participants were formed into new groups to discuss building friendship among AYCC participants. Each group has 4 Missions to fulfill including the same first mission at Gwangju Biennale then all groups separated due to different mission and have to prove evidence for accomplishing their mission.

Major Mission Tour Areas;

– Mudeung Mountain Uije Museum of Art, Jeungsimsa Temple
– Yanglimdong Modern Christian Cultural Site
– Gwangju River Bike Tour, Riverside Sightseeing and Ecology
– Downtown Area Daein Traditional Market, Art Street
– Mangwol Cemetery Understanding of 5.18 Democratic Movement and 5.18 National Cemetery
– Hwangnyong River Josun Period Confucianist Go Bong Ki Dae-seung’s Course and

Wolbong Seowon
– Sangmu area 5.18 Liberty Park, experience life in jail, Kim Dae-jung Convention Center
– Korean Poetry Park Soswewon Garden

Closing Ceremony and Asian Youth Culture Night

Each group has 3 minute to make presentation on their Mission Impossible to all participants. After that it was a big time for awarding the winners of 2008 AYCC and music performances.

I am equally happy since my group won The Best Team Award in 2008 AYCC.

3-My Observation on 2008 AYCC

Strengths

It was such a great chance for me to join this camp. The camp is not only informative of Korean issues but also other countries in Asia.

I feel all participants in this forum are so smart and intelligent.

All of the youth were very active because they are students and graduate students from different universities, so the processing of discussions and the running the program was smooth.

Moreover Asian Culture Forum invited many fantastic speakers from good organizations like Director of Liverpool Biennale (United Kingdom) and Director of National Art Center, Tokyo (Japan).

Weaknesses

Just only three nights and four days but have a lot of unforgotten experiences. In the forum I am really satisfied with the group discussion session but some negative points in this camp still have occurred, I feel AYCC focused on selected and the best youth among participants due to observers asked a lot of questions to each member in the group. in my opinion I found out members in our team feel uncomfortable and scared to answer the questions. More over they didn’t feel free to express their ideas on group discussion because the observers look likes they were judges.

Suggestion and Recommendation

I think next year, AYCC should improve facilitation skill to Observers to know how to process the class environment more fun and feel free to talk. Especially give more chance for participants to exchange their ideas on issues.

Conclusion

This Camp is really stupendous. It is not too long or short for me. Also they have a Gwangju tour for participants that enjoy the environment on the theme “Culture and Environment”. We have a lot of time to work with each together and improve our relationship. Addressing as Asians on what we could do to change our environment in the future, also exchange on how we could learn and face culture shock. So I hope next year AYCC will continue this project.

October Report

1- Achievement and output

2008 Asian Human Rights Directory

I had printed out simple for 518 Asian Directory on Human Rights, Peace and Democracy in this month.
The Directory’s content are contact information and organization profile. Here are final among of human rights organizations in each country I gathered;

No Country Name Number of NGOs
1- Afghanistan 50
2- Bangladesh 47
3- Bhutan 16
4- Brunei 2
5- Burma (Myanmar) 50
6- Cambodia 55
7- China and HongKong 32
8- India 26
9- Indonesia 35
10- Japan 21
11- Laos 15
12- Malaysia 58
13- Mongolia 9
14- Nepal 27
15- Pakistan 11
16- Philippines 33
17- Republic of South Korea 23
18- Singapore 15
19- Sri Lanka 31
20- Taiwan 3
21- Thailand 31
22- Vietnam 13
Total: 603

International Intern Blog

I have been working for this International Intern Blog. In this month I posted about Tibetans Jailed for Blasts. According to cooperation between our foundation and Sungkonghoe University (SKHU), The May 18 Memorial Foundation provides scholarship to five NGO activist in Asia who working for non-government organizations on Human Rights and Democracy base on participated in Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School. So I had given hand for indication on 2009 Master of Arts in Inter-Aisa NGO Studies Program (MAINS).

I am in change of activities support to Dr. Lenin which was Gwangju Award winner 2007. In this month I had bloged such as he was being nominee for 2008 ACHA Peace Star Award, Letter to NHRC, Any Tears for the Aam Aadmi, A voice against social exclusion, religious marginalization and communal fascism, and Home-Based Weavers in Varanasi Form a Union in The Struggle to Preserve Their Culture and Livelihood.
Korean Language Class

I got Korean language Class at Gwangju International Center one month, two day per week, per day two hours. It was really my good opportunity. After the class I can read some letters and know some words.

Study Research Plan

I have been searched and learned from a few organizations or centers which working with peace and human right toward democracy in society for my study visit in Seoul next month to get some materials for my research proposal.

Asian Youth Culture Camp 2008

I have applied and was being selected for participant in 2008 Asian Youth Culture Camp (AYCC) prepare by Ministry of Culture Sports and Tourism, sponsor by United Nations Environment Program National Committee for the Republic of Korea (UNEP) and organizing by Gwangju International Center. I also made business plan to get permission to join 2008 Asian Youth Culture Camp (AYCC) from 30 October to 02 November.
This youth camp will be providing me a chance to learn about Korean youth’s participation in international issues on environment and culture.

2009 International Internship

I have announced about International Internship Program in Intern Blog and also sent a mail to 2008 participants in Folk School. Moreover, I am doing indication of this program to all organizations which in Directory Book list.

2- Problems Encountered

According to the time I am going to leave here in this December, so I have discussed with Mr. Pete to avoid next Korean class due to I would like to have attention to my research and finish my entire work task in Foundation.

3-Plan

For next month I am going to work on the following:
First week, I am going to join and make report on Asian Youth Culture Camp, Submit business research study trip.
Second week, submit of book report and discussion.
Third week, prepare and conduct study visit in Seoul.
Fourth week, I will work on my research topic.

2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

1-Introduction

Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School is a training course aim to share Korean democracy history and movement particularly the May 18 Democratic uprising to Asian activists’ worker who has been working for human rights, democracy and peace in Asian. Every year the May 18 Memorial Foundation invites 25 participants over Asia and divided into three levels, 10 participants in Junior level, 10 in Middle Manager level and 5 in Senior level.
In this year, 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School was held at Chosun University and several related places with the May 18 Memorial Foundation and May 18 democratic uprising, from August 11-28, 2008. This event was organized by The May 18 Memorial Foundation and supported by SungKongHoe University, Korea Democracy Foundation (KDF) and Pusan Democratic Movement Memorial Association. Twenty-five participants were invited, unfortunately one participant couldn’t get inside Korea and another didn’t make it. The participants had learned a lot from the important guest speakers and professor from Seoul, Pusan and Gwangju who had working long years experience on Democracy and expert in Asian democratization movement. Group workshops, discussions, organization and country presentations were exchanged. As well as ideas and other new experiences and building network. Field trip to particular place which relevant to the May 18 democratic uprising were also made.

2-Experance and implementation

I had worked on 2008 Directory Book when I learned from Folk School, so I didn’t have much information and documents before the event. On August 09, 2008, we had gone to Chosun University before we left office me setup materials for the venues. Running our program need a lot of human resource to support the demands and needs of participants. We prepared processing rooms, Tables and chairs, podium, office products, a photocopy machine and printer, LCD projectors and speakers, table telephone, two PC with internet, setup coffee break table and two sofas, and other necessary materials. The works still not finish yet. Preparations were made at Chousun University while participants were arriving. I also went to pick up five participants from the bus terminal.
On 11, 2008, at 9:00AM was the time for Opening Ceremony and Orientation by the Chairman of The May 18 Memorial Foundation, Mr. Kwang Jang Yoon gave his welcome remark. Day after day I attended sessions from eight professors such as, Prof. Gueseok Yang din of SunKongHoe University, Prof. Lee Gwangsoo from Busan University of Foreign Studie, Prof. George Kasiaficasa visiting professor from US, Prof. Haksoon Paik from Sejong Institute, Prof. Young-jong Jin from SungKongHoe University, Prof. Wondam Baek from SungkongHoe University, Prof. II Jun Chung Korea Univesity, and Prof. Francis Lee from ARENA.

I appreciated what they said, they compared the democracy in Korea with Asia and US. Especially, they had deep explanation about May 18 democratic uprising which their own personal survey experience. Anyway prof. Guenseok Yang had mentioned and compared dictatorship and atrocity during the May 18 democratic uprising with candle light vigi. He also presented importance of media that government had trying to control all programs of TV and broadcasting that had changed staffs and structure management, which showed that Korean government nowadays want to increase dictatorship power. It reminded me how important media in society and it also the reason that why Cambodians’ government success to ban the voice of peoples.

I attended many sessions from different resource speakers and participants that made me understand many issues around Asia as well as South Korea. For my reflection of sessions orientated on issues it always made me think of strategies and on how to deal with the issues and how to do advocacy with dictatorial regime.
Below are some strategies that get attention from government;
– Awareness raising campaign in particular perspective of each countries and region such as Media, forum, website, press, petition, join statement, manifesto, clarification of National Security)
– Build networks with other human rights mechanism
– Create South East Asia, East Asia, South Asia secretariat
– Lobby for the creation of human rights body in Asian Charter
– Develop directory of victims
– Conduct fact finding (research, survey)
– Seek for fund to support projects
– build regional and international network
– Education programs
– Make and improve solidarity in society programs to all levels.
– build community which strong network with other community

Other points I learned, if we want to take on big responsibility, we must understand from the ground level. Anyway the ground step is more complicated work than the top level, because most of time they can’t make their own decision. So the top level must share the right information and divide specific responsibility is better, this experience is relevant to organizing and management which I learn from my work.

3. Personal Recommendation and Suggestion

My recommendation and suggestion is meat to improve on our work but I just would like to share my opinion on our program. I hope our Folk School will be more famous, interesting and get more appreciation from people over Asia.

All participants must inform the organizers when they reach Incheun Airport. To make sure that immigration officers allow our participants to enter South Korea. Like this year, we had an experience with Mr. Kieratikam Techavadranakool of Rainbow Dream Group from Thailand. They should also to inform our organizers their arriving time in Gwangju.

The similar above point, when participants are reaching U-square bus terminal or Gwangju Airport, they should call the organizer if they need transportation and so it will be easy to do the follow up work. Anyway we should make a rank for contact person of specific responsibility, to make coordination work more smoothly. And the person, who is in change of pick up participants, should have a paper or list of participants.

I am not really sure that we had inform participants of the living condition in dormitory before they come or not, some participants ask me to get towel, no cup in dormitory or feel uncomfortable with sharing bath room. So if we can inform participants ahead, what things we are providing and what are the daily and important things needed to bring to venues and during programs. And other point sending program schedule before they come.

Some time participants were not punctual in many of reasons. I think we must try more to motivate participants’ feeling to have attention to join all sessions and to not press door bell.

Complain from participants never end but we should try to learn more from real situation and find out solutions. Many times they made complain to me about food. By my survey some of them had seriously get ill they didn’t eat food in dining room. By the way sick participant all most said same word to me that foods make them sick.

The environment in class is a bit cheerless. So if we can make some relaxing activities or culture, dynamic or games it will make more participants happier with the sessions. Even though we have small session room but we can do it inside or outside.

To me, I think we should find a facilitator during session to open the floor for questions and answers. I see many participants ask many questions and sometime they made it a bit more individual floor only for them and the guest speaker. Some time they ask question that should not be raised or off topic or just want to say something. Especially, they didn’t respect the person, who raised hand first.
So I have a suggestion in this point, we can ask participant to vote for a representative facilitator during session or program. And also, facilitator can help all participants able to speak in discussion.

Organizing, divide responsibility, and sharing information. To me I feel I didn’t understand deeply our program processing and plan before its conduct. I had done when asked. Even though, we had long experience, but same matter still happen, like internet access to room. My suggestion we ask a volunteer to deal with this problem and get information before first day of participant arrival. Give guideline paper to access internet to all participants, if they have problem can bring their laptop to our computer specialist at secretariat room.

Personal Reflection on the Red Festa 2008

1-Introduction
– Red Festa Festival

Red Festa is a May 18 Festival for the Youth, and it is an event in which the young reenact scenes of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by using red and exercising their creativity, hosted by Youth Committee for the May 18 Festival.
Red Festa is a big event in Gwangju City, South Korea for this year. It is within the auspices of the Youth Committee for the May 18 Festival and Education and Research Team and the May 18 Memorial Foundation. The colors and objective of the event would like to show about the modern democracy in South Korea, especially for the May 18 Democratic Uprising that had occurred on 18-25 May 2008 in Gwangju.
Red Festa started in 2005, this program educates youth and students in South Korea on Human Rights, Peace and Democracy, particularly youth in Gwangju City. The event for this year was celebrated on 24 May 2008 at Geumnam-ro, Gwangju (downtown road of Gwangju City) and it was a public event. Everyone could join in the event. The ideas were together by the youth and staff to decorate the place and easily understood by people. All participants can join and walk around from 2pm to 10pm on the Geumanam-ro Street, the street is closed for all vehicular activities. The title for this year’s celebration is “Emotion of the May 18 Democratic Uprising (Koum Soung)”

-Red Festa Conception

The Event was established whose main group targets are the youth and new generation for commemorating The May 18 Democratic Uprising, which is very important in the modern history of South Korea. A tragedy that is deep in the heart of Gwangju citizens. It was a dictatorship regime against with human rights and democracy, which had killed so many people. They had killed and did violence to the victims without thinking of gender or age, especially to the students. It is therefore important that the young generation should know and keep the memory of this history.
May 18, is usually the time to commemorate the anniversary of the 1984 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, for all the heroes who died and became victims who suffered the loss of their family member. Frequently, it is a general ceremony with formal occasion to respect and thank the dead for every thing they had done to sacrifice their life for Korea. Particularly to keep the memory of democratic uprising, so most of the people have to show their feelings of grief. It is also a way to getting the attention of the youth and young generation. The May 18 Memorial Foundation and The Youth Committee for the May 18 Festival view the importance of engaging all age and gender in the society. The Foundation had prepare a plan for youth understanding of may 18 historical value. And also more activists were engaged to improve The May 18 Democratic Uprising celebration. The youth will replace the old generation, so they should understand with consciousness the May 18, they will play the key role for society and protect human rights with peace and democracy in the future. This project was created by the Foundation for the youth and public and has wonder result.

– General Information on Red Festa 2008

The program is important program of the May 18 Memorial Foundation that focues on youth. This program was held on May 24, 2008 at Kumman Street, Gwangju City, South Korea (in front of the provincial hall) from 2.00pm to 10pm. It was a free public events for all participants have chance to learn with fun about The May 18 Democratic Uprising. The targets are the young generations and youth. Particularly, participants devised their own impression on the uprising “How they feel about Gwangju citizens endeavored to bring genuine democracy and human rights under Junta military leadership” through arts, music, and other creation mean, all of there are effective and useful ways to educate the young generation understanding the violations done to citizens during the military dictatorship.

-“Owol Ma Dang” Project on Red Festa 2008

Red Festa is rich of youth involvement both physical and mental participation. The Youth Committee for the May 18 Festival and Education and Research Team of the May 18 Memorial Foundation thought a lot of the deeply for impact and result of the program to the youth. Especially they use some strategic to get youth interest to The May 18 Democratic Uprising, Through listening to talks and other and giving them chance to reading, implement and be more responsible.

On the Red Festa day, most of youth had come up with their own various activities supported by different organizations. On that day not only the Education and Research Team (the May 18 Memorial Foundation) was involved but also other organizations.

The Education and Research team was responsible for the program called “Owol Ma Dang” it means “the May traditional Square” the conduct of small programs variety for the Red Festa.

First, a program call “Pi Chu Da” mean “Reflection” it had some mirrors with letter and flowers, white boxes and two monitors play a movie on the May 18, all participants could see and appreciate Gwangju citizens in 1980. Out side of the booth we had put some big papers for participants to draw.

Second, the program call “Man Na Da” it means “Meet” this program was made for participants could ask some questions or talk about May 18 and get answers from the specialist in the person of, Mr. Chanho Kim.

Third, “Chad da” it means “Find” this program is a chance for participants to become a new caster, it was a big program for Owol Ma Dang project. The modern technology and facility were prepared life a small studio, cameras, speakers, monitors and other materials were provided.

Fourth, “Buruda” it means “Sing” this program had two volunteers to teach participants of the Songs of May and other songs relevant.

Fifth, “Gri Da” mean “Draw” it was apart of “Pi Chu Da” but out side, participants drew picture in columns that has reference to May 18.

Sixth, it was a fantastic view to make red papers into airplane. Furthermore, participants could write a message to the heroes of the May 18, it was a program called “Na Li Da” or “Fly”.

Seventh, “Gada” program it means “Go” Participants walk to the provincial hall with a volunteer as guide, they were showed around and told about the history of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, especially what happened on 25 May. Every hour, tour is provided participants have a red umbrella to be recognized.

Eighth, “Jik Da means Take” the program had gives a chance for the participants to have their picture taken with the May 18 background. After 30 minutes they can get their picture printed.
And the last program call “Iid Da” it means “Read” we prepared some books, chairs, table and soft drink. They also get extra hot news issues in South Korea especially Mad Cow.

All of the 9 elements of the programs refer to the Emotion of the May 18. It shows both our physical and mental, facilities are relevant to show sympathy for Gwanju citizens, it is an important event to remind Gwangju citizens about patriotism and the struggles that brought democracy back in South Korea.

-Main Target

It was an amazing event for all people to enjoy and participate. The targets of the event are the youth and young generation in Gwangju, also, in Korea. Youths were the main are actors of the May 18 Uprising, so youth are getting the attention of political leaders, because they are the main pillar of the nation.

2-My Involvement

I had given assistance for all programs of Education and Research Team for the Red Festa. Although I was assigned in Pi Chu Da program, I participated to all of the work. I assisted in other programs and helped made some materials. For the Pi Chu Da Team I gave my ideas and discussed to the decorations to make it attractive to make it to participants’. During those times I had a chance to observe to Korean youth Team work.

We spend long time discussing on how we should make participant understand what we are doing. (Otherwise I had made a sign in English for foreign visitors in Pi Chu Da program aware with a part of May 18). After our discussion plan for decoration and meaning, I helped implement the plan to become a reality with Korea youth volunteers. We decided to get 2 big boxes to represent as monument of victims and the other 30 boxes stick poem and narrated story relevant to the May 18 Democratic Uprising for participants to understand to struggles and how to claim back their rights. Beside the monument boxes we had 4 meter length and 2 meter width for flower sticker. Last year Pi Chu Da had prepared some real flowers for monument, but a flower shops owner’s feet had that it is close to their place, they had thought that was a bad luck of their business. So this year we made use of flower sticker on the mirrors which is representative to fresh flower for all victims.

Anyway we had used two monitors to play documentary film about May 18, all participants could see and had feeling to appreciate Gwangju citizens in 1980.

Here is a message I had made for Pi Chu Da program, the title call Reflection of the May Flower,

“During the May 18 Democratic Uprising many Gwangju citizens were killed and assaulted by soldiers. People were arrested and suspected without due process. The victims of this martial law force’s brutality numbered 4,369 all told: 154 killed, 74 missing, 4,141 wounded (including those who died because of their injuries) and placed under arrest, but some people believe the number of victims would be more than this.

The mirror’s function is to reflect, it can show us how we look. But the mirror here is not only to see our appearance but it also shows us more than what we know. How deep is your imagination? What keeps you here in Gwangju, the place of freedom and democracy where blood of Gwangju citizens flowed? The May 18 Gwangju Democratic uprising was the catalyst for South Korea’s democratization for all of us and the young generation

I see some flowers on the mirrors, which looks very beautiful. So it should be given to victims and missing Gwangju citizens, who died for our nation, so we should give honor and respect and keep talking about it and keep it tradition alive for the generation to come. Please give the flower and bow to our heroes”,

At the end of the events I helped clear all items with the Education and Research Team. I joined and helped from the beginning until the end of the Pi Chu Da program, and also other programs of “Owol Ma Dang” project of Education Team of the May 18 Memorial Foundation.

3-My Observation on Red Festa

-Strengths
Budget, it just for 10 hours but enjoying so much money was spent, South Korea is a developed country and good economy, so they have capacity to support festivals and ceremonies like Red Festa.

Teamwork and cooperation among the May 18 Memorial Foundation and other organizations, it was not easy like we saw. Red Festa was an opportunity for all organizations to work together. It is also a chance for youth and volunteers, to have an opportunity to learn how to work with other people in society.
Youth empowerment, the Education and Research Team had done this through Red Festa. Students that volunteers of the May 18 Memorial Foundation have freedom to make their own decisions on what they want to do and with the Education team’s assistance.

Participants, by the time that I had joined the full day of Red Fasta, I believe that most of the participants were enjoying in the project so much. Our program added one and half hour more because of a lot of participants should up than our expectation.

Participation of participants, they were very active in singing, drawing, asking, playing, reading……..all of these were relevant to the strategy of Seeing, Listening and Working.

Good memory, it not just fun for participants but also they understand and learn how to do, exhibition work. This will make them understand and remember 18 Democratic Uprising.

Government cooperation, Youth Committee of the May 18 Festival had made good relationship with government for the good location of the event, it was a great job for NGOs and government to work together to improve citizens understanding about the May 18 and other issues.

-Weaknesses
I had seen some problems that wrapped up during the Red Fasta project, some volunteers had not enough time for the pre-implement action and project implementation, short time implementation had affected the result of project which happened in Pi Chu Da. Volunteers could not share their ability in right way for the program, since some have to study and school activities.

4-Suggestion and Recommendation

I suggest that we should pay attention to find solution on how to maximize volunteer’s time, so that they can arrange their time table properly, and also how to motivation them in our project. Everything should be done before the Red Fasta Day.

For this year I think Education and Research Team had done a good job, but I hope next year, we can improve more ideas to attract participants and giving them good experience about the May 18. These should be newness so that people will not get bored.

5-Conclusion

Red Festa was a successful idea of improving youth in society and provides chance of learning between people with people, organization with organization and also between people with organization. It is a good strategy to get attention from the youth to commemorate the May event. It teaches the hearts and mind of young generation.
The Festival excites the minds of both the youth and Gwangju citizens, so I hope every year the Youth Committee of the May Festival, the May 18 Memorial Foundation, the Government and other organizations will always contribute and involve in this significant event.

Personal Reflection on 2008 Summer Regional School

1-Introduction
The Summer Regional School is a course of Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO (MAINS), which is a collaboration program between Inter-Asia Graduate School of NGO Studies (IGSONS), SungKongHoe University, and Aisan Regional Exchange for New Alternatives (ARENA). In 2007, the theme of the first Summer Regional School was “Democracy and Democratization in Aisa”. In this year summer regional school had raised themes on “Rural Regeneration in Asia” held from August 23-28, 2008 at Kapyeong-gun, Kyonggi-do (Future in Us) and Green-Eco Touring Village, Mul-An Gol in Bukyiri, Chuncheon City, Kangwon-do.

Organizers

SungKongHoe University is located in Seoul, South Korea, was founded in 1914, for the purpose of providing education. During the Korean War, Japanese was occupation in South Korea; University was closed and moved several times.
Nowadays the university is supporting second generation of MAINS program and on going 7 departments and 4 facilities.

(Asian Regional Exchange for New Alternative)ARENA is a regional network of concerned Aisan scholars-academics, intellectuals, activists, researchers, writers, and artists founded in 1980s. ARENA is was based at SungKongHoe University.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization working on Human Rights, Peace and Democracy, was found in August 30, 1994 by the surviving victims of the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, the victims families and the citizens of Gwangju. The foundation is not only working in South Korea but with solidarity in several countries like USA, Germany and Asian countries at aims to keep the memory May 18 Democratic Uprising and contribute the struggle and solidarity of Gwangju citizens to other international issues, especially in Asia. Since its establishment, the foundation had conducted programs such as Gwangju Price for Human Rights, Gwangju International Peace Forum, Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School, International Exchange Programs, Grant Project and Provide five scholarship for human rights activit have a chance to study in MAINS at SungkongHoe University.

Facilitators

Mr. Cho Sei-Hoon: he has been a member of Wonju Producers and Consumers Cooperative since 1997. He was elected as executive director of Council for Consumers Cooperative Movement in Wongju in 2007. Currently, he is also working as executive director of the Center for Promotion of Eco-friendly Meal Service.

Mrs. Espallardo, L.Lea: director of the Women’s Theatre Programme of the Philippines Education Theatre Association (PETA) before she moved to Bangkok as an Artist-teacher and program director of the PETA Mekong Partnership Project.

Ms. Hikita Mitsuko, she used to work in the Pacific Asia Resource Centre (PARC) in Japan as full time staff during the 1980s. two year ago she founded “Shirataka-Nora-no-kai” a farmers’ group that produces vegetables, rice, beans and processing to make various products such as pickles, soups and cakes. She is also Co-chairperson of Alternative People’s Linkage in Asia (APLA).

Mr. Mazhar, Farhad: he is managing director of the Dhaka-based research organization, UBING (Policy Research for Development Alternatives) and an organizer of Nayakrishi Andolon.
Ms. Sit Tsui Margaret: she is lecturer of the Department of Sociology of East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
Takahashi Kiyotaka: Associate Professor, Faculty of Human and Social Studies, Department of International Social Studies, Keisen University, Teaching peace studies, civil society movements, and NGO/NPO studies.
Supa Yaimuang: Work with small farmers and the rural communities on the concept of sustainable development. Strengthens farmers’ organization to solve their own problems and develop their own communities.
Won Hyeok-Jong: He is a farmer. Three years ago, He visited Cuba to learn organic farming. Currently, he is director of Wonju Producers and Consumers Cooperative.
Yoon Geum-Soon: She is one of the founders of the Korea Women Farmers Association(KWKA). She has been working as an International Coordinating Committee for Via Campesina of Southeast-East Asia, a permanent representative of Women Corea Solidarity, and a managing committee member of Corea Institute for New Society.
Yoshizawa Mamiko: in 2000, she had been taking charge of quality supervision of Balangon Bananas products from the Philippines. Later, she moved to Japan Committee for Negros Campaign (JCNC) in 2007, a parent NGO of ATJ.JCNC closed its history within the past two decades, and Alternative People’s Linkage in Asia (APLA) was launched in May of 2008. At present, she is working as Executive Director of APLA.

Participants

In this program, was joining by 15 students from SungKongHoe University, Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS). Prof. Lee Young-Chae, Graduate School of Human and Social Studies Division of International Social Studies, and Ms. Kawaii from Keisen University, Japan. And 10 participants from the May 18 Memorial Foundation.

Focus and Objectives

“2008 Summer Regional School: Rural Regeneration in Asia” focused on four specific themes relevant to the subject:
– Land: access to land and food security/sovereignty
– Sciences: organic farming and resources planning
– Gender: women’s contribution and leadership
– Culture: cooperatives and popular participation

At the end of this course students will be able to:
– Reflect on human relations to the land/nature
– Bring “Rural Regeneration” back into the global social movement
– Develop greater insights on people’s participation
– Examine the role of NGOs, the rural communities, and the civil society in mobilizing the people to act for social change.

2- Interested point on guest sparkers and program activity.

After Picnic and Solidarity night of 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Right Folk School (GAHRFS), which was finished on August 22, 2008, I, Ria, Pete, Lynn, Mr. Chanho Kim and Senior Level participants in GAHRFS went to the venue of 2008 Summer Regional School at “Future In Us” situates in Kapyeong-gun, Kyonggi-do, on August 23, 2008.

In the morning on August 24, 2008, we had two sessions, but before the sessions we had 30mins of short cultural activity for the day start of the by Lea and Margaret, we had play and several games to cheer up the feeling of participants.
First Session that was presented: “Peasants Movement and the Role of Women in Korea and Asia” by Mrs Yoon Guem-Soon, former president, Korea Women Peasants Association (KWPA), and a member of ICC of LA VIA CAMPESINA), she had mention about suffering of women peasants from neo-liberal globalization. This brought about, the soaring prize of products, food crisis and climate change that affected to their life. She explained on women peasants in Korea average, agricultural household and population in 2007 compare with 2008. Especially, responsibility of women, they are not only working in the field and at home but they also participate and initiated women peasants’ movement to address women discrimination issues. Women peasants were the most victims of society.
Second Session is group discussions on how we can learn from the first session, after that group discussions presented their work. But for Group E my team, we decided not to show our reflection but raised question back to other group and facilitators such as;
1. What is the role of rural generation in Asia make different in women in team participation making decision and policy maker?
2. What kind of urban women movement support to women movement in Rural?
3. How can we sustain this kind of movement?
4. Why Women tend to leave the village looking for better life in urban?
5. Do the rural community changes the perspective?
In the afternoon of the same day, Mr Wong Hyoek Jeong, Director of Wonju Producers and Consumers Cooperative on “Wonju Producers and Consumers Cooperative: Introduce his History and present Activities. He had share his experience after visited Cuba three ago on organic farming chemical fertilizer. Anyway I can understand the way of his organization work, even though this task with farmer but the structure of Wonju Producers and Consumers Cooperative is fantastic. The most golden word I take it, He told us the main point of improving rural agriculture not only to cultivate the field but we have to think about “Marketing”, find a proper way to make direction meet between farmers and consumers.
In that day also, we had a program which made me really interested to a session call Group presentation on impression on women peasant, the participants had divide into five groups from A-E. They were so creative to change the simple presentation upgrade it more vivid action, like role play.

The last point I am really happy, that I can share a game in Group Dynamics, when I was in charge of my Group.

On August 25, 2008, I had learned from the MAINS students’ group presentation. They are so smart and active. The good point, I saw is the way they work together and live together, even though they have some conflict or different ideas. They could solve it with patience and acceptanee. Team work is so important and will be success if we give value, voice and hear all ideas from all members in team. A MAINS student said.

On August 26, 2008, lecture is still on going but I feel a bit far away from presentation because it complicated to understand, especially most question from participants, it seem like in the presentation had mention, and they raised imprecise question. Other point it made me to understand, how MAIN students learn from the session, to me I think SungKongHoe University is very seriously on to develop new perspectives than strategies.

My own reflection on summer school in theme of “Rural Regeneration”

My perspective on Rural Regeneration;
Rural generation is the issue to talk about in relation between cities and rural areas, how people change their attitude. Especially on the immigration from country side to city and from city to country side, it is going to impact to future development and facing problems of many people in the city. And also the way people behave with to each other, like valuing farmer role. To me emphasis should be on lecture to prevent immigration to city and promote people come back to enjoin their home town.

Many issues rural farmers on confronted with were discussed in the summer school, especially about Korean farmer most of them not being valued by society. Reality, most of Korean male farmers are having hard time to find partner in their life, so that they need help from company to find or arrange a lady from poor countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia or China. Our visit to Korean country side showed only old people and very rare seeing young men or women.

In this Summer School it makes me taught that government, urban and farmer should work on a solution and address their particular responsibilities:

Government

Farmer

Urban

3-My Observation on Summer School

-Strengths

I think ARENA, SungKongHoe University and The May 18 Memorial Foundation made a amazing decision to conduct it in a different venue. It is really stupendous area to make participant want to live as farmer and feel relax, that is so relevant to theme of “Rural Regeneration in Asia”.

Most of the students in MAINS are smart and friendly. They are from different countries but they can live together in happiness. It not the easy way to deal with it but ARENA and SungKongHoe had success in their facilitation. I used to work in Jonkoping International University for 3 months in Sweden, but I felt the relationship between European to other European in my university not strong like student in MAINS program, not thinking only in nationalism.

One interesting thing, which I appreciated about this program is the skillful facilitation and program arrangement of organizer. We got session from 10 AM to 10 PM but it seem like everyone not feel so tired. Because they prepared break time per each session in the right way, especially they had a good expertise in group dynamics and game, Ms. Lea to cheers up the feeling of the participants.

-Weaknesses

It difficult to say it as weakness point this Summer Regional School because every thing is so fabulous experience for me. Anyway I still see small one as to improve that issues in the question and answer time. Sometime I felts raised were already made in the presentation but questioner still raise it up and give so long explanation that makes it so complicated for me to understand. Other point if the organizer can give chance or motivation to quiet participant to say something, I think it will be helpful to understand and know from their opinion.

4-Suggestion and Recommendation

This year we had good speakers. So I hope next year ARENA and SungKongHoe University will invite better guest speakers, who have long experience and success in their work relevant to next year theme.

5-Conclution

ARENA and SungKongHoe had done really good work and give value to over Asia by support MAINS students to have chance to learn from each other, and also from South Korea, which was a good job to build more understanding and relationship between one country to other country in Asia, It also a work to build peace network. I hope I will have other chance to join with SungKongHoe University or ARENA.

September Report, 2008

1- Achievement and output

2008 Asian Human Rights Directory

I had been created Asian Human Rights Directory which was my main focus last July till December. The Directory’s content are contact information and organization profile. Here are final among of human rights organizations in each country I gathered;

No	Country Name	Number of NGOs
1	Afghanistan	50
2	Bangladesh	47
3	Bhutan	16
4	Brunei	2
5	Burma (Myanmar)	50
6	Cambodia	55
7	China and HongKong	32
8	India	26
9	Indonesia	35
10	Japan	21
11	Laos	15
12	Malaysia	58
13	Mongolia	9
14	Nepal	27
15	Pakistan	11
16	Philippines	33
17	Republic of South Korea	23
18	Singapore	15
19	Sri Lanka	31
20	Taiwan	3
21	Thailand	31
22	Vietnam	13
Total:		603

I had also made a summary list of directory book. In this list are contain; organization name, address, telephone/fax, e-mail, website and remark. 100 pages were made for this list.

International Intern Blog

I had working for this blog. In this month I had posted some new information like our activities about our support to Tibet, our foundation had responded about art and photos exhibition on Free Tibet. This program was start from August 23, 2008 to September 22, 2008.

I am in change of activities support to Dr. Lenin which was Gwangju Award winner 2007. In this month he had visited Ms. Sharmila which was his co-award winner, in her hospital. So I also post about this activity.

Also I posted my reflection on 2008 Gwangju Human Rights Folk School and 2008 Summer School.

2- Problems Encountered

I have done all of my work with directory but some information still missing. Especially contact personal profile.

Otherwise I think we will meet problem when we are printing it out. Like some word disappear by technical problem.

3- Recommendation

I can handle the print out problem if we print the book by our self.

4- Plan

For next month I am going to work on the following:

First week, even thought I have done with my directory but I still keep fellow up. And I try to find youth organization in Gwangju for my study visit and research.

Second week, read new book.

Third week, prepare and conduct study visit in Gwangju.

Fourth week, I will work on my research topic and summit book report.

August Report, 2008

1- Achievement and output

2008 Asian Human Rights Directory

I had been creating Asian Human Rights Directory which was my main focus last July till August. The Directory’s content are contact information and organization profile. My first step in creating was through research, here are human rights organizations in each country I gathered; Afghanistan 47, Bangladesh 27, Bhutan 11, Brunei 02, Burma (Myanmar) 50, Cambodia 55, China and Hong Kong 30, India 17, Japan 21, Republic of South Korea 10, Laos 15, Malaysia 64, Mongolia 06, Nepal 14, Pakistan 08, Singapore 15, Sir Lanka 29, Taiwan 03, Thailand 32 and Vietnam 13.

I also had submitted directory book report for 10 NGOs per each country to Mr. Chanho Kim.

2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

This program is an important event in all the activities of the May 18 Memorial Foundation. The Culture and Solidarity Team is in charge of this. In this year, we conducted schedule of 2008 GAHRFS from August 10 to 29, 2008 at Chosun University and other relevant places.

We had invited 25 participants over Asia and divided into 3 levels such as Junior level, Middle Manager and Senior. But had only 23 participants joined the program.

In this program, I had worked as Programme Assistant. My main responsibility was to provide assistance male participants during Folk School. I learned from the arrangement, preparation and implementation. Specially, I was not only an organizer but also a participant junior level and learned, and was introduced about Korean history in general and to the movement and struggle for democracy, particularly the May 18 Democracy Uprising in Gwangju. This work will be useful for me in the future, it provided me a chance to learn about Asia, not only from guest speakers but also from other participants.

Below is how the attendants schedule of lecture and activities that I joined:

On August 11, I had joined in the Opening Ceremony and Orientation in the morning held at Chosun University, The Chairman of The May 18 Memorial Foundation, Mr. Kwang Jang Yoon gave his welcome remark. After that four topics were presented, First special session by Prof. Guenseok Yang from Sungkonghoe University on “Democracy in Korea and Realities in Asia”; Second by Prof. Lee Gwangsoo from Busun University of Foreign Studies on “Why Asia”; third a documentary about The May 18 Memorial Foundation and Documentary of The May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising; and fourth by Prof. Grorge Katsiaficsa on “The May 18 Democratic Uprising with the point of view by 6.8 generation in USA”.

On August 12, in the morning, I joined with all the participant that went to pay respect at the National Cemetery for the May 18 Democratic Uprising. After that we went on a field trip to historical sites and the foundation, Mr. Jintae Cho General Secretary of The May 18 Memorial Foundation gave an introduction of the foundation followed by question and answer.

On August 13, I had attended three sessions; first topic on “Peace in the Korean peninsula and Northern East Asia” by Prof. Haksoon Paik from Sejong Institute, he had presented North Kroean nuclear crisis relevant with South Korea and United State ; Second by Young-Jong Jin on “Internet and Candle Light Vigil Advocacy” in his session had explained, how new technology can be a easy method to access to all people for advocacy, example like Candle Light was being popular in internet and also make new revolution; and third presentation by participant from India, Bangladesh and Nepal. They were presented about their own NGO and country. In this point I could learn many experiences that I never meet before, because all the matter we should see deeply into the issues, culture, rule and history. And it was talked in their session.

On August 14, I got four sessions, first by Mary Aileen Bacalso from AFAD on “Involuntary disappearances and Truth finding activity in Aisa”. She said, a lot of people were disappearance and their family needs justice. I really appreciated her understanding on this issues, she not only know about her own country but she well know about disappearance in Asia also; second by Prof. Wondam Baek from Sungkonghoe University on “Democracy and People’s Culture”, third by Kang-eui Park on “The May 18 Democratic Uprising and Cultural advocacy” in this session had review and made me more understand about May 18 Uprising; fourth workshop on the international cooperation programmes and culture programmes of the May 18 Memorial Foundation by Mr. Chanho Kim and Ms. Engjin Lee, also me had talked about Red Festa.

On August 15, I had attended three sessions, first by Hyowoo Na from Asian Bridge on “Asia Poor and Community Organizing”, he is the best guest speaker for me, he not only present about his ideas but he also asked to all countries in Folk School and make several discussions amount participants, what they think about it; second by Prof. Jun Chung from Korea University on “Modern Korean History”. Demilitarizing politics in South Korea was mention by him. He explained military history of South Korea into six part, from Park Chung Hee 1961-1979, Chun Doo Hwan 1980-1993, Kim Young San 1993-1998, Kim Dae Jung 1998-2003, Roh Moo Hyun 2003-2008 and Lee Myungbak 2008; third participant presentations from Philippines, Sri landka, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

On 18 August, I had attended two sessions, first by Youngsook Cho from Center for Women’s Human Rights on “Korean Feminist Movement and History. She had mention many point on women issues, such as Fighting against discrimination against irregular female workers, demanding for migrant women’s human rights, maternity protection for migrant women, women prostitution during Japan occupy; second by Francis Lee from ARENA on Peace, Human Rights, Democracy-agenda and debates. He is an interesting presenter for me also other participants, he gave a chance for us to learn many thing on Human Rights in Asia. He had compare many ideas with us like several picture about a solution of conflict “inside it will be solve, if it has conflict from outside”. This is a kind of sociology.

On 19 August, I had got four sessions from senior level, first Mr. Ataur Rahman (BMSF – Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadhik Forum) or (Bangladesh Human Rights Journalist Forum) on “Free Media and Democracy”, during his talked I had learn about Media, how media is important for people and society, “it was middle of society” he said; second by Mr. Ihagama Gedara Mudiyanselage Asela Bandara (Commission for Justice Peace Human Development Human Rights Secretariate) on “Peace and HR in Sri Lanka”, the situation was more specific, he presented many causes of torture in Sri Lanka, third by Mrs. Jessica E. Amon (COM – Community Organizers Multiversity) on “Housing Rights and CO”, she said “number of people so important to get attention from government, that why we need to make community”. Anyway she gave us to know basic concept of poor people, situation of the urban poor in Philippine and her organization actives; fourth Ms. Rowena Legaspi (Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center, Inc) on “Marginalized Sectors”. She presented her organization work, programs, networks/linkages, human legal rights in Philippine and particularly the challenges of lawyer work with court.

On 20 August, I got three sessions; first by Pete on “Blogging”; second by Mr. Cheung Park on “Photo Graph Workshop” in the theme of “Who am I” which requested participant to take 5 photos and present it in the big group; and third by participants from Thailand and Malaysia. All of them they had presented about their programs.

On August 21, I made and join group’s evaluation presentation and Closing Exercise.

On August 22, I went out with all participants to picnic on the mountain and visit green tea resort. I was a co-mc with Ria for the Solidarity Night.

2008 Summer Regional School

In this year summer regional school the themes was on “Rural Regeneration in Asia” held from August 23-28, 2008 at Kapyeong-gun, Kyonggi-do (Future in Us) and Green-Eco Touring Village, Mul-An Gol in Bukyiri, Chuncheon City, Kangwon-do. The Summer Regional School is a course of Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS), which is a collaboration program between Inter-Asia Graduate School of NGO Studies (IGSONS), SungKongHoe University, and Asia Regional School was “Democracy and Democratization in Asia”. This program also co-organized by The May 18 Memorial Foundation.

2- Problems Encountered

I think this month. I didn’t have any serious problems happened to me. How ever a small matter occurred during this month of August with my task on Asian Human Right Directory work because of the conduct of the Folk School and Summer School.

3- Recommendation

I faced a problem with directory work. Most of Korean organization doesn’t have English version, so I hope foundation will provide a Korean volunteer to help me to prepare it.

4- Plan

For next month I am going to work on the following:

First week, Make all report on August, 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School and 2008 Summer Regional School.

Second week, I am going to post all report and foundation activities in my blog and intern blog.

Third week, I am going to work on Directory Book.

Fourth week, I will work on my research topic.

July Report, 2008

1- Achievement and output

2008 Asian Human Rights Directory

I had been creating Asian Human Rights Directory which was my main focus last July till August. The Directory’s content are contact information and organization profile. My first step in creating was through research, here are human rights organizations in each country I gathered; Afghanistan 47, Bangladesh 27, Bhutan 11, Brunei 02, Burma (Myanmar) 50, Cambodia 55, China and Hong Kong 30, India 17, Japan 21, Republic of South Korea 10, Laos 15, Malaysia 64, Mongolia 06, Nepal 14, Pakistan 08, Singapore 15, Sir Lanka 29, Taiwan 03, Thailand 32 and Vietnam 13.

Presentation at Gwangju Natural Science High School

The presentation was about Cambodia in general aspect. Showed to the students the way of Khmers, such as religions, history of Cambodia, living situation and standard, tourist activities, rich culture of Cambodia, Khmer food, education and relationship between Cambodia and South Korea.

I made my presentation twice, on July 08 and July 11, 2008. And each of the class had around 30 students and a teacher who made the translation.

Follow up with [2^nd UNESCO Asian Youth Forum]

I had attended the [2^nd UNESCO Asian Youth Forum] as an Observer at Chosun University, Gwangju, and Republic of Korea from June 25-30, 2008. This forum had 51 participants and Observers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Spain, Thailand and Vietnam. Even though, the forum is finished, we participants still keep in touch and do our follow up our work.

Busan Camp with International Voulunteers

On July 04 and July 05, 2008, I had joined the camp with International Volunteers to Busan for capacity building and study visit. Especially, the visit at Busan Democracy Foundation and Park was a good time to strengthen solidarity work among us, the both volunteers from the May 18 Memorial Foundation and Busan Democracy Foundation. We had chance to exchange on our works and learn from the sessions each other foundation’s goal.

Korean Class

I am handing a Korean class at Gwangju International Centre to develop my Korean understanding to communicate with Koreans. It is supported by the May 18 Memorial Foundation. This class is every Saturday from 10:30 to 12:30.

Summer Vacation

All the staff of the foundation had a week time off for a summer vacation. So I had got a week holiday also from July 28 to August 01, 2008.

2- Problems Encountered

I think this month. I didn’t have any serious problems happened to me. How ever a small matter occurred during this month of August with my task on Asian Human Right Directory work because of the conduct of the Folk School and Summer School.

3- Recommendation

I just have an idea for Asian Human Rights Directory. Since time is not available for me in this month to fill all information into drafts, so next months I will ask help and to support from Ria to do it.

4- Plan

For next month I am going to work such as,

First week, I continue working the Asian Human Rights Directory.

Second and third week, I am going to join the Folk School as junior participants, from August 11 till August 22, 2008

Fourth week, I am going to join summer class with MAIN’s student from August 23 till August 29, 2008.

June Report, 2008

1- Achievement and output

Youth Exhibition at Kim Dae Jung Convention Center (Project of Education and Research Team)

On May 30 to June 01, I had joined the Youth Exhibition at Kim Dae Jung Convention Centre with Education and Research Team for promoting the May 18 Democratic Uprising to youth and exhibition visitors. It was co-organize with other kind organizations such as catholic organization, cooking school, universities, blind and disability organization, environment sector, technical electronic, physiology, entertainments and physical art, to foster youth social understanding. Anyway inside the hall it had a middle size concert and out side an enormous concert.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation camp set-up some facilities like four small monitors, a big LCD projector to show a few cartoon animation relevant to the May 18, a table for reading, a set of books of variety topics, brochures, Joomukbap, paper airplane to write message about the May 18. My duties for the event was to control and be responsible the 518 camp.

Gwangju International Peace Forum Evaluation Meeting

I had joined with Culture and Solidarity Team on Evaluation Meeting for GIPF, Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award Winner and Nan Jung Free Market. It was held on June 03, 2008 and took 2h.30mins, the evaluation meeting was coordinated by Mr Chanho, and participants were the Culture and Solidarity Team staff, international interns and volunteers. It was a discussion on the whole process of May 18 events to gather information to make better the next year forum.

International Intern blog

I provided support to Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi (Award winner 2007) of People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) by posting his information at The May 18 Interns blog.

Distributed Human Rights Folk School announcement to Cambodian human rights organizations as well at posted it in the blog.

I also had post my experiences on 2008 Red Fasta Festival.

2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School and other Message

I had sent email to all list addresses of “may18found, may18interns, 518interns, 518folkschool and 518mfgroups” for announcing the May 18 information on Mr. Muneer Malik 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Winner, 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School and also accepting applications form, asking for help for our Asian NGOs Directory and promoting the May 18 Memorial Foundation English website.

518 Asian Directories on Human Rights, Peace and Democracy

I had updated and created Asia NGOs Directory for this month till August, and I also completed a few countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Cambodia. It was my main task for this week.

Trip to Seoul

I went to Sungkonghoe University for the final semester party on behalf of the May 18 Memorial Foundation. It was a party made for students to cheer them up after their hard time during in first semester. It rallied all MAINS student, Supporter, Professors and Sungkonghoe University staff and we all had a good time to know each other.

Red Festa Evaluation Meeting

I had joined with Research and Education Team on Evaluation Meeting for Red Festa. This meeting was held on June 20, 2008 and took 2.30 hours, and participants were the Education staff, me and volunteers.

2^nd UNESCO Asian Youth Forum

I had attended the forum as an Observer at Chosun University, Gwangju, and Republic of Korea from June 25-30, 2008. This forum had 51 participants and Observers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Spain, Thailand and Vietnam.

2- Problems Encountered

This month I was getting bit arduous with the time, especially at the fourth week. However, I tried to make a good preparation with my best. The reason for this matter, because this month I made to have out put to reach quota for the “518 Asian Directories on Human Rights, Peace and Democracy,” And I also want to attend the 2nd UNESCO Asian Youth Forum held on June 26-30, 2008.

3- Recommendation

For this month I am tied up with duties and new tasks, I might be able to submit the book report late. However, I am pressured with time, but I would like to make my self a bit busy to learn new things because I have only 6 months left, And I just got meager achievements compared to my goals and objectives.

4- Plan

My main task for next month to is focus on 518 Asian Directories on Human Rights, Peace and Democracy and I am also going to work on the following:

First week, make report on the 2^nd UNESCO Asian Youth Forum and submit the book report.

Second week, learn on how to process 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School, and make two presentations at Gwangju Natural Science High School.

Third week, give hand for the 2008 GAHRFS.

Fourth week, Announcement of successful candidates and of the folk school other preparation for its conduct.

May Report, 2008

1- Achievement and output

Red Festa (program of Education and Research Team)

I was assigned to Education and Research Team to lead a hand and gain experience for Red Festa Festival. The program is important one among the other activities of the May 18 Memorial Foundation focus on youth. This program was held on May 24, 2008 at Geumanam-ro Street, Gwangju City, South Korea (in front of the provincial hall) from 2.00pm to 10pm. It was a free public event. Especially, all participants had chance to learn and have fun celebrating The May 18 Democratic Uprising, targets young generation and the youth. Particularly, participants devised their own impression on the uprising “How they feel about Gwangju citizens endeavors to bring genuine democracy and human rights under Junta military leadership” through painting, singing, reading, writing, role-playing, etc………, all of that are the effective and useful way for educating young generation in understanding about military dictatorship violation of citizens rights.

My Output, I had read a book and watched 2 DVDs about Red Festa in 2005 and 2006 to better understand the program before I worked with the Education and Research Team. These books and DVDs had contains pictures and activities including the New Chairman of May 18 Memorial Foundation teaching at Red Festa Festival day on the Geumanam-ro Street to young people.

I attended team and program meetings for preparing plans and decision making for the events. During the meetings, I noticed improvement of leadership and youth empowering here, it was a bit different when compared to Cambodia. Most of the task and design came out from the suggestions of volunteers.

I had given hand to help in my term call “Pe Jou Da its mean Reflection” as well as other teams for Red Festa. Otherwise I had worked till the event finished, so it was the cause for me to understand from the beginning to final arrangement. Exactly, I will keep these good ideas that I never had before when go back to Cambodia.

Gwangju International Peace Forum (Program of Culture and Solidarity Team)

I provided assistance for processing the Gwangju International Peace Forum, although I was assigned to Education and Research Team for Red Festa. I had no a specific duty for my task in GIPF. Therefore, I was doing general task. During that time, the assistance was normal labors to set up and clear workshop areas.

Before the event, I had followed-up with Khmer Youths Association representative for the GIPF and May event, Ms Site Hong Eeng. Help in distributing posters of GIPF and Red Festa in front of the 518 Hall.

On May 16 I had joined in the opening ceremony of Gwangju International Peace Forum in Daedong Hall, around 150 participants from Asia and Europe offended. At the same day I had attended a workshop on “2008 International Workshop on Human Rights to Peace” by ARENA. The workshop started from 10.30am to 12.00am and 1.30pm to 5.00pm, fine topics were presented, first by Anuradha M. Chenoy on “Can there be a Human Rights Approach to Peace in India?”; second by Hibiki Yamaguchi on “Is the military force effective in building peace and forging human rights?”; third by Arjun K. Karki on “Democracy, Peace and Human Rights in Nepal; fourth by Pravit Rojanaphruk on “Human Rights Approach to Peace, Problem and Prospect”; fifth by Honey Tan on “A Feminist’s View of Peace Building: How Helpful is the Rights Based Approach?.

28th Commemorative Ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Uprising

Honors and respect are gives to victims on May 18, 2008, so The May 18 Memorial Foundation facilitated the GIPF participants attendance to the commemoration ceremony at the new cemetery. The 28^th Anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising in this year addressed by the President of Korea Mr. Lee Myung-bak..

A field trip to Unju temple was followed after the event.

2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award Ceremony

Together with GIPF participants to joined the award giving ceremony in Daedong hall for the winner Mr Muneer Malik. He was the former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan, and in 2006 he also was awarded the 2006 Dorab Patel Award. More over he was arrested and tortured by military regime for anti-government protests. The Gwangju committee had agreed to give the 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award to him, this award including a medal, a certificated of achievement and US $50,000 prize money.

2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation had announce the application the Gwangju for Asian Human Rights Folk School to organizations in Asia, so I helped in spreading the announcement to human rights organization in Cambodia, around 30 organizations was sent the announcement.

May 18 Themed Subway

On May 06, 2008. I joined the Culture and Solidarity Team in the Opening Ceremony of the May 18 Themed Subway. I helped give rice ball (Jomuk Bob) water to subway commuters.

Give interview to KBS (Korea Broadcaster System)

I was interviewed by KBS (TV Station) for two different questions as intern of Culture and Solidarity Team, and Education and Research Team. First with KBSnews, I went out the foundation office with Mr. Pete and an American, Peter Gallo an English Teachers to new cemetery. There talked about advantages of international solidarity and May 18 issues , for me all of the questions were relevant to my own experience and impression about The May 18 Democratic Uprising and International Solidarity.

Second with KBS, I was interviewed in the May 18 Memorial Foundation office (Meeting Room and out door) and at Kumnamno Street (in the day of Red Festa day) for Red Festa, the program of Education and Research Team. I had given my opinion and thought about Red Festa, such as, how i feel to work with youth, how are the ways of Korean youth, why I like this festival, what I can do for the events?

Posting for International Intern Blog

I provided support activities to Dr. Lenin, Convener of People Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), he was awarded the 2007 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award. He expressed his kind views to the winner of 2008, Advocate Munir Malik of Pakistan. Dr. Lenin said Ad. Malik deserves the award areas advocate of Pakistan who is struggling for the restoration of Judiciary in Pakistan. I also supported campaign against torture in India of Dr. Lenin. In addition, I made posts about the Tibet news and information, 2007 International Interns (Thency and Tumenbayar) reports, announcement for Folk School, posting Gwangju International Peace Forum and Gwangju Prize for Human Rights.

Directory Made by Thency and other tasks

I made update on the directory from Ms Word into Excel file.

I had read lesson series 55 of Human Rights Correspondence School on Reparation as an effective remedy for human rights abuse.

I had received the brochure translation. And it was gave to Mr.Pete.

I had also attended some team meeting and general meeting.I had noted the leadership of the leader and staff of Foundation during meetings that were a bit different as to my experience.

2- Problems Encountered

My presentation on Cambodia Culture at Gwangju Natural Science High School was proponed three times. First, on 23 April, 2008. Second, 07 May, 2008. And third, 28 May, 2008, be cause of teacher Kim’s health condition.

3- Recommendation

The presentation at Gwanju Natural Science High School will give me a good chance to learn about Korean culture, especially I will have good experience in showing my country’s culture. And I hope I will have other chance to make my presentation to other institution,

In fact, I had a bit problem prepareing my task in Foundation, when they proponed my presentation day that same day..

I hope that they will inform me a few days before they decide to delay my presentation, preparation affects my self and my tasks.

4- Plan

I am going to work next month in June 2008 on the following:

First week, campaign support for partners, send information about GPHR and GIPF to human rights organizations in Cambodia, make Southeast Asian Directory and regular office duties.

Second week, keep in touch with national and international news, work with my own research (if possible I will get a session form other organization in Gwangju) and announce Folk School to Asia.

Third week, prepare information in Asia for Directory Book, learn and implement online campaign and supporting for posting in interns blog for Dr.Lenin, Tibet and other issues.

Fourth week, read a book title the Memories of May 1980, make monthly report and submit book report and discussion.