MANNAM Volunteer Association 'One of MANNAM member Essay' over the past year...

MANNAM in my life

It has been two years and a half since I came to Korea and for this period I’ve had many
experiences ? both ups and downs; met a lot of new people and made many friends. First
months of my life in Korea were lonely, boring and painful since I did not speak Korean
at all. I had few foreign friends who I could communicate with and was terrified to bump
into locals in convenient stores, bus and taxi or hair saloons where people had no idea of
what I was trying to explain in my broken Korean. I was distressed and prepared to go
back home with the first ticket as soon as my language classes ended in February, 2012.
But things have changed to one hundred eighty degrees after I met ‘MANNAM’ volunteer
association. Now, recollecting the events of my life before making New Year’s
resolutions, with a smile on my face I remember the joy and light I had with ‘MANNAM’
and decided to share some of them in this essay.
First day I met ‘MANNAM’ volunteers was in February, 2012 when I was invited to a free
Korean class in a ‘Doran Doran’ cafe in Dayeon station. A class in a casual environment
without pressure of homework or assignments and cute young friendly volunteers who
mastered English gave an inspirational light not to leave Korea and continue my study.
In the class there were about five or six foreign students each from a different country. It
was then when I met Hong - one of my best friends in Korea. It seemed that he was a
new staff member to MANNAM which itself was in a fledgling stage. We had a brief
conversation about our interests and hobbies. After that, momentarily, he suggested
organizing soccer games every weekend which, I think, was an amazing idea. In this way
I happened to know ‘MANNAM’ and became a part of it.
‘MANNAM’ International organizes various sports activities and tournaments among the foreign teams
throughout Korea and one of the most memorable such events was a trip to participate in
a football tournament in Seoul. It was formalized in a large scale that over thousand
foreigners took part in it and it was broadcasted on news. On this day we set out from
Busan in four coaches at 6 in the morning. Five-hour journey to Seoul was spent full of
joy singing, dancing, playing various local games like ‘21 questions’, etc. In a
tournament we played against Seoul MANNAM team and our friendship won again as the
score was a tie two and two. There was a short series of performances in the field to
entertain us. It was a chance for one to meet hundreds of new faces and make friends
within a single day. Not once ‘MANNAM’ has organized such gathering and brought light
together. In addition to the regular trips to Seoul, ‘MANNAM’ unites us in Busan as well.
In a row of such events Gwangalli summer beach gatherings are unique. Last summer it
was a true fun with ‘MANNAM’. We had several booths each serving food, drinks, games,
wish cards, stickers and a concert on a stage built on the beach. I still have the T-shirts
from the event.
Last ‘MANNAM’ party of the year was held last week and it was pleasant to know how big
family we became over this period. A long awaited party with red tones of clothes,
people wearing a red hat, pants, skirt, jumper, etc. began with warm welcome of hosts in
a cozy cafe. There were also people from my soccer team, badminton team and a Korean class. We wrote our Christmas wishes to each other on a card and played various interactive games like bingo, card drawing. Winners were given prizes and also there was an award giving ceremony to grant certificates for active participation in the activities of ‘MANNAM’. I never thought I would ever be awarded in such celebration, but I was given a certificate for being a multiplayer of the year. I took the credit for participating in many events and activities.
I am still looking at the photos taken at the party and feel that joy and warmth. It was a memorable last party of the year by ‘MANNAM’.
To sum up what ‘MANNAM’ means to me, I would say it is family of friendship with
contagious love that gets bigger and bigger as time goes by. All the activities ? soccer,
badminton, cricket, basketball ? we do, the events ? parties, gatherings, classes,
marathons ? we organize and the charity works ? visiting orphanage, helping the old,
painting walls ? we volunteer are for a single cause ? peace and love in the world.
‘MANNAM’ gave a light to me and my goal is to shed the light even brighter because when light meets light there is a victory.

What do you think about PEACE? MANNAM International

I think that peace will come when everyone has one same thought.What same thought? To exist together! People have chosen to win the others constantly instead of living peacefully.Because we tend to expect that we will be happy when we have more thingsㅡmore money,more  estate,more belongings. But human's greed has no limits. In other words, there is no real happiness in having more stuff. It is a total waste of time. So,we must stop to pursue happiness through the competitionㅡwinning game.It is useless. Now,we should concentrate the more important matterㅡthe world which has no war.If our recognition changes,World peace will come true.

[MANNAM International] MANNAM Busan South, TITANS(Soccer Team) played football _ MANNAM Sports Club

MANNAM Busan South 'TITANS' played football

 

 

 

It was a really cold day. But we were excited to play football against Pukyoung univ Chinese team and Silla univ Roar fc.

 

We didn't have enough players because of cold weather. Some of MANNAM Titans members were sick. Nevertheless, everyone enjoyed the matches. I can not say which was the winner team.

 

 

PKNU Chinese team and Titans had not enough players so that every team helped and blended together.(Someone said that It was 'rainbow match')

 

 

It was a nice day to know new chinese people in korea.

 

 

ps. feel sorry to friends injured from the match. take care.


http://soccer.mannamvcup.org/

MANNAM International Korean Class had the experience to make Kimchi which is korean traditional food

Sharing Kimjang with MANNAM Volunteer Association

(It will be delivered to poor neighbors.)

 

 

Kimjang is an event for making kimchi in large quantities so that it may be stored and eaten during the winter. Since kimchi is the most basic side dish in Korean dining, this is considered a major family event in preparation for the cold season.

 Annually my mother goes to hometown and makes Kimchi with ant and grandma, and brings them home. Eating Kimchi, that is a matter of course. However, I had no chance to make Kimchi and actually this is my first time to make Kimchi.

 

 

About 30 foreigners participated in Kimjang in MANNAM Volunteer and there were other volunteers. Including me, all my friends were excited to do our new experience.

 

 

Some of them tastedextemporaneously, gave the piece of Kimchi each other, sang a song and danced.

 

 

 That made good atmosphere and all MANNAM volunteers can enjoy that time. By increasing our temperature, all of us could concentrate to do Kimjang and we finished that ahead of time.
 

 

Finished the volunteer work, we went to eat Korean traditional meal. Started from Korean traditional pancake, there were Korean chicken soup, egg cooking and so on. With amount of cooking, I ate my fill. Various and delicious foods made us happy and friendly.  

 
   Activities with MANNAM are always exciting. I can feel others consideration and peaceful heart. Including Kimjang, I am gaining good experiences with MANNAM. If you want peace and make them real, how about come and join us?

Nelson Mandela Dead: former South Arican President Pies At 95 _ MANNAM International

' Symbol of the Civil-rights Movememt'

Nelson Mandela Dead: Former South African President Pies At 95

 

 

Nelson Mandela, the Ex-South African and A.N.C. President passed away at the age of 95 on the evening of the 5th local time.

South African President Jacop Zuma confirmed the news:
"He is now resting. He is now at peace", Zuma said.
"Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father."

Many people call Mandela one of the greatest heroes of South Africa.
Mandela fought against racism during the era of Apartheid in South Africa.
He played a pivotal role for black people in his country getting equal rights.
He reminds us of wish for peace and tell us message of peace.
It is now time for shouts of peace together instead of him.

MANNAM is serving the community.
MANNAM Volunteer Association works for world peace.
He is dead but, we should be of good cheer encouraged his word.
I swear we'll make peace provided you do, too.
We should make a forum for harmony and unity without war.
He is dead but, there is also one of peace advocate Man Hee Lee who is our hope.
He also shouts for world peace at the head.
We should try to make world peace following his footprints and listening his voice.

We must make world peace!  We want peace!

The world now wants peace.

MANNAM International, Korean Class - Beginner Class study MANNAM Volunteer Busan South

MANNAM Volunteer had a Korean Class last Saturday.

Despite the freezing weather, many students attended class.

 

First of all, teacher checked homework before the class began.

Then, they tested on the words as homework.

 

 

The class began and Korean studied engrosses them whole time and attention.

After the class is over, we had birthday party for Dec. students.

 

 

And then, we went to China restaurant to celebrate thier birthday.

We had nice dinner together.

Busan Fireworks Festival 2013, MANNAM International - MANNAM Korean Class events

Busan Fireworks Festival 2013

MANNAM Volunteer Association is a  global organization that has brought joy to many lives in Korea. They not only provide services for those in need but provide a sense of community for Koreans and foreigners living in Korea. Living as a foreigner in Korea, I've found comfort here; MANNAM International makes one feel at home. Over the past year I have been involved in a number of MANNAM events. Last winter I participated in a volunteer event making Kimchi for those unable to make it themselves. I really enjoyed this event as it gave me insight on Korea's main traditional food and how it is made. I also attended a Korean Cultural experience where participants learned about traditional Korean pottery and were taught how to create their own bowls and dishes from clay! It was an exciting experience I will never forget,

 

Recently I've been attending a Korean classes for beginners. This class is organized by MANNAM and I have the priviledge of working with some wonderful teachers and classmates. These teachers volunteer their time and efforts to teaching people from all over the world how to speak Korean. In this class we learn how to read Hangul and some basic conversation topics. I learn so much every week! The people at MANNAM are not ordinary people. They are special because they love you before they even know you! They give their all in whatever they do. They help foreigners feel at home in another country by spreading their message of world peace through their actions.
In October, Busan put on it's annual Fireworks Festival. This is one of my favorite times of the year! This year MANNAM invited our Korean class to watch the fireworks together. They organized a place for us to meet and even rented a space on top of the Soho Hospital in Gwangan for us to watch the fireworks.  That evening my classmates and I got together to meet our teacher Linda. She met us at the subway station and walked us to the hospital. We got there just in time to watch the spectacular show where we had one of the best views in the city! In addition to watching fireworks, there were complimentary Kimchi rice balls, coffee, and green tea. The experience was unforgettable and it was even better to share it with our wonderful teachers and all the students in Korean class. It was a magical night!

 

I'm very thankful to have the opportunity to participate and be involved with MANNAM. Their love and kindness shows in everything they do. I believe world peace will be achieved because of organizations such as MANNAM and the people who volunteer there.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Hill, USA

Cricket Tournament, Running for the PEACE

- MANNAM International Victory Cup Cricket Tournament -

Finally MANNAM International Victory Cup cricket tournament progressed from October 6^th to 27^th came to an end. We grow up much more than last year, and we still make an effort to tell our MANNAM spirit, the PEACE.

Cricket tournament was held only in Busan. Cricket teams from many regions who heard that MANNAM held second cricket tournament wanted to participate. As they really wanted to participate in tournament, they actively engaged. We were surprised at their passion.

Games were progressed favorably. Compared with last year cricket tournament, we got skill to progress the event, tournament’s scale became bigger. Players started games with the big hope of the first place. Even though they are from different countries and have different career, they looked the same goal.

However, the first place could be the one team. Hazara Pak won the first place in succession, and Changwon Lackers won the second place. Although they contended the victory, two teams were delighted with dance. After the game, they gather round and dance together. There was no loser’s sorrow or winner’s conceit. Just there was joy.

In this time, I was satisfied that we handed them the peace with different shape. We did hand printing follow the peace mark on the banner with our message; Different color, different size, but same mind to peace. Also we took pictures with the paper which is written world peace with MANNAM.  It was meaningful work and I’m happy to gather more people who join and proceed with our sprit. 

MANNAM International Victorycup Final

Victory cup tounament final in Ga-pyeong with Saigon FC

   

   The Saigon FC from Vietnam won the Victory cup preliminary rounds in Busan south. So some of Busan MANNAM members and Saigon team players went to Ga-pyeong stadium near Seoul. Since Busan is so far from the stadium, we had to be in a hurry. Everyone got on the bus at 5 o'clock in the morning. When the bus departed for Ga-pyeong, it seemed that it would be long and tired journey. We all slept in the bus for about seven hours. However, as soon as we got off the bus at the stadium, we all excited to be part in the final Victory cup.

   All the players and MANNAM members from other cities in Korea were enthusiastic. They were ready to enjoy the day, 20th of October.

   Everything was set up for tournament participants, including the good boothes. Making badges, writing peace messages, experiancing Korean traditional games, etc. Variety activities made our long time event fun.

   The opening ceremony was awesome!

   

   All people from different countries had been one in the name of sports, MANNAM and PEACE.

   I hoped Saigon won the competition, but unfortunately the Saigon soccer team took 3rd place in the tournament.

   

   Little bit sad, but it was wonderful time. Not only i have got many new Vietnamese friends but also met Samy from Egypt who used to be a Busan MANNAM soccer team goal keeper.(You are still my teammate Samy :p)

   I hope to see everyone and play football together next competition again.

Peace upon you.

Letter from MANNAM staff honggu-Ji

[MANNAM Internationl] How to make World Peace?

 

Peace?

Unity           Forgiveness                          Respect                     Equality
                                              Acceptance                     Freedom
          Love                                                Harmony
                        Hope                    Humble
   Necessary                                                             Understanding
                       Communication        Happiness    
World Peace                                                              Peace

 

How to make World Peace?

How do you feel about it?

Frankly speaking, I was not interested in  World Peace.
Then one day, one of my friends invited me to MANNAM Volunteer Association.
I knew that many Youth groups are passionate about world peace and they also worked hard for world peace.
So, I decided to work for world peace together.
And, I found that Man Hee Lee peace leader is working for world peace hardly.
He is a man worthy of our respect.
If we all muck in, we can get in better world.
We should listen to him and we ought to be able to manage it between us.

[MANNAM internationla] Do We Want the Two Koreas to Be United?

Koreas to iron out deal on S. Korean workers' rights at Kaesong talks


SEOUL, Sept. 12 (Yonhap) -- South and North Korea will try to work out a deal aimed at enhancing the rights and safety of South Korean workers at their joint factory complex in the communist country in upcoming talks, a government source said Thursday.
Talks planned for Friday are expected to touch on issues that were not fully agreed upon during negotiations held earlier in the week. Marathon talks that ended early Wednesday yielded an opening date for the Kaesong Industrial Complex, effectively ending the five-month-long standoff.
The factory park located in the North Korean border city of Kaesong has been closed since early April after Pyongyang unilaterally pulled out all of its workers citing provocations from South Korea and heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The latest agreement also called for sub-committee panel talks to be held within the week to discuss issues that were not fully ironed out.

"Two sub-committee meetings touching on communications and travel, as well as rights governing people who are staying there for extended periods of time will likely be held," a unification ministry official who declined to be identified said. He did not elaborate on the details but hinted that there is a possibility that headway can be made on key issues that can lead to an agreement.
Seoul has said that in the event of a South Korean national being detained, he or she should have the right to legal counsel. This move can allow South Korean officials to be present when the offender is being questioned by North Korean authorities.
"In past talks, the North has not rejected such calls made by the South, and since they had time to examine the proposal, we expect some sort of reply," the official said.
This right is part of the "progressive development" process that Seoul seeks for the Kaesong factory zone, he added. Progressive development aims to lay a firm foundation for building trust and sustainable growth in cross-border relations.
Besides workers' rights, the two sides are likely to touch on technical details related to improving communications like permitting Internet access at Kaesong, as well as the use of incorporating radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to ease cross-border movement to and from the inter-Korean factory park.
The ministry already said that RFID and Internet access issues can be resolved within the year, although it may take a bit longer to handle the issue surrounding the mobile phone use. Mobile phone issue needs to be approved by the North Korean military.
If the two sides see eye to eye on these areas, they may be able to sign affiliated agreements when the joint management committee meets next Monday. Affiliated agreements can force the North to implement what it already promised to do in the past.
Officials engaged in talks have hinted that compared with the past, the North seems more willing to listen to proposals. This may be due to the possibility that an agreement in Kaesong can affect upcoming talks to reopen the Mount Kumgang resort to tourism.
Seoul has called for talks to take place on Oct. 2 to discuss possibly resuming South Korean tours to the scenic mountain resort in North Korea that have been suspended since July 2008. The suspension followed the shooting death of a South Korean tourist by a North Korean guard.
yonngong@yna.co.kr

source: http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2013/09/12/72/0301000000AEN20130912004400315F.html


Do We Want the Two Koreas to Be United?

As one of wish for unification, I'm happy to hear the news.
Korean reunification is a task that must be fulfilled in our generation.
An opportunity, It would become the meaningful step for the reunification of the two Koreas.
Please join with MANNAM Volunteer Association and work in unison as a Man Hee Lee peace leader.

[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.