HS Seoul Global Center Celebrates Second Anniversary
By J.R. Breen
Contributing Writer
The Seoul Global Center, which provides services to the foreign community, celebrated its second anniversary Friday with traditional Mongolian entertainment, refreshments, and an awards ceremony.
"I look forward to this year," Alan Timblick of the center said. "We have 500 visitors every day. They thank us, but we thank them as well; they are the reason for our existence."
The center was founded in January 2008 as a key initiative of Mayor Oh Se-hoon's Global Zone Project.
Participants were treated to a performance of Mongolian music and dance, including an interpretation of the Korean folk song ``Arirang.''
Awards were given to three people from the center for their extensive work with foreign communities.
Filipina Veronica Viray received an award for her services to the Filipino community.
"It gives me great joy to serve my fellow Filipinos," Viray said. "I would like to thank the center for the help it gives the migrant community."
A Korean volunteer, Oh So-jung, was recognized for providing language therapy to children from multi-cultural backgrounds.
Australian Diana Underwood received an award for her dedication to the center's Medical Refer Service department.
"I have been part of the Medical Referral Service since 2002. Most people don't know it has been around for 30 years," she said. "It is now part of the Seoul Global Center."
The center, a completely volunteer venture, currently has a staff that provides a variety of services on a range of issues, including business services, daily living, culture exchange and support for migrant workers.
It organizes a "Neighbors From Afar" program, where expats teach Korean students about their home countries.
There are smaller centers, called Global Village centers, in Yeonnam, Yeoksam, Itaewon, Hannam, Ichon and Seorae Village. Affiliated multicultural centers opened in Seongbuk and Yeongdeungpo last year.
Center volunteers also offer onsite counseling in districts with a high concentration of non-Koreans, such as Itaewon and Hyehwa-dong. Award winner Viray, for example, helps migrants from the Philippines.
"I can give hope," she said, "It's good for them to know there is someone to help them.
"It's my passion to help. I love talking to people," added Viray, who has three children and has lived in Korea for six years.
The cases she deals with usually cover employment, medical and marital issues.
Recently, she said, a 32-year-old Filipina woman had called the center, crying and saying that her husband and mother-in-law were trying to chase her out of the house.
The woman, who had been living in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, was linked with her nearest migrant center, where she was given advice and a place to stay.
"The last time I called her was last month," said Viray. "She was separated from her husband, but she was happy."