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Participants of the “Shoes of Hope Project” pose after their successful event. The MIZY Center, a youth organization, received an award from the Earth Society Foundation (ESF) for their project. / Courtesy of MIZY |
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
A Korean youth organization has received the Earth Trustee Award presented by the Earth Society Foundation (ESF), a non-governmental organization affiliated with the United Nations. MIZY (Myeong-dong Information Zone for Youth) is the first Korean organization to get the award from the ESF, which was supported by the world-renowned cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead.
MIZY was awarded for its participation in Art Miles Mural Project's ``Shoes of Hope Project'' last year. The Art Miles Mural Project, a non-profit organization recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), first introduced the ``Shoes of Hope Project'' as a way of helping children by donating colorful shoes decorated by children. Korean youngsters around the nation painted their thoughts and dreams on white sneakers and later donated them to children in Uganda.
``We wanted to create a new concept of sharing, so we chose to participate in the project. The project combines sharing through creativity and art. The sneakers each had their own messages from Korean teenagers and when they were sent to Uganda, they represented hope and happiness,'' Huh Gwon, the executive director of MIZY told The Korea Times.
Members of MIZY and participants flew all the way to Uganda and donated the artworks, only to find that Uganda children needed more than sneakers.
``So many children were in need of help. I believe that the award was given as a stepping stone to participate more in pursuing peace and helping others,'' he said.
To become one of the most active organizations in helping teenagers experience foreign cultures, Huh said MIZY has a long way to go.
``It's important for the Korean youth to learn about other cultures, and through this, we believe they will learn to become global leaders,'' Huh said.
As for the award, it was more than enough to raise the spirits of the project's participants.
``It's just as overwhelming as if we had received an award from the Cannes International Film Festival. We are part of a movement that is aimed at saving the world and mankind. The award is not for just one person, but for all Korean teenagers who participated in the project,'' Huh said.
sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr
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yistory@koreatimes.co.kr
