Wonkwang Digital University social welfare students conduct international volunteer work in Berlin
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Wonkwang Digital University's social welfare department conducted international volunteer training in Berlin and Prague.
- Students participated in facility improvement, childcare programs, and environmental campaigns.
- The program aimed to foster global social welfare capabilities and community spirit.
Students from Wonkwang Digital University's social welfare department recently completed an international volunteer training program in Berlin, Germany, and Prague, Czech Republic. The initiative, which ran from July 11 to 19, focused on meaningful outreach and community service within the international social sphere.
The core of the training took place at the Won Buddhism temple in Berlin. Upon arrival, students dedicated two days to repainting the exterior walls of two temple buildings, contributing to facility improvements. Despite the hot weather, they worked diligently, fostering a sense of community and the value of service through collaboration.
On the second day, the students organized a children's play program for approximately 30 local kindergarteners and nine teachers. Through activities like rolling gym balls, playing games, and blowing bubbles, they created joyful memories for the children. Although language barriers existed, the students and children communicated naturally through play, fostering mutual cultural understanding and providing a rewarding experience for the volunteers.
Additionally, students conducted environmental cleanup activities and awareness campaigns near Spandau Station in Berlin. They collected litter, contributing to a cleaner urban environment, and educated citizens about the importance of environmental protection. The program also included cultural and historical experiences in Berlin, Dresden, Potsdam, and Prague, aiming to enhance students' global perspectives and social welfare expertise.
Professor Ryu Eun-ju, head of the social welfare department, emphasized the program's value, stating, "Students directly practiced the values of sharing and consideration through overseas volunteer work, and gained valuable experience in understanding international society and enhancing their social welfare expertise." The department plans to continue offering diverse international volunteer programs to cultivate global social welfare talent.
Students directly practiced the values of sharing and consideration through overseas volunteer work, and gained valuable experience in understanding international society and enhancing their social welfare expertise.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.