By Kang Ji-soo
Talent donation means returning or putting one’s talent into society. It comes from the Latin word, “pro bono publico” which means for the public. By putting individuals’ talent into society, it brings a great opportunity to people who are in need.
However, these days, the use of talent donation has been expanded to where people can share their ideas and thoughts in order to come up with better opportunities and options. Some people may not be familiar with this term, yet we may have donated, and even given and taken individual’s talents unconsciously.
For instance, the “hope necktie” by designer Lee Geon-man, who has incorporated “hangeul,” or the Korean alphabet, with a modern fashion piece, created a new design code. This can be an example of talent donation. Lee donated not only its sales profit, but also the design copyright so that it can be used for students from low income families.
Talent donation does not always have to involve money. Students from Jeju Science High School share and use their abilities to help and teach as educational mentors for children at a local Jeju center.
These high school students did not need money to help others, but used their talent. Musical director Kolleen Park also “donated” a lecture about leadership and the importance of attentive listening last month for free.
Considering her social effects and the impact she has shown over the past months, it would have been a great opportunity for young men and women. As seen in such examples talent donation can take a variety of forms.
We have already shared a lot of things in the world through Internet websites such as Twitter or Facebook, making it possible for global donations. I have many Taiwanese friends. One of them is very interested in the Korean wave, or “hallyu” and she sings Korean songs perfectly even though she doesn’t speak Korean well. Another Taiwanese friend likes Korea and now she wants to learn Korean at university. Being their Korean friend, I naturally helped them learn more about Korea and Korean culture through Twitter. This, I believe can be a good example of global talent donation.
As a student myself, I am thinking of joining this trend. My talent is computer skills and I have several certificates related to this area. Such talent will be a great help for children and others who want to learn more about using computers.
I believe that it is desirable that this warm and humane culture of giving and caring in Korea has spread. I strongly hope that this opportunity, through which donors can optimize their abilities and skills for people who are in need, can be a foothold in our society with more active and firm social conditions.
It would be a fruitful chance for students like me to learn about sharing their talents with other people, not just volunteering for extra marks in school.
The writer is a student at Cheongdam High School in southern Seoul.