Cultural and educational programs for students in Jeongeup, South Korea

Volunteer project: From the early 1980s, during the Korean industrialization, people started moving to the cities for a job. Unfortunately most of these people were financially disadvantaged and while they were working till late at night, children had not been fully cared for in terms of security, nutrition and education. Due to this reason, religious institutions started providing services for children. This is the beginning of the Local Children Centers.

Jeongeup, connected to Mt. Naejang National Park and Mt. Ibam, is an especially stunning city to tour during the spring and fall seasons. But as the government usually develops infrastructure depending on the population of the region, many people in this area are isolated from these benefits. Due to this, the local youth do not have many opportunities to be involved with international people. In this respect, this project will play an important role in bringing a taste of international culture to the local children and people.

The Local Children Center in Jeongeup provides protection (guidance in daily-life, providing meals and shelter), education (help with homework, teaching school subjects such as English, science, etc.) and entertainment (various activities like travel, sports, music, arts, picnics, etc.) for the children. The volunteers will support the Center in providing these services to the children. The project site was officially opened in January of 2012. The Youth Center is aiming to develop English language programs for the local children and youth. The volunteers will plan and organize their own English conversation classes for the different age groups. The volunteers will be working with 10 to 30 children, 8 to 16 years old. There are 1 to 3 teachers at the Center. Volunteers will also help other local children centers in the village.

Project dates:

• March 27 - June 14, 2013
• June 26 - August 23, 2013
• September 25 - December 12, 2013

Profile of the volunteer: • Teaching experience or interest in teaching (especially with non-formal methods) • Ability to teach and communicate in English • Previous volunteer experience with children (preferred but not necessary) and interest to work and socialize with them • Skills to manage club activities (e.g. music, dance, sports, theatre, etc.) • Interest about Korea (learning the language and culture of the local area) • Initiative, positive and out-going personality

Location: Jeongeup, Jeonbuk Province, in the southwest of Korea, about 3 hours south of Seoul by Express bus.

For more information, other available projects in South Korea and enrollment, please go to: www.cadip.org/volunteering-in-korea.htm

CADIP Volunteering Worldwide: www.cadip.org