Airmen donating talent to multiracial children

Air Force senior airman Kim Seok-joo smiles with multiracial children at a church in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. / Courtesy of the Korean Air Force

By Jun Ji-hye

Thirteen airmen of the 6th Search and Rescue Air Group are donating their talent to multiracial children in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province.

On March 18, the group, stationed in the region, held an opening ceremony of its annual mentoring program that will run until December.

Under the program, the airmen visit a church in the region every Saturday and teach children from multiracial families many different subjects such as English, mathematics and Korean. Other subjects include guitars, the piano and drums.

The Air Force said the airmen also help children with their problems through counseling and advice as mentors, noting that the group began the mentoring program in 2012 as part of its efforts to build up trust with local residents.

Kim Seok-joo, a senior airman who joined the Air Force while studying at Korea University, has been teaching children how to play the piano since last year.

“When I was a middle school student, I participated in a volunteer service that helped children in need. At the time, I felt really great about using my talents to help somebody,” he said.

“When I was going to an international high school and meeting a number of foreigners, I felt the difference in cultures and values between us. So, I applied to join this program and be of help to the children who are exposed to diverse cultures.”

During lessons, Kim tries to help the children take an interest in playing the piano by sometimes teaching them to play K-pop songs.

“Among other students, Park Seung-hee and Hong Jung-hwa have learned to play the piano from me for the past two years,” he said. “Park has a strong will to learn how to play the piano and is always eager to play new songs. Hong is a frolicsome student, but becomes sincere whenever sitting in front of the piano.”

Kim added that it is not easy to make time to do something during the weekend, but he is willing to keep participating in the mentoring program and maintain a good relationship with the children.

“I hope the public perceptions of multiracial children will become more and more positive,” he said. “The people should remember that such children are the same Korean people as we are.”