Jincheon-gun conducted training to improve awareness of foreigners and multiculturalism for employees. Jincheon-gun conducted training to improve awareness of foreigners and multiculturalism for about 200 public officials at the county office conference room on the 22nd.
As the number of foreign residents and multicultural families in the region continues to increase every year, this training was designed to expand understanding of foreigners and multiculturalism and create an inclusive social atmosphere for people from diverse backgrounds.
On this day, Jinhee Choi, CEO of Asian Hub, was invited to give a lecture on resolving prejudice against multiculturalism and improving empathy.
In addition, the lecture on ’Understanding Multiculturalism in Life’ by a married immigrant who was produced in the multicultural instructor training course of the ‘Multicultural Future Planning Program (Dream Job!)’ being promoted by Jincheon-gun made the time even more meaningful.
A military official said, “The practical experience of the instructors produced through the marriage immigrant employment support program promoted by the military was conveyed, increasing the level of empathy for the lectures.” He added, “We will continue to gradually expand awareness-raising education to local residents to promote awareness of foreigners and multiculturalism.” “We will resolve prejudice and ultimately move toward becoming an inclusive city that embraces diversity,” he said.
As of the end of October 2024, the number of foreigners in the jurisdiction is 11,606, which is 12.18% of the total population of Jincheon-gun, the second highest in North Chungcheong Province.
Meanwhile, Jincheon-gun announced on the 23rd that the County Social Welfare Council (Chairman Son Gwang-young) and Saenggeo Jincheon Care Farm (CEO Lee Jang-ho) held a kimchi festival at Saenggeo Jincheon Care Farm to spread the culture of sharing love for neighbors in the community.
This event was jointly hosted by various social organizations and volunteers, including the Jincheon-gun District Council of the Korean Red Cross Service Association, the Jincheon-gun Association for the Improvement of Korean Livelihood, the Jincheon-gun 4-H Association, the Jincheon-gun Branch of the Korean Parents of the Disabled, and the Iwol Rotary Club.
On this day, 500 boxes of kimchi (10 kg each) were directly delivered to underprivileged households.
In particular, at this event, various companies and residents, including Cheongho Nais Co., Ltd., Korea Rural Community Corporation Jincheon Branch, Jincheon Passenger Co., Ltd., Mandarin Duck Co., Ltd., Jincheon-gun Residential Welfare Center, DY Nongsan Co., Ltd., and Namhangang Mart Jincheon Branch, raised donations and added their hearts to sharing kimchi.
A military official said, “We will continue to promote various activities for the underprivileged and create a warmer community together with the residents.”
In addition, the Munbaek-myeon Residents’ Association (Chairman Sang-ho Yoon) held the ’2024 Sharing Kimchi of Love’ event at the Munbaek-myeon Administrative Welfare Center for two days starting on the 22nd, along with five organizations and businesses in Munbaek-myeon.
This event was sponsored by Jisan Development Co., Ltd., and about 50 members of local organizations, including Munbaek-myeon Residents’ Autonomy Association, Munbaek-myeon Community Security Council, Munbaek-myeon Saemaul Leaders Council, and Munbaek-myeon Red Cross Volunteer Association, participated.
At this year’s event, 1,000 cabbages worth of kimchi were made, and 250 boxes of kimchi (10 kg units) were directly delivered to neighbors in need in the area.
Sang-ho Yoon, head of the local residents’ autonomous association, said, “I hope this sharing of love’s kimchi will be of some help to our neighbors in need and lead to a warm winter.”
Jincheon-gun Mental Health Welfare Center also held the ‘Kimchi Sharing of Love’ event with the Mental Health Family Association (Chairman Sa Geun-sil) on the 22nd.
This event was designed to support 100 low-income households among members of the mental health welfare center.
At the site, about 30 people, including members of the Jincheon County Mental Health Family Association, sponsors, and volunteers (Jincheon Women’s Volunteer Fire Brigade), participated. They made kimchi using ingredients grown and harvested at the Sharing Farm and delivered it directly to the recipients.
Chairman Sa Geun-sil said, “I am deeply grateful to all the volunteers, sponsors, and Jincheon-gun Women’s Volunteer Fire Department who participated despite the cold weather,” and added, “I hope that this sharing will help people in need in the region to have a warm winter.”
Economy Queen reporter Choi Hana photo Jincheon-gun
What strategies can local governments implement to enhance multicultural integration in communities?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Jinhee Choi, CEO of Asian Hub
Editor: Good afternoon, Jinhee! Thank you for joining us today. I recently read about the training conducted by Jincheon-gun to raise awareness about multiculturalism among public officials. What inspired this initiative?
Jinhee Choi: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. The initiative was primarily inspired by the increasing number of foreign residents and multicultural families in Jincheon-gun. As a community, we recognized the need to foster an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and understood. This training is a step toward addressing existing prejudices and enhancing empathy across different backgrounds.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. I understand that you delivered a lecture on resolving prejudice against multiculturalism during this training. Can you share some key points from your talk?
Jinhee Choi: Certainly! I emphasized the importance of understanding and appreciating the richness that multiculturalism brings to our society. I shared personal anecdotes and experiences to illustrate how biases can often stem from misunderstanding and lack of exposure. I encouraged the participants to engage with foreign residents and learn from their stories. Building personal connections can break down walls and foster a sense of community.
Editor: That’s a powerful approach. You also mentioned that a married immigrant shared their experiences during the training. How do you think personal stories impact awareness and empathy?
Jinhee Choi: Personal stories are incredibly impactful. They humanize abstract concepts and help people relate on a personal level. When attendees hear firsthand accounts from someone who has navigated the challenges of being a multicultural individual, it creates a deeper understanding of those experiences. This is crucial for promoting empathy and addressing any stereotypes or misconceptions.
Editor: That’s very insightful. Jincheon-gun’s statistics show a significant foreign community, making up over 12% of the population. How do you perceive the role of local governments in supporting multicultural integration?
Jinhee Choi: Local governments play an essential role in this process. They have the capacity to create policies that promote integration, provide resources for language and cultural education, and facilitate community engagement activities. The support of local governments can significantly enhance the quality of life for foreign residents, making it easier for them to adapt while adding their unique perspectives to the community.
Editor: Absolutely. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about building a cohesive community. Aside from the training you gave, what other initiatives are underway to support multicultural families in Jincheon-gun?
Jinhee Choi: Many initiatives are ongoing. For example, the ‘Multicultural Future Planning Program (Dream Job!)’ focuses on training and job placement for multicultural families. Additionally, events like the kimchi festival not only spread cultural awareness but also strengthen community ties by encouraging local residents to participate in acts of kindness, such as sharing food with underprivileged households.
Editor: It’s wonderful to see such active community involvement. In your opinion, what’s the most significant challenge we face in promoting multiculturalism?
Jinhee Choi: The biggest challenge is overcoming ingrained prejudices and fears. Education and open dialog are key to addressing these issues. As we continue to share stories, foster understanding, and facilitate respectful interactions, we can work toward creating a society that thrives on diversity rather than shying away from it.
Editor: Wise words indeed. Thank you, Jinhee, for your insights and for the important work you are doing to promote multiculturalism in Jincheon-gun. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives evolve in the future!
Jinhee Choi: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this crucial topic with you. I believe together we can build a more inclusive community that celebrates diversity.