스크랩 Korea Times promotes multiculturalism - 코리아타임즈

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Korea Times promotes multiculturalism

Children and mothers of the “Happy Study Room” in Miseong-dong, Kwanak-gu, pose after talking about different customs of Children’s Day in various countries in this April 27, 2011 file photo.

Hwang Do-dam smiles while in class at the Jiguchon School.  

Children line up in row at Wonil Elementary School in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, in this Oct. 26, 2011 file photo. / Korea Times file 

Dignitaries’ comments


Children grow up as national assets 
 

Prime Minister
Chung Hong-won

Congratulations for the opening of the “2nd Korea Multicultural Youth Awards.”

First and foremost, I would like to give the warmest applause and words of encouragement to all students here today who are bravely charting their future despite adversity.

I am confident that in this globalized world, each one of you with a multicultural background is indeed a national asset.

The government has been exerting all-out efforts to ensure that all multicultural students can dream bigger dreams and take greater leaps toward their goals.

We, for instance, provide customized educational services, including teaching the parents’ language to their Korea-born children as well as pairing them with university students who work as their mentors.

I urge you to endeavor to further improve yourself, trust your talent and potential.

Once again, I extend my gratitude to the Korea Times and its staffers who organized this meaningful event.

I wish you a future brimming with hope and happiness.

Thank you.
 


Diversity is factor of competitiveness

Gender Equality Minister
Cho Yoon-sun

I would like to extend my greetings to all, including Rep. Choo Mi-ae, Rep. Jasmine Lee, German Ambassador Rolf Mafael, Brazilian Ambassador Edmundo Sussumu Fujita and his wife Mrs. Fujita and other distinguished guests. It’s my honor to celebrate the 2nd Korea Multicultural Youth Awards.

First of all, I would like to congratulate the winners here at this award ceremony. And I would like to express my gratitude to The Korea Times and its President-Publisher Park Moo-Jong.

The word “multicultural” is no longer an unfamiliar word. Our society has changed into a multicultural society where the number of foreign residents and multicultural families is on the rise.

However, our society still has yet to fully embrace diversity. There are still perceptions of discrimination in which people tend to set apart “others” from “us.”

A healthy country needs open minds toward diversity. And, we can build into a healthier society by encouraging every member to realize their utmost potential. As creative thinking stems from different points of view and innovation from new way of doing things, we can say that the “diversity” and “difference” that the multicultural family has is a stellar means of “competitiveness,” not a reason for discrimination.

Furthermore, teenagers are the future of our society. The potential of young teenagers and their various cultural assets will make for a more beautiful and diverse future. This is a “strength” that will make our society grow deeper and broader.

The Ministry of Gender Equality & Family is promoting various policies to support teenagers from multicultural families so that they can grow into great world leaders in the future. 

-Operating a “Language Genius Class to Learn the Mother (Father) Language”

-Supporting children of multicultural families who have difficulties in school life due to any delay in language development with language development instructors

-Operating a “Rainbow School” for the children of marriage immigrants in 10 areas nationwide that offers a four-month program

We, the Ministry of Gender Equality & Family, will play a crucial role to support multicultural teenagers and please think of us as your close friend. We are always behind you.

All students here, you are the protagonists in your lives and the people who will lead our society in the future. I give a very big hand to your talents and dreams, and your amazing abilities such as volunteer activities, great foreign language skills, musical instrument performances and even acting.

I hope that this award can encourage your hope, passion and courage. And, to all attending this meaningful meeting here, I wish all of you health and happiness. I hope you have a great year-end time and may 2014 bring success and victory in everything you do. Thank you.

 

Multicultural youth, future of Korea

Rep. Jasmine Lee of
Saenuri Party

I would like to congratulate the winners of the 2nd Korea Multicultural Youth Awards hosted by The Korea Times. Also, I would like to give my warmest applause to the winners who will be honored today.

The situation in Korea is changing into multiculturalism. With this shift, the Korean government also thinks about a change into the systematic policy which can encourage every member of this society to tap into community spirit.

At a time like this, Korea Multicultural Youth Awards organized by The Korea Times is a shining example to give the youth the opportunity of bright future, being full of their own pride.

I would like to say that I am very proud of the members of the multicultural community who are the future not only of the community, but of 50 million people in the Republic of Korea. I really hope that today’s awards will lead to even more opportunities for bigger dreams and brighter futures.

Each and every one of you is a special individual in the world. With that in mind, I hope that you will move forward regardless of many trails and tribulation. Even though you are in the middle of trials, I believe your steps must be full of confidence, toward your bright future. Please remember that lots of people including I are always behind you, every step of the way. I specially give you my full support.

Once again, I would like to congratulate you from the bottom of my warm-heart, and hope this award become a beacon of your happiness. Happiness and love will always be by your side. Thank you.




Judge’s comments


Heartfelt joy in seeing healthy youth growing up 

 

Kim Joon-sik,
Chairman of Asian Friends
and chief of judges

Reviewing applications for a second time since 2012 when the Korea Multicultural Youth Awards was inaugurated, I was greatly overwhelmed with emotion.

Because I found that most of the children or teenagers from multicultural families were growing up healthily, physically as well as mentally with a good sense of self-awareness, despite the preconceptions that they may be struggling in Korean society.

These children are learning assiduously the languages of their mothers as well as Korean. Most of them are fluent not only in Korean, but also in Vietnamese, Chinese, Tagalog, Mongolian, Cambodian, Thai and French. Having parents from different cultures, they well understand the different cultures and sentiments of varying countries. I am confident in my belief that they will grow up to become valuable assets for Korea with this ability to communicate with different cultures.

These students are also excelling at school, not only academically but as leaders in classrooms or volunteer groups. They are learning the skills and the spirit to become great leaders in Korean society’s future.

Many of them are demonstrating outstanding abilities in the sports and arts sectors as well. Healthy and forward-looking, these students will help Korea shine.

Some of them are faced with challenging situations at home but nevertheless they are filial to their parents and attentive to siblings, knowing to set their priorities. In that vein, they will serve as role models for Korea.

Having said that, it’s difficult to deny that some are still living in the grey zone without access to proper policies or care forwarded their way. We should not forget to give our attention and care to those that need us.

A multicultural society, along with globalization, comprises one of the mega-trend of the global village. It envisions a peaceful world where different religions, peoples and cultures can peacefully co-exist, living side by side.

We should take the approach of realizing harmony rather than shedding light on the conflicts that may stem in a multicultural society.

Many countries in the world including Australia have jumped from the platform of multiculturalism to advance nationally as well as culturally.

With that in mind, we cannot deny that the children and students with multicultural backgrounds will contribute as assets for Korea in the future. This is why we must imbue a renewed sense of courage and integrity to the children of multicultural background.

I would like to point out that this Multicultural Youth Awards hosted by The Korea Times can be an opportunity for children and teenagers to re-realize their sense of value and the opportunities that lie ahead for them.

Lastly, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to all the winners of the 2nd Korea Multicultural Youth Awards.

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