Cleaning a National Hospital and Consoling Child-Patients
On September 19, 2010, twelve members from the Cambodia branch of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation[Chairwoman Zahng Gil-Jah] held the 5th Clean World Movement in Chey Chumneas National Hospital in Takhmau City, Kandal Province. The Cambodia branch said that they held the Clean World Movement in the hospital in order to provide patients with pleasant environments and to help citizens understand the importance of environmental protection and hygiene.
From morning, the members worked with sweat for about four hours. They picked litter in the hospital park, garden and streets. They also cleaned up the fallen leaves and removed the weeds. Along with the environmental cleanup, they visited the children's ward, and delivered care packages to the children such as stationery, candy necklaces, tissues, etc. The children who received gifts were very excited with big smiles on their faces. Doctors, nurses and the children's parents thanked the members, saying, “We feel like the children will get better sooner because they seem so happy.”
Kung Chhunly, the director of the hospital, appreciated the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation[Chairwoman Zahng Gil-Jah]for holding the Clean World Movement at Chey Chumneas National Hospital, saying, “I am so happy about this meaningful event, which can help the hospital staff, patients and visitors understand how important it is to keep the hospital clean.”
This day, the Ministry of Health of Kandal Province of Cambodia delivered a letter of thanks to the Cambodia branch of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation. Delivering the letter of thanks to Lee Yong-Mun the Head of the Cambodia branch of the WeLoveU Foundation, Park Phorn the Head of the Ministry of Health of Kandal Province said, “The Clean World Movement held by the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation, is a very important event which can keep the clean environment and change the behaviors of our people.” He also showed his wish for the WeLoveU Foundation to continue to do this kind of activity in all regions and provinces of Cambodia.
The Clean World Movement by the Cambodia branch started with the cleanup campaign around Chaktomuk River in front of the royal place on August 30 last year, and has been continued through the street cleanup campaign in Kandoeung region in Takeo Province, the cleanup campaign inside the Olympics Stadium, the cleanup campaign in Mt. Kirirom in Kampong Speu Province, and the cleanup campaign in Chey Chumneas National Hospital which was held this time. In addition to that, the Cambodia branch of the WeLoveU Foundation is continually working hard for voluntary services for the Clean World Movement and for their neighbors. They have built two water pumps in Krosang and Krang Ompil Towns in Takeo Province, repaired some residents' houses in Kandoeung region in Takeo Province, and also presented stationery to Bantey Trau Elementary School students, providing them with free haircuts.
IWF was aware of the seriousness of the water shortage in Africa, and took an active role to help African water-deficient nations through the “New Life Family Walkathon”
<On May 25, 2008>
When we read the book, “If the World Is a Village of 100 People,” we come to appreciate the things we have taken for granted and recognize how blessed we are. If the world is reduced to a village where only 100 people live, 25 will starve without food or shelter and 17 will be unable to drink clean water. According to the statistical report from the UN environmental plan, one billion people of the world are unable to drink clean water and exposed to waterborne epidemics.
In Africa, which is suffering from the worst drought, it is common to wander for hours to try and find drinking water. Normally 1,000 to 3,000 people depend on one water pump. IWF was aware of the seriousness of the water shortage in Africa, and took an active role to help African water-deficient nations through the “New Life Family Walkathon”which had contributed to saving children with heart disease and rare diseases.The goal of this walkathon is to save lives by supplying water pumps and storages to Africa where water is desperately needed. On May 25 (Sunday), 2008, at the Olympic Park in Seoul, the 10th New Life Family Walkathon was held by the IWF. The goal of the event was to save lives by supporting water pumps and storages facilities in Africa, where water is needed for their survival
On May 25 (Sunday), the 10th New Life Family Walkathon was held by the IWF, sponsored by the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, Seoul City and Sejong General Hospital. In this walkathon, many celebrities attended: IWF Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah(장길자 회장님), IWF Chief Director Lee Gang-min and other directors, IWF Sponsor Chairman Lee Sun-jae, IWF Senior Advisor Lee Bae-geun, IWF PR Ambassador Kim Seong-hwan, IWF PR Ambassador Kim Bo-seong, Jeong Ran-hee the Representative Director of Sejong General Hospital, Jeong Yeon-bo the Secretary General of Seoul Council of Social Welfare, Professional Mountain Climber Han Wang-yong, Professional Mountain Climber Yun Gil-su, Vocalist Yun Tae-gyu, Harry A.C. van Woerden the Head of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency in Korea, Rundla Rusima Jimi the Counselor of the Embassy of DR Congo, John Bosco Dery the Councilor of the Embassy of Ghana, Bev. Sodan the Chairwoman of the American Women’s Club in Korea and many more.
Sponsor Chairman Lee Sun-jae, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah(장길자 회장님) and the invited guests try out “the water pump of love.”
In the Peace Square of Olympic Park, around 10,000 members gathered to deliver the water of life to Africa. On the square, 100 members from the International Voluntary Service Association of Univ. Students [Daejayon] offered face-painting and ran a water-saving exhibition booth and a water PR booth. Following the New Life Children’s Choir and the marching band’s performance, Vocalist Yun Tae-gyu, PR Ambassador and Actor Kim Seong-hwan and Vocalist Kim Je-hun entertained the members by singing impromptu songs on the stage.
Around 10 a.m. at the opening address of the ceremony, IWF Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah(장길자 회장님) appealed to the audience, saying, “We are one family living in the global village, so we should share love with our African family suffering from water shortage by sending the water pumps.” She also emphasized that water is life itself and said, “As little drops of water gather to form a stream and the streams gather to make a river, let us put our love together and let it flow to Africa.”
Following the congratulating speech from IWF Sponsor Chairman Lee Sun-jae, IWF Senior Advisor Lee Bae-geun, Harry A.C. van Woerden the Head of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency in Korea, and Bev. Sodan who has been doing active charity business for long in Korea as the chairwoman of the American Women’s Club in Korea, all stood on the stage. Bev. Sodan complimented the efforts of the IWF for delivering new life to children and said, “The water deficiency is a world wide issue, and annually five million people face death for the water pollution. Now we, who are living together on earth, need to help each other.” She pledged to make continuous efforts together with the IWF to help neighbors in the global village.
Then the expenses for setting up the water pumps and water storage facilities were delivered to Ghana, DR Congo and the Republic of South Africa. The donation will be used to set up the water pumps and storages facilities in 60 regions in the above three countries. The guests tried out a pump set up beside the stage, and wished Africa to be revived with the water of love and new life.
After the ceremony, Chairman Zahng Gil-jah(장길자 회장님) opened the Walkathon. A breeze cooled down the heat of early summer with the fragrance of grass, and the walking path was overflowed with the members in turquoise green shirts that looked like a flowing river. In the month of May when everything seems alive, children were full of vitality, walking hand in hand with their parents. On the walking path, various events were prepared for the participants: “Walking Hand in Hand,” “Walking While Singing Children’s Songs,” ‘Walking While Breaking Soap Bubbles,” and “Making the Shape of Heart.” Also, friendly characters like Shrek and Keroro added more fun to the events.
Kim Gyeong-mi (37) from Gwanak-gu, Seoul, said, “My child asked me first whom we were helping this time. As I explained that our African neighbors were suffering from the lack of water, he was very surprised and said that he felt thankful for water. Through this event which promotes world wide benefit rather than individual interest, both parents and children come to have a broad mind and grow mature mentally.” The participants, who had a good time together with their family, said, “Through this event, we’ve built up our health both physically and mentally. It was very nice to have a family picnic and do something good as well.”
Professional Mountain Climber Han Wang-yong, who had climbed up all 14 peaks of the Himalayas, which are over 8,000m, emphasized the educational effects of this event. He was very moved that many children participated in the event and said, “We often see local people drink polluted muddy water and contract diseases. In order to help them, not only the water pumps but also water storage facilities are needed. Also, education for children who are future leaders is essential for constant support, and this event is a great opportunity for that. The children who’ve taken part in this walkathon will live happy lives, considering and serving others, because they will resemble their fathers and mothers who help others.”
At this age when the earth suffers from serious illness caused by human selfishness, the environmental movement with the spirit of “sharing” is essential for the survival of mankind. As little drops of water gather to form a stream and then a river and then an ocean, if we respect life and gather our love and effort, the global village will overflow with love and life.
http://eng.weloveu.or.kr
The IWF members from the Lima branch in Peru built 15 temporary schoolhouses for the Santa Ana Girls’ High School in Chincha city damaged by the earthquake.
- The future of Peru starts again from school - [11/05. 2007.]
On August 15, 2007, a great earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 struck Peru in South America; 500 were killed and 1,100 were injured. The damaged area was Ica state. When the earthquake hit Ica city, 200 people were in a mass at a Catholic Church and were buried. Pisco city and Chincha city were also severely damaged. Major high ways and 17,000 buildings collapsed, leaving over 80,000 refugees.
The IWF members from the Lima branch in Peru built 15 temporary schoolhouses for the Santa Ana Girls’ High School in Chincha city damaged by the earthquake. After the schoolhouses made of soil and straw collapsed, class was conducted in the tents given by international organizations from October 1. However the summer of the Southern Hemisphere made the classrooms hot like greenhouses and the students suffered from vomiting and dizziness. The IWF Lima branch in Peru was informed of this desperate situation from Anibal Luyo Del Risco the Deputy Mayor of Chincha City, and Hime Louis Uaman Akire the principal of the school. Immediately, the IWF Lima branch decided to build temporary schoolhouses. IWF Headquarters in Korea also heard about the news and raised funds to support them.
70 IWF members had visited the collapsed school first and thought over how to build the temporary schoolhouses. Then they themselves prepared all the materials, delivered them and constructed the schoolhouses for several days. They said, “Although it was extremely hot, we were able to work joyfully by imagining how happy the students would be when they studied in cool classrooms.”
On November 5 when the construction was completed, Anibal Luyo Del Risco the Deputy Mayor of Chincha City presented the plaque of appreciation to Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah (장길자회장님)and the IWF Lima branch in Peru. On November 7, Principal Hime Loius Uaman Akire (51) delivered the plaque of appreciation to Lima Branch Manager Kim Wang-hyeon.
Principal Akire said, “The students lost everything in an instant and were trapped in despair, but now they’ve regained hope. You have constructed not only classrooms but also dreams for the future.” He added, “I give thanks to the IWF members in Korea for presenting us with valuable dreams and hope.”
Lima Branch Manager Kim Wang-hyeon said, “I was very sorry to hear that the students were suffering from the natural disaster and absence of schoolhouses as well.” He wished them to overcome the trial and study hard in cool classrooms to become great citizens who care for their neighbors.
