Thursday, August 29, 2013

[MANNAM International Victory Cup] MANNAM International Victory Cup held in Eul-suk do



Hello! Warm hearted people!  I am Ji Hong-Gu. It has been almost 2 years since I joined MANNAM and Titans football team.


I took a part in the MANNAM International Victory Cup on August 25th, 2013 in Eul-suk do, Busan.


The Busan MANNAM South branch personnel helped participating teams from start to finish so that all participants could concentrate fully on matches. I know that, as a Korean, it is a really hard and difficult job to organize a multinational football/soccer competition; especially in terms of gathering so many participating foreigners, but they successfully did so for the sole purpose of promoting peace.


I have been particularly impressed by one thing since I have joined the MANNAM volunteer association. Usually many Koreans are hesitant to have a conversation with foreigners outside of an English academy. But MANNAM’s people are always making an attempt to be nice and kind to everyone, to practice peace regardless of nationality, race, religion, or language. Even some members who cannot speak a foreign language very well have been trying hard to encourage others to fully embrace the idea of peace and volunteerism.


That’s why the TITANS football team is the best team I have ever been a part of in my life. It has great team mates from different countries, religions, and physical make-ups. It is the best part of being with the Titans.
Titans took second place with a record of 1 win and 2 ties at the MANNAM International Victory Cup held in Eul-suk do (을숙도). All members were anxious to go to the finals in Ansan more than ever. But after the competition, nobody cared who the winner was. Instead they just encouraged each other and hoped each could go to the finals next time. The really good thing was that we met many new friends no matter who won in the end.
It was the football tournament that was able to remind us of peace and allowed us to enjoy football all together.


Anyone can organize a sports competition or take a part in one, but MANNAM sets itself apart by holding a sports competition in the name of peace; a peace that stems straight from their heart.
Thank you so much again. May we all live to see our world at peace.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

[MANNAM International] MANNAM TITANS played soccer game in Silla university






MANNAM played soccer on a sunny day. We were going to rent futsal court in Silla university. But there were many people in both my team and opponent team, we played as members of 11vs11 in the big soccer field since no one was using there.
The sunsine and the heat from the ground made the weather was even hotter that all the players were soaked in swear.
We played three games and we spent 25 minutes for each games.


Since it was an extremely hot and humid day, we took a long break. We talked a lot and took care each other, which made a really awesome break time.

Our team seemed to  playing better than before. They could pass the balls very well and they seemed to enjoy the game with Roar FC's team.
It seemed to be that they know their positions and know what each other wanted. The game was amazing but the thing that they took care of each other was even more amazing.


They were sharing iced water, asking about their news and joking around with staffs, and that was awesome like all of them seemed to be old friends.

 
When the game was over, I told everyone about the International Victory Cup and most of our team members said that they were in. We helped picking up all the trashes. I don't think there is any other team like MANNAM TITANS.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

[MANNAM World News] North youth group given nod to visit for UN event


Seoul has approved a visit from a group of young North Koreans to Gwangju that will participate in a UN-hosted international youth conference as a conciliatory mood settles over the peninsula.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry, which is in charge of all inter-Korean affairs, announced yesterday its decision to allow three North Koreans to visit the South along with an official from Pyongyang as their guardian. Relations between the two countries have entered a bright patch recently, with the joint Kaesong Industrial Complex reopening and reunions coming up for families split by the 1950-53 Korean War.
The three teenagers, whose identities have not been revealed, will take part in the seventh Youth Leadership Program being held at Honam University in the southwestern city of Gwangju. The event begins Thursday and will run through Sept. 13.
The four will arrive at Incheon International Airport via Beijing on Wednesday and leave on Sept. 4.
Hosted by the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (Unosdp) three or four times a year, the program provides leadership training for young people between the ages of 18 and 25 from developing countries, where they rarely get a chance to experience such education
The conference first convened in Doha in 2012.
During their 13-day stay, a total of 34 adolescents from 19 regions in Asia and Oceania will participate in a variety of programs including sports competitions, leadership lectures and Korean cultural activities.
Participation fees are all covered by the UN, with the accommodation provided by the Gwangju city government. Flights for all participants have been covered by Korean Air.
On Friday, North Korea sent a list of the three youths and the chaperon to the Unosdp headquarters that was handed over to the Gwangju city government. The city then asked the Unification Ministry for approval for the visit.

source: http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2976356


I  can only hope that many group of young people want to be shared equally and discuss world peace through the Youth Leatdership program.
There are few Korean people who do not long for the unification of South and North Korea.
MANNAM Volunteer also wish for world peace, and we are moving to world peace.
I hope that the day of reunification would come as soon as possible.

Monday, August 19, 2013

[MANNAM International] MANNAM Potluck Party in the new MANNAM office (Busan South)

Last weekend we had opened protluck party after we moved to our new MANNAM office.
Many MANNAM Volunteer members attended this party.
We were able to try many other countries traditional food through this potluck party.
As enjoying the party, we talked about our country and how foreigners are doing in Korea and the most thing I enjoyed was eating each traditional foods.
One of our members 'Hermes Ron' wrote his feelings that day.



One of our members 'Hermes Ron' wrote his feelings that day.


Not only the weather was warm on the day of the meeting, also the vibes and ties of friendship,
good willingness was glowing through out the whole evening.


I went with my girlfriend and good friend Jason from Wales to the event, since we got out of the
subway station of Gwangalli, already a person (MANNAM Volunteer Association) was waiting for whoever arrived  at that point and guide them(in our case us) to the place of the meeting.


At the front desk a welcoming face greeting us and asking us to join inside and sit in one of the many places available, to find inside friends and familiar faces all from the MANNAM group, specially the ones who every weekend make the effort to join the Futbol team.

Everything was set up to have a pleasant gathering, we had special food from our friends countries, like a delicious Russian waffle or a Vietnamese Rice, even for non-meat eaters they could delight themselves with delicious Shrimp and chips. During the first hour we were introduced to MANNAM Volunteer Association, a non-profit organization trying to unite people from different countries and backgrounds, as well locals, to join in a community that has for foundations peace, social harmony and kindness.


We were introduced to group leaders of Cultural and Sport activities, and freely invited to join whichever activity we were interested on doing. During the presentations personally I was glad I could salute people I knew having conversations and laughs with them, basically I had a nice evening.

Hermes Ron
Guadalajara, Mexico

Saturday, August 17, 2013

[MANNAM Event] MANNAM Volunteer Association will hold a Victory Cup




Mannam Volunteer Association will hold a Victory Cup in extension of existing sports program for foreigners residing in Korea. Our goal is to achieve world peace through means of sports programs bringing every countries, nationalities, languages, and religions together in one.


For More Information :
http://www.mannamintl.org/
https://www.facebook.com/mannamintl
http://www.youtube.com/user/whenlight...
http://mannamvcup.org/

Friday, August 16, 2013

[MANNAM Korean Class] 3rd semester Korean Class



Welcome to Korean class in MANNAM.
 I think every language has the country's thinking, mind,  culture because human uses the language.
 Learning Korean through MANNAM helps you have this great chance to study for there are people in MANNAM korean class who have beautiful mind.
Lectures will begin on Sept. 7. Before starting the lectures, we have the orientation at 5:00 pm  in the Gwang-An office on  Aug. 31 (Sat). 
Also, classes are run for 15weeks.
 
This is Time Table. If you want join any courses, please contact to the teacher. Thank you!
 

Thursday, August 15, 2013

[MANNAM Volunteer] MANNAM volunteer association goes to volunteer to Sohwa which is volunteering for children

Every month of the second week Saturday, our MANNAM volunteer association goes to volunteer to Sohwa which is volunteering  for children. Foreigners GumLan and Roshid the one who always participate came and also a new member JinHong participated too. Especially, we played with children splashing water each other and it was really good enjoying and having a meaningful time to each other. After that, we helped checking the mailbox. The new member JinHong really enjoyed it and he decided to come every month.
After the volunteer, we had dinner together talking about many things and what we realized through the volunteering. Though it is a small volunteering, we had a meaningful time with the children. It was good memories to each of us.




Wednesday, August 14, 2013

[MANNAM International] MANNAM Busan South Peace Badminton Club


We have peace badminton club in the MANNAM Busan South. It starts two weeks ago.
This time is second time to play the badminton.


I went to the sport parks station at 6:30 by vice team leader's bicycle to pick up team members.
Some foreign guys told me that they were going to be late, so I just took Hermes and his girlfriend to the sports park.

 
It was my first time going to the badminton court at Kangseo sports park and it was much bigger than I thought. The badminton court was about 16 court.
We used 2 courts and played badminton for 2 hours.
Although it was an extremely humid day, all the staffs and foreign friends enjoyed playing the badminton.

We played mixed-doubles, men's singles and doubles, and women's doubles.
There were a lot of people, much more than I thought. Some Korean people around us taught how to play the badminton and we actually learned a lot.
Some said that it would be a good idea to play it every week. I was very happy that foreign friends had a lot of fun.
I wish there will be more foreign friends to come every week.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

[MANNAM International] MANNAM Busan South Soccer Game


 MANNAM Busan South has the soccer team, Titans. We play soccer game every weekend. It's Sunday today. At silla university soccer field, MANNAM Titans started playing soccer games at 2:30.
There were 9 pals; We had new pals and there were some pals that I haven't seen for a while. That's why I couldn't see those who usually came around to the field.
We all had a good time playing the soccer game although there were some pals who couldn't play the game for a long time.
There were two Korean opponent teams and they were teams of our team leader Hong-gu's friends. We blew out both of them.
At the break time, we introduced our new manager(MANNAM volunteer members) and also talked about the 3rd victory cup.
Well, the humid weather's going on and it's making us exhausted. But please cheer for Titan team, since our skills are improving and we are becoming intimate. Thanks a lot.

 


 
 

Friday, August 9, 2013

[MANNAM International] Many languages, One hope



This video clip brings peace home to many peace lovers.
Also, it makes the viewers realize that peace can be fulfilled by not only a person’s effort but by people who speak many different languages.
In the video, there are these statements;
-There are about over 6,500 spoken languages in the world.
-Each race, skin color, culture, religion, tradition, political thinking could be different.
-But, despite these differences, we found we hope one thing.
-Through it, we become linked to each other and will be united as the one.
Then, with the “peace” in various languages, a peace symbol is made, which is very meaningful.
I hope this video made by MANNAM International will become a great source to promote World Peace.


source: http://mannamvictory.wordpress.com/

Thursday, August 8, 2013

[MANNAM World News] Bill, Chelsea Clinton return to Africa for foundation work



(CNN) -- Chelsea Clinton can trace her African awakening to February 11, 1990, when she sat on the kitchen counter of the governor's mansion in Arkansas and watched with her parents as Nelson Mandela walked out of prison in South Africa.
Just shy of her 10th birthday, Clinton knew then that history was being made and even more, "that the future was being born," she told CNN before leaving this week on a nine-day, six-stop African trip with her father, former President Bill Clinton.
Now she is part of that future she envisioned more than 23 years ago. The Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation is involved in myriad projects in Africa intended to help historically disadvantaged people get a chance to realize their human potential on a continent known mostly for squalor and conflict.
Changing both the reality of Africa and the perception of its failed progress are important to Clinton, a self-proclaimed child of advantage raised by wildly successful and famous parents.
She credits both with helping her better understand the world, quoting her father's maxim that "intelligence is equally distributed; opportunity and resources aren't," while citing travels around the world with her mother -- former U.S. Sen. and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton -- that always included time with women and girls in far-flung places such as Zimbabwe.
"I always got to meet girls who very much were my age and very much were experiencing different things and very similar things that I was experiencing in the United States," she said, describing encounters that helped her realize "how many more advantages I had by being born in late-20th century America."
It resulted in a simple but profound question that inspires her today: "How could I not have thought about what I could do in my life to try to close the gaps that happened just by accident of where I was born?"
The answer is reflected in her work with the foundation and its various initiatives focused on health care, economic empowerment, climate change and other issues.
This week's trip begins in Malawi, where Clinton and her father will meet with President Joyce Banda and tour a Clinton Health Access Initiative clinic to visit HIV-infected patients being helped by access to less-expensive medicine.
Other stops include Zambia, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda and South Africa, a regular destination on her African travels. She spent time there in 1997 with her mother on a trip that preceded her father's historic visit a year later as the first sitting U.S. president to go to the country.
Clinton and her father also visited South Africa last year as part of a similar African swing to visit foundation sites there and in Mozambique, Rwanda and Uganda.
Many of the projects result from work of the Clinton Global Initiative, a kind of facilitating arm of the foundation that brings together philanthropists, corporations and others seeking to do good with projects and partners that need help.
"One of the things that we see over and over again is that so often the right constituent parts aren't really that far from one another," she said. "They're just not connected or organized."
So far, CGI members have committed to projects and other participation in Africa worth $27.8 billion, more than a third of the initiative's total member commitment worth $73 billion.
Clinton will visit one of the CGI projects on Friday in Zambia, where the U.S.-based Starkey Hearing Foundation will work with local authorities to fit hearing aids for people who need them.
It is part of the Starkey foundation's plan to "to give 1 million people hearing aids this decade to restore the gift of hearing, and to make a difference in people's lives in new ways," according to its website.
"It's not giving a gift of hearing for a moment; it's giving the gift of hearing for a lifetime," Clinton said of the project, which also supplies batteries and teaches people how to use and maintain the devices to "totally transform the trajectory" of their lives.
For much of the work of the foundation and the initiatives, success generally means that at some point, their help no longer will be needed, Clinton explained.
For example, a coffee roasting plant in Rwanda, which she and her father will visit with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, will eventually process 3,000 tons a day to create 40 jobs while boosting the income of tens of thousands of farmers, according to the Clinton Development Initiative website.
Given the nation's troubled history, with the 1994 genocide still resonant as a symbol of African upheaval and misery, the coffee plant represents "the next chapter in what's been really exciting to watch unfold in Rwanda," Clinton said.

source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/31/world/africa/clinton-africa/index.html


By looking at Clinton to promote and improve the location of Africa, we think about ourselves in what mind and shape we should do to volunteer.
And we know that this is more than just a simple volunteer. I hope all of you can donate your abilities and work together in our MANNAM volunteer association and give love to each other.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

[MANNAM International] MANNAM Volunteer Association Busan South Korean class went on a field trip to Hulksilu.

I first found out about MANNAM last year, when I was approached by a very nice and friendly representative at the Kyongsung-Pukyong subway stop last year. I was informed about the free Korean and other cultural classes offered. I began to learn Korean by myself, mastering the alphabet and a few useful word and phrases. Having had to let the opportunity to go to a class pass me by last year, somehow miraculously the same opportunity presented itself to me around the same time this year. I enthusiastically signed up for my free Korean class. I was enthusiastically greeted and lead into an awesome experience, for which I am very thankful.  
I was impressed by my first Korean lesson. Teaching students English every working day, I was excited to be a student again, and learn something new. The experience of learning Korean exposed me to a role reversal, and helped me to understand my own students learning English. Repetition, slow pace, and positive attitude are key. It was nice and exciting to meet other foreigners interested in learning Korean. Linda’s cheerful and happy smile and steady teaching pace helped us all absorb the new Korean vocabulary and phrases fast.



Our trip to Gijang, “Hulksilu” was great too. We met other MANNAM Korean teachers and foreigners. We took the bus and when we got off we were welcomed at the traditional Korean place.




The restaurant was in a little traditional Korean village, with traditional wooden Korean houses. We first had a delicious traditional Korean meal inside. Then we watched how rice cakes were made outside in the yard. We were able to take turns beating and crushing rice dough with a heavy wooden hammer. We could sample the cut up pieces rolled in yellow bean powder. They tasted amazingly soft and warm.




Then we walked around the property. There was a small zoo including monkeys, baby bears, guinea pigs and birds, and a botanical garden. We played traditional Korean games outside, competing to win prizes.
I am very thankful to have began my Korean language and cultural learning experience, and look forward to many more new experiences with MANNAM.




Lenka Graner