I think young adults, if ever they are fortunate, will reach a stage in their lives when they realize that a quality life can be had not by receiving help from others but rather by giving help to others.  

Helping Others Prosper through English (HOPE) is an organization filled with volunteers who capture that remarkable maturity, as they give back to the community they live in regardless of whether it is the community from which they hailed. 

As foreign English teachers in Korea, we often get caught up in the fast pace Korean experience, and as part of the private education system, we sometimes play the unknowing cheerleader for a system that is fascinated by progress but not with solidarity. 

“Learn English!” becomes the mantra for a long, arduous transformation of Korean speakers into globally competitive citizens, no matter the cost.   The progress over time splinters into separate paths, as those who have much outpace and outscore and outlearn those who have less.   But some children–no, too many children–are being left behind because they have virtually nothing.

HOPE gives teachers the chance to help teach underprivileged learners, and perhaps in the long run, give them the knowledge that can help them rise out of poverty, misfortune, and circumstance.

As teachers read this, I am familiar with some of the more intellectual reactions which lead to support but inaction.  There is the concern that life is too transitory for English teachers; that volunteers are not here for the long term; there is too little energy left after work; and that the government should step in. 

We need to overcome those notions and act.   

Those of us who teach are college graduates, some with advanced degrees, who either by blessing, hard work, or both have made it this far.   We know how important knowledge is in this century, and we know better that we have the tools, the experience, and the organization (i.e. HOPE) to come to the aid of children when others are unable.

The belief that service is sacrifice should also be changed, and instead, we should see it as what many go-getter expats like us understand.  Service is an opportunity.  It is another step to grow ourselves both professionally and personally, while simultaneously mentoring someone younger to do the same for him or herself.   

I can think of few better narratives than to have headed off to Korea after graduation to explore the world, and while erasing my student loans I made the world a better place for children than I found it.   That kind of idealism and call to action seems to fall in perfect harmony with the changing tone of America, and perhaps the world, as Barack Obama calls for more unity and service to each other in these austere times. 

I remember walking the trails last week on Bukhan Mountain when I saw something that piqued my interest.  It was a pile of rocks stacked neatly like a pyramid.  My friend told me that Buddhists and random hikers would pile rocks neatly on top another as a symbol of peace and harmony.  As each person passes through, none is the wiser how high this pile will go or what their contribution will bring. This, too, is transitory, but it is also a magnificent example of participation in action.

What I realize is that each person in society can choose to make a small contribution of energy and bring order out of chaos.   It doesn’t take much effort at all.   And in the instance of these children, whom by virtue of not having enough money we never see in the hagwons where we work, we can make right what circumstances have wronged for them. 

HOPE’s strength may grow in size and impact as many more teachers continue to pass through Korea, but a fresh inflow of new energy is not the only thing that’s needed. We all need to know that hope is more than a personal belief that things will get better.   An organization like HOPE has reminded me of the personal belief that we can make things better.

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For further information here is HOPE’s website (click here)

Recent Press in the Korea Times (click here)   Excerpt below:

[On its Web site (www.alwayshope.or.kr), HOPE states its objective is  'to provide a free, safe and accessible place for underprivileged children to develop their English skills and equip them for a brighter future in further education.'

HOPE is entirely run by volunteers, and has limited resources. The group does not accept monetary donations, but would appreciate donations of textbooks and basic school supplies like pencils, erasers, glue and paper.

"We are relatively new and still somewhat small. But every member of the team has a lot of heart with only the best of intentions. We want to help as many as possible. The demand is certainly out there. We are constantly in need of more volunteers as the number of children from low-income families and orphanages is overwhelming,'' Salken said. ]

–Editor

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