Some students wanted opportunities to volunteer, which is related with their major. They organized a club in their department and appealed to various businesses. They cooperated with the Daejeon Comprehensive Social Welfare Center and started repairing houses that need their help. But, most of them didn’t have the skills and techniques, so seniors started repairing first, and then learned skills through experience and taught them to their juniors.
2. What Is the Process for Repairing Houses?
First, the Social Welfare Center chooses some poor houses and informs Ga On Gil. Then, Ga On Gil’s president visits the houses and checks which house is in most need of repair work. He finally chooses one house and announces it beforehand to the members. They participate voluntarily and go there on the weekend. Repair work that is the most needed by the recipient are things like repapering wall paper, changing the linoleum, and making furniture. It usually takes all day. The volunteering usually starts at 9 a.m. and finished at 5 p.m. However, if the recipient is not satisfied with repairing parts, they fix them all over again. Even after the repair is finished, they call the recipients and check the houses regularly.
3. Volunteering Is Giving, but Reporter Thinks They also Gain Something?
What Do They Gain?
The biggest thing is the feeling of accomplishment. Also, they can be proud of themselves. When the house repairing work finishes and the recipients come back to their newly changed houses, they say “Thank You. I am very satisfied with the new house.” It makes us cheerful. In particular, the last repair work was conducted at a blind person’s house, so it was important to keep the furniture’s original location. Therefore they paid careful attention and did their best. After the work, even though the blind person couldn’t see the changed house at all, he touched everything and said that it looks good. By this experience, they know there are many people who need help and that they are glad they can help them with their small effort. Besides, because they work hard together and spend time meaningfully, the power of unity becomes strong sharing many memories.
4. What Is a Recent Volunteering?
What Did They Do There?
On July 5th, they went to Gunsan and repaired houses within the complex in which the volunteering organization is building houses for the poor. Members constructed the walls of the house. They made forms of exterior structural walls and hammered nails. If they did it carelessly, the walls will be the beginning of poor construction. Hence, they worked hard and checked many details scrupulously. After building the house, it made them feel secure.
5. What Is Their Goal?
They want to continue repairing the houses of poor people. Also, they have a dream of widening the volunteer service by combining with other clubs or organizations. As a result, they will help the disadvantaged not only by repairing house but also giving emotional support and paint on the wall.
Kim Yoo-ra | By CP Reporter
Kim Yoo-ra
yoora621@cnu.ac.kr