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| Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon delivers a congratulatory video message at the ceremony. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul |
By You Soo-sun
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| Philippine Ambassador Raul Hernandez poses with Yoo Hyo-jeong, recipient of the outstanding elementary school student award. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk |
Winners, dressed in coats and jackets, came with their families, friends and teachers from across the country to participate in the event, organized by The Korea Times and sponsored by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
The venue was decorated with pictures of the winners taken inside their classrooms and in front of their schools.
The event kicked off with a speech by Korea Times President Lee Chang-sup, who highlighted the significance of the event.
"The Multicultural Youth Awards is one of our iconic events," Lee said.
Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon congratulated the winners in a video message. "In the next three years, multicultural families will come to exceed 1 million in Korea. The government will increase its support to help families establish stable lives here and educate their children." Lee said. "There is no national boundary in your families. The boundaries only exist in people's minds and in institutions _ the government will work to eliminate them."
Minister of Gender Equality and Family Chung Hyun-back commended the winners at the event, commenting on the ministry's plan to systematically support biracial children.
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| Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ramzi Teymurov poses with Kim Myeong-ok, left, and Bae Cheon-min, winners of the outstanding middle school student awards. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk |
"Our society is rapidly becoming more diverse. The United Nations reported multicultural families will account for 21 percent of society's members. They are our future, and will be important assets in Korean society," Chung said.
Ten winners were called out to the stage and received 1 million won in cash, a plaque, and a bouquet of flowers.
Minister Chung presented the prize to the grand prize winner, Jung Ja-young, 12, who came from Geochang County, South Gyeongsang Province with two younger siblings, parents and her teacher.
Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul S. Hernandez gave the outstanding elementary school student awards to Cheon Jae-min, 11, and Yoo Hyo-jeong, 12.
Pakistani Head of Chancery Asad Abbas Awan presented the outstanding volunteer award to Rafay Abdul, 14. Born to parents from Pakistan, he was recognized for his outstanding community service. Ambassador Awan also presented the award to the Gungdong Group Home for supporting underprivileged children from multiracial backgrounds.
Azerbaijani Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov also took part in the event.
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| Gender Equality and Family Minister Chung Hyun-back, left, poses with the grand prize winner Jung Ja-young, 12, after presenting her with the grand prize at the sixth Korea Multicultural Youth Awards ceremony. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk |
Kim Joon-sik, honorary chairman of Asian Friends and head of the jury for the event, presented the special Semoon Chang Award to 19-year-old Kim Woo-jeong, for her distinguished talent in foreign languages.
The ceremony ended with a special performance by a choir from the School of GlobalSarang, a school for children from multiethnic backgrounds.
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