Last October 19th Myongji University declared the result of a special examination. The number of successful candidates was 165. The winners were surrounded and happily congradulated, but the moment was short lived. Their pleasure would pass by them because the result was false.
The school said that one problem was the result of a computer error. The standard for selecting a person, who can pass the exam, is composed of three factors. One is good grades, second is the high percentage of attendance, and last is a high number of hour doing volunteer activities. The problem occurred within the last factor. In other words, the computer could not read a number of four ciphers. The school perhaps thought about the work is impossible, which is student could be volunteering for more than1000 hours. But it was contrary to their expectations. The number of friends who achieved such impossible work is about 500.
Therefore, the school had to recalculate, and they again officially pronounced the result. The list of names changed. What do you think about this event?
Maybe first, you feel pity for students, who were on the first list. Next you might think that it is possible? Could it be possible for the student volunteer to activity work for more than 1000 hours by oneself?
Not really. Let us look at the bottom of the chart. What is that chart for? The chart shows us the deteriorated meaning of volunteer. Volunterring is no longer about service for helping those in need. These days volunteers only purpose is to receive the service paper, which is a written confirmation of their work experiences. A number of papers becomes a plus factor in the opinion of potential employers, because both university and enterprise put an important meaning to volunteer service.
Naturally, this system was first introduced from overseas. To be in an Ivy League school, students must not only study hard, but also take part in volunteer works. Thanks to this thought, this system is willing to settle in our society and to show our school and company. If this system did not distort its meaning, it would certainly be a good adapted system. However, our society is not doing that so far. For example, 'Korean MinJok Leadership Academy' regards volunteer activities as necessary to enter an Ivy League school. Therefore, the teachers force students to do volunteer activities outside the school grounds.
Finally, the intended audiences have the confirmation of being a volunteer without making the effort and pain of actually doing volunteer work. If such a case as this continues, is it possible that our children will have no real understanding of the volunteer activities? Sacrifice in the course of sweat and fruitful labors have its own rewards and fills more than a line on a resume.
Two organizations have form to help restore the imagine of volunteering in Korea. The frist one began overseas internationally. The organization's name is Habitat for Humanity. This organization was first started by an American couple, Milard and Linda Fuller. They started this movement for people who do not have a home of their own. After raising the money to help a family build their home, the volunteers leave for a poor region to build a house. This organization has continued to provide housing to those in need all over the world.
Nam Jung-ae, who is a member of Dongjak Volunteer Bank, said, "My family has enjoyed this work for 6 years. I have more time to communicate with my children by working together. And additionally, my children have gotten to know the way to respect old people."
As above, Mrs. Nam's volunteer activity is a spirit of mutual help. The servant is not only a servant but also receives help from other persons. If so, you might think that I should have to help other people with a true heart. How about making a volunteer passport, right now?