10 students, group win multicultural awards
Winners of the sixth Korea Multicultural Youth Awards pose with dignitaries during an awards ceremony at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Monday. Among the dignitaries were Gender Equality and Family Minister Chung Hyun-back, sixth from left in the first row, and The Korea Times President-Publisher Lee Chang-sup, third from left in the second row. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
By Kim Bo-eun
Ten students and a shelter for underprivileged children were acknowledged of their achievements and good deeds in the sixth Korea Multicultural Youth Awards ceremony held at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Monday.
The awards, organized by The Korea Times and sponsored by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, aim to encourage biracial children here, who at times struggle due to language and cultural barriers, or discrimination stemming from their different appearance.
The grand prize, presented by Gender Minister Chung Hyun-back, went to Jung Ja-young, a sixth grader at Jusang Elementary School in Geochang, who was born to a Filipina mother and raised in the rural county in South Gyeongsang Province.
Jung is a well-rounded student, excelling in her studies, which include calligraphy and athletics. In addition, she has assumed the responsibility of the oldest child in her family, helping her mother take care of her two younger siblings.
Cheon Jae-min, 11, and Yoo Hyo-jeong, 12, were awarded in the elementary student division, Kim Myeong-ok, 13, and Bae Cheon-min, 15, in the middle school division and Gil Su-dong, 18, and Jeong Hun-do, 18, in the high school division.
The students, with parents from the Philippines, China and Japan stood out through their talent in science, languages and spirit of service.
Kim Woo-jeong, 19, received the special Semoon Chang Award, for overcoming her tumultuous childhood in China and managing to adjust fully and excel at school here.
The award was named after the University of South Alabama’s economics professor who has been a columnist for The Korea Times for 17 years. He donated his column honorarium for this award.
Rafay Abdul, 14, with parents from Pakistan, was awarded the outstanding volunteer prize for his humility and good deeds, in addition to his achievements in science and languages.
Gungdong Group Home was recognized for its service in providing a shelter and guidance for underprivileged multicultural children.
The School of Global Sarang’s choir gives a congratulatory performance at the sixth Korea Multicultural Youth Awards ceremony at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Monday. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, in a congratulatory message said "You can all achieve your dreams. The government will cheer you on.”
Gender Minister Chung said “Children of diverse cultures and linguistic backgrounds will serve as the future of Korean society and become invaluable national assets.”
“The ministry will continue to assist these children, especially those who show proficiency in the languages of their parents, so that they can serve as not only Korean but global leaders,” she said.
Lee Chang-sup, president and publisher of The Korea Times said he will continue efforts for the award, and for multicultural children to access English language news.
In partnership with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, The Korea Times is being distributed to about 300 government-run multicultural centers.
“Korea will become a brighter nation if we all make efforts so that multicultural children grow to be leaders of our future,” Lee said. “We will continue to improve the award, which we believe serves a role in integrating Korean society.”
Kim Joon-sik, honorary chairman of Asian Friends and chief of the jury for the awards, said, “As the panel of judges reviewed the candidates for this year’s awards, we felt that these multicultural youths are sturdy resources that are currently supporting the nation.”
Other dignitaries attending the ceremony included Philippine Ambassador Raul Hernandez, Azerbaijani Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov and Pakistani Head of Chancery Asad Abbas Awan.
The School of Global Sarang’s choir gave a congratulatory performance at the ceremony.