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[Feature] Now on Elohist: ASEZ and ASEZ WAO International Volunteer and Exchange Activities in Summer 2024
ASEZ and ASEZ WAO International Volunteer and Exchange Activities in Summer 2024
Hello, everyone. This is EBC (Elohist Broadcast), presenting Now on Elohist.1 This summer in Korea was marked by continuous heatwave alerts, making it difficult to sleep due to tropical nights. Yet, the passion of our Zion family members burned even hotter than the scorching heat.
1. The special feature, “Now on Elohist,” highlights various activities conducted by ASEZ and ASEZ WAO members from Korea, and worked together with local members around the world during July and August 2024. The segment is presented as a news-style report by correspondents from different regions.
At the center of these activities were the ASEZ and ASEZ WAO members who traveled around the world on their vacations and holidays. These young leaders, who worked for a happier future for everyone on Earth, gained attention and support from people across various sectors. In line with the words of God, “You are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14), these young Elohists shone a light brighter than the midsummer sun across the globe. We have followed and reported their steps closely.
Indeed. The members of ASEZ and ASEZ WAO, who flew to Asia, tried to draw solidarity for the one goal of protecting the global environment, although each country had different cultures and characteristics. In Cambodia, they met the Mayor of Battambang to introduce ASEZ’s ABC (ASEZ Blue Carbon) Movement. The mayor, who mentioned that he had also been a youth volunteer leader, said, “The vision of the city is to keep Battambang clean, and I’m really happy that ASEZ is visiting for the same purpose.” He added, “Street cleaning enhances the quality of life for citizens,” referring to the members as “partners from Korea.” Two days later, the members cleaned up the street, based on their conversations with the mayor, and passersby respond positively, giving compliments with thumbs up.
This time, ASEZ WAO members from Korea and the Philippines together planted 200 trees in Brgy. Maganhan, Baybay City. During their stay, ASEZ WAO received widespread recognition for their volunteer efforts in Tacloban and surrounding areas. They were awarded 25 certificates of appreciation and plaques from various government agencies: the Region VIII Directors of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and of the Department of Science and Technology; the Tacloban City Supervisor, Department of the Interior and Local Government; the Mayor of Alangalang Municipality; the Region VIII Director of the Police, and more. In order to continue organized volunteer activities, the members carried out a lively schedule by signing memorandums of understanding (MOU) with each government department and local governments.
ASEZ members happened to meet a talk show host from a state-run TV channel. The host, intrigued by the Korean university students, invited them to appear on the talk show, where they shared details about ASEZ’s major activities. It was a good opportunity to draw more attention and solidarity for the protection and recovery of the global environment. They also introduced the Reduce Crime Together (RCT) Project and the Global Environmental Restoration Project to the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Mongolia, Dr. Socorro Escalante. He expressed agreement with the members’ comments and pledged to actively support ASEZ’s activities by providing expert advice.
In Uganda, ASEZ members visited the WHO Uganda Office. The staff members appreciated the alignment between ASEZ’s values and their own parts. They engaged in active discussions on environmental issues relevant to Uganda and explored ways to tailor ASEZ’s activities to address these challenges effectively. At the UN Global Pulse2 Lab in Uganda, researchers warmly welcomed the members, who introduced ASEZ’s environmental restoration projects. Following their presentation, the lab director provided detailed advice, raising expectations for ASEZ’s future activities in Uganda.
2. It is an organization directly under the UN Secretary-General that conducts research using big data to protect the vulnerable from global crises and disasters.
In Namibia, ASEZ members also visited the Namibia Office of FAO, a United Nations-affiliated organization. They explained ASEZ’s goals to preserve ecosystems by promoting reforestation in degraded forests and mitigating climate change by eliminating human-induced pollution. An FAO official said, “Currently, half of Namibia’s population lives in food insecurity. The root cause is climate change, and I think you are well aware of this crucial issue. You are the hope of our country.”
The ASEZ members who went to the Republic of South Africa were invited to the official residence of the Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities. The meeting venue was adorned with protocol flag stands, and the minister warmly welcomed the members in traditional attire. Taking note of ASEZ’s activities, the Minister listened carefully, saying, “Our department has not yet signed an MOU with the Republic of Korea. It would be good to sign an MOU with ASEZ.” He expressed his expectations for the partnership and cooperation with ASEZ.
Yes, ASEZ WAO members flew to Portland, OR, U.S., and held an environmental seminar at the headquarters of a renowned global sports brand as part of the “Green Workplace” Project. The seminar was a success, with the ASEZ WAO members working at the corporation and their co-workers attending the seminar. In addition, the ASEZ WAO “Mother’s Forest” environmental forum held at the Portland Church was attended by members’ families, friends, and colleagues, raising awareness about the importance of tree planting. Members also introduced ASEZ WAO’s activities to various figures, including Oregon State Representatives and the Mayor of Beaverton.
ASEZ members who visited Oklahoma City, OK, U.S., focused on crime reduction activities. Oklahoma Representative Arturo Alonso signed an MOU for cooperation with ASEZ on RCT project, and said, “It is very impressive to see university students taking the lead in working around the world for the environment and the future. ASEZ is contributing not only to each local community but also to the whole world.”
As an environmental improvement activity to reduce crime, the members painted a mural at the entrance of a parking lot in Little Rock, Arkansas, and strengthen cooperation with law enforcement by holding an RCT seminar at the Oklahoma City Police Headquarters. On August 14, Oklahoma Governor John Kevin Stitt presented a certificate of appreciation to ASEZ in recognition of their commitment to their communities.
Indeed. It is La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia. Since the average altitude is about 3,600 meters (11,900 ft) above sea level, ASEZ members from Korea experienced altitude sickness for the first time. Overcoming the difficulties, they held the RCT Seminar at the Higher University of San Andres (UMSA), the leading public university in Bolivia. The university’s dean and professors agreed with the purpose of ASEZ’s activities and decided to support ASEZ’s future activities by signing in supporting signature of ASEZ. The members introduced ASEZ by participating in a live broadcast on the campus radio, with ASEZ songs resonating across the campus through the broadcast.
La Paz means peace. I hope that La Paz will be filled with the joy of peace, starting with ASEZ’s small actions to reduce crime.
In Germany, we removed invasive alien species in urban forest of Biesenthal. ASEZ members boarded the train to the volunteer site, and from Berlin to Biesenthal, the members created a lively atmosphere. The members had difficulties in the forest because the prunus serotines, ecological disturbance plant, were thickly spread, and the trees and grass were overgrown, and there were thorns and pointed branches. But members joyfully completed their work.
In addition, similar cleanup activities were actively conducted in parks and streets across the U.K., Spain, and the Netherlands.
Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney, Australia experiences winter in August, with typical high temperatures around 18°C (64.4°F). However, this year, the temperature exceeded 30°C (86°F). in August. Despite the hot weather, ASEZ WAO carried out cleanup activity on Rowood Road in the city of Blacktown, near Sydney. Neighbors and passersby complimented and encouraged the members for meticulously collecting everything from small trash to large appliances. The members realized once again the importance of protecting the environment, and resolved to expand activities across Oceania. Please show a lot of support for the various activities that Oceania members will carry out.
Friends of ASEZ and ASEZ WAO’s Talk, Talk, Talk
Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Republic of South Africa “I was greatly moved by the fact that young people’s voluntary work is being carried out not only in South Korea but also worldwide. I believe ASEZ’s activities should be shared with all young adults in South Africa.”
Roger Godwin, Mayor of Warr Acres, OK, U.S. “It is a great encouragement to see young people like you. Thank you for participating in all these activities and making a positive influence on us.”
Jacqui Fahy, City Councillor of Salford, U.K. “University students are our future leaders, and ASEZ volunteers are setting a positive example for the community.”
Shaun Wilkinson, City Councillor of Tshwane, Republic of South Africa “Every time I meet ASEZ students, I am amazed by their energy, passion, and the weight of love and unity. Our city cannot do this work (environmental restoration) without you. We just want to thank you and love you so much.”
Thilak Chandratilake, Senior Lecturer at University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, and Director of the Center for Sustainability “University students need cooperation with foreign countries as communicators. Our center seeks to learn ways to achieve sustainable development for a changing world, and in doing so, we plan to collaborate with ASEZ. We look forward to inviting ASEZ to new projects for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering knowledge exchange, and facilitating student interactions.”
Mike Mkwala, Producer of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation “Most people, especially in Malawi, expect compensation for volunteering works. I believe ASEZ’s sustained activities can inspire students to adopt a sense of responsibility and a love for volunteering, transitioning from working for pay to finding fulfillment in self-driven contributions.”
Mario Ezequiel Mesaglio, ASEZ WAO Member from Vicente López, Argentina “In line with the saying, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together,’ we are cooperating with the government and local municipalities to extend the reach of our activities. I hope carrying out ASEZ WAO’s projects on a bigger scale so that more people can change the world together.”
Jung Se-mi, ASEZ Member from Dongduk Women’s University While protecting the environment as a university student, we often face limitations due to a lack of social infrastructure. However, through the meetings with various organizations, we raised awareness of environmental issues occurring around the world, and gained active cooperation and support, making the effort truly rewarding.”
