The thirteenth King of Malaysia Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin (R) has his ceremonial medals adjusted by Queen Nur Zahirah (L), as Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (C) looks on from behind during his welcoming ceremony at the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur, 13 December 2006. Malaysia's unique revolving monarchy was passed on 13 December to the youthful sultan of oil-rich Terengganu state, a keen rider who has represented his country at international events. Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, at 44, is Malaysia's second-youngest king ever, and is to serve a five-year term in the capital Kuala Lumpur after he was sworn in at a solemn ceremony at the king's palace. AFP PHOTO/TENGKU BAHAR



Build Up Love, Hope... Ladder Campaign for Hope

For the past year, Youn-shil (15) was happy. The girl’s parents passed away six years ago and it took quite a while for her to feel warmth.

Youn-shil, her sister (18) and brother (14) lived through a tough time for awhile. Far from a private institute, the three siblings were suffering from diabetes, but they never dreamt of getting proper treatment. Especially, the youngest developed atopic dermatitis as a complication of diabetes and scratched until the skin bled. However, there was nothing else the two sisters could do about it because of their poor living condition.

Nevertheless, the Youn-shil sisters recently spend quite different days. They have extra classes after school and eat delicious dinners with environmentally friendly groceries. They even let worries about the future and relationships with boyfriends out and tell their social welfare teacher. Social welfare groups often visit the sisters, ask them about any difficulties and help them with household chores.

The three sisters started to take oriental medication as a treatment for atopy and diabetes last month. Owing to all the favors, Youn-shil does a better job with her studies at school and the lastborn’s atopy has improved considerably. Above all else, when they have any agonies, the three sisters have someone to discuss problems with and the circumstances provide great mental support.

An educational welfare community called "Ladder Campaign for Hope" was launched in the Bahn-song Dong area, Haeundae Gu last December. Less than a year later, the campaign has produced fruit.

The movement is connected with regional citizens, educational and social welfare groups who have established a safety net for educational welfare. It is a promotion to continuously support children in the low-income bracket. Meals will be provided even during vacation or after school and give treatment to sick children with poor living condition by connecting them with hospitals, public health centers and doctors’ associations. Connecting with a volunteer service worker, children develop stable emotions and get help for more study. Tuition fees, learning materials, school uniforms will be supported as well. Volunteer service workers take responsibility not only to consult with children, but also go to grocery shopping or have a bath together.
The Ladder Campaign for Hope operates in fifteen places in the region including the Haeundae Office of Education, seven elementary and middle schools, four social welfare facilities, two citizens’ groups and one teenagers’ party. Some twenty collaborative organizations, like the Ami Corps of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan Women’s Society, Bahn-song Dong riot police, CJ sharing foundation and others, offer large and small support. Supporters who spontaneously gather to lend a hand also play a great part. Approximately 300 citizens, teachers and parents in the region have regularly sent donations to the headquarters of the campaign.

The SK company offered a scholarship worth a hundred million won and the CJ sharing foundation provided uniforms to 250 students. Clinical groups, including PNU hospital, Hae-in and Hae-sung clinics and Jaesong couple dentists, take a part as attending physicians for 152 children in the low-income bracket. Some 180 people in the area (100 teachers at elementary and middle schools, 30 parents, 20 squad members of the Bahn-song riot police and 20 university students) have formed a connection with children. What is more, various supporting businesses are in action offering computers and textbooks, teaching children after school classes in connection with the regional study room during the vacation, holiday camp, providing food to schoolchildren with no lunch, cultural experiences and more.

Persons at the promotion headquarters said, “Through this movement, an opportunity to synthetically unify various circles and supporters is prepared for neglected children. It was good timing to provide practical support to children in dangerous situations. I greatly appreciate all the supporting organizations and sponsors who gave unstinted backup to make it possible to continue this campaign.”
/ 입력시간: 2006. 12.13. 15:42