[ Staff of HUMAN IN LOVE’s Burundi branch ]
Hello, HUMAN IN LOVE family members, this is Jun-kwon Park from Burundi. I would like to begin by saying thank you for your love and support for me.
It’s already 2014. How was everybody’s 2013? Were you able to achieve all that you aimed for in 2013? It’s always challenging to reach all your goals, but the most important thing is that you stay relentless and continue to strive for what you set out for.
I hope that you have all had an unforgettable year without any regrets and also wish you all the best for the New Year. To my HUMAN IN LOVE family, let’s have an amazing year.
[ To obtain an advice for INGO registration process, Mr. Jun Kwon PARK, representative of HUMAN IN LOVE Burundi, visited ADRA Burundi. ]
[ Visiting ‘World Vision Burundi’ to learn about their projects ]
The year 2013 was very special to me. I worked very hard to adapt to Burundi. I lived in Rwanda for 2 years but haven’t had a chance to visit nearby country, Burundi until now. I met many friends and I learned a lot as I work to register HUMAN IN LOVE as INGO. I want to update you about the Burundi Branch. We are currently working hard to finalize MOU with the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After we sign MOU, we plan to carry on with the region selection process and detailed studies.
[ The department of Education of Bubanza, Northern part of Burundi ]
Based on HUMAN IN LOVE’s direction of international development cooperation, I am working hard to organize the standards, purposes, principles of the programs which will unveil here in Burundi. Instead of focusing only on ‘emergency relief’ type projects, I will put my utmost effort to make a sustainable and long-term development in regions.
[ Had an interview with Bubanza education department official ]
There are many areas where we can start but I want to focus on education. I believe the need for education is a ‘true need’ for the people.
Education helps people to broaden their perspective. It is a tool for people to plan and make better lives. ‘If you know more, I can hear better and see more.’ If we make someone to live a life only as they are told, it should be considered ‘suppressive intervention’ and violent.
Instead of forcing them to do what they are told, we need to teach them what is out there in the world. And we have to help them choose what they want from those options. I believe that is the independence and it can be achieved through education.
Based on HUMAN IN LOVE’s direction of international development cooperation, I am working hard to organize the standards, purposes, principles of the programs which will unveil here in Burundi. Instead of focusing only on ‘emergency relief’ type projects, I will put my utmost effort to make a sustainable and long-term development in regions.
There is a saying, “The beauty of Slowness.’ It does not mean being slow is beautiful but it means we have to acknowledge the beauty of natural changes and flows that take in place. An individual and a region can make a turning point but a real change requires sustainable efforts for long time. Please feel to share your feedback. We value your feedback so we can make improvements.
When I say education, it means more than a ‘literacy education’ or ‘school education. The moment we are born, we learn something new every second of our lives. This means home (family) where people start their lives teach them about many things and it is in fact the most important education.
Many people say Korea was able to grow so fast within a short period of time due to the New Community Movement, ‘Saemaeul Movement’, and national policy. However, I think it was possible due to disciplines of parents. Korean parents showed their children about diligence, sincerity, integrity, modesty and more. Children learned about all these values through hands-on experience at home. Many Korean parents sacrificed their lives to educate their children and these efforts led to rapid growth of economy in Korea. Although, excessive interest in child’s education may be a problem.
Like this if a person’s attitude towards the world changes, then home, village and region can change too. Supporting a child financially is good but I think parents are the key to make a better life for a child. Instead of focusing only on financial support, I looked for ways to help families and individuals grow internally. I built a sound relationship with people in the region including the residents, the local government officials and etc. Also, based on the studies of the region, I am putting my utmost efforts to make most effective programs for the people. This is a plan for HUMAN IN LOVE Burundi Branch.
Since there is no detailed plan, it might sound very abstract at this point. Some of you might agree with me and some of you might have a completely different opinion.
[ Staff of HUMAN IN LOVE’s Burundi branch ]
With HUMAN IN LOVE Burundi Branch Family, Happy New Year!
Once again, I would like to say Happy New Year! I will come back with good news soon!
From Burundi, Jun-kwon PARK
