Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kermo]

My student works at a little centre here in Yongin which offers help to the city's many migrant workers from Mongolia, Bangladesh, Nepal, etc., etc.

They provide Korean lessons, counselling, translation, culture acclimatization, survival tips, legal aid, basically anything you can think of. As foreigners we often feel marginalized and used, but migrant workers are really at the bottom of the food chain here-- factory owners regularly refuse to pay them for months at a time, and nobody comes up to *them* saying "You so handsome! Gentleman!" There are four full-time staffers there, and they handle the most heart-breaking cases. They are dedicated, resourceful, wonderful people, and I really admire the work they do.

They don't just help migrant workers individually and advocate for their rights, but they help migrant workers make a difference in Korean society. Last week, they brought a group of volunteers to a shelter for mentally-disabled women, and the migrant workers taught the women baking skills. They made some damned good cookies.

They're not supported by the government, but by private donations. They could *really* use the help, and they've got a donation drive going on right now.

If you'd like to help this extremely worthy cause, or you'd like some more information please let me know.

[Vicissitude]

Kermo, do you have a link to this organization? How do they get most of their donations now? Is there anything else that English Teachers can do to help other than give money?

[kermo]

[I-am-me]

Things are looking up for migrant workers. At least now they no longer have to take the oath to eat korean food which was required before to work here. The catholic church is also very involved with migrant workers rights.

[kermo]

Finally got that brochure! As it turns out, this centre is supported by a group called CLC (Christian Life Community.) I don't know anything about it, but I do not believe these activities to be evangelistic, just charitable.
If you can read Korean, you can learn more here:
http://migrant.clckorea.net


Being together over barriers.
CLC Yongin migrant's centre is dreaming of a world where all migrants and their families live a dignified life as our neighbours.
The centre's activities include...

Support the activities of migrant communities
-We support activities of migrant communities
-We support activiies of intercultural marriage communities

Prevent human rights abuses on migrants
-counselling on human rights issues like overdue payment, physical violence, issues relating to stay in Korea
-contact with affiliated hospitals on medical issues, free medical treatment
-education on labour rights and human rights for migrants
-Korean class for migrants (every Sunday)

Create a culture where migrants and Koreans live together
-create a channel between migrants and Koreans through Asian Day/Multicultural Festival
-education to enhance understanding on multi-culture for local people
-Book Cafe "Spice of Asia"-- a library with books, movies, music and teas from 10 Asian countries

Change the social structure that violates human rights
-solidarity activities to improve policies related to migrants
-campaign to improve people's awareness on migrants





Some people have asked about what they can offer aside from cash, and it occurs to me that migrant workers might be in need of things like clothing, kitchen items, English language material, Korean language material, etc., but I'll have to double check this with my student.