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#Clarified career path, confirmed aspirations #Children's education, African culture #Educational inequality, gratitude
*A real gap year program participant took part in an interview to introduce the gap year to more people.
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Strongly recommended by Korea Gap Year participant Kim Minjae 👏👏👏
A time of love with the children: child education volunteer work in Accra, Ghana |
"I became clear about what I want to do in the future!"
🤔 Pausing to reflect on my journey
Through this education volunteer work in Ghana, it became clear which direction I should take and how I should live. Before going on a gap year, I was always anxious and running forward, but by taking a moment to stop and reflect on myself, I think I gained confidence in my dream.
🌍 Africa, an unforgettable place of memories
Originally, in university I majored in West Africa within the African studies department. I once went to a university in Ghana as an exchange student. I liked it so much that I chose a related field for my master''s. During grad school I felt, "I must go back to Africa!" so I joined the gap year Ghana education volunteer program.
🏫 Daily life of education volunteering in Ghana
Every morning from 8:00 to 12:00 I was at the school with the children, and from 4:30 to 5:30 PM I helped with homework and played with children at the orphanage. Since I had experience teaching English in Korea, I focused on English grammar, and because the children struggled a lot with math, I taught math as well.
Unlike Korea, where classes are divided by age, schools in Ghana divide classes by level. So the ages of children in one class were all different.
The most memorable moment was on Valentine''s Day when we shared chocolates with the children and hugged each other.
💔 The reality of educational inequality and gratitude
The children I met through volunteering came from relatively good family environments, but on the streets there were many children who didn''t receive education. It was saddening that many parents didn''t understand the importance of education.
Seeing this reality made me think, "Ah, I''ve been living on this good land called Korea without being grateful and only complaining." I spent time considering how I could help this kind of educational environment in Africa.
🎯 Future goal: commitment to Africa
After participating in the gap year program, my goal of going to Africa—whether for study or work—became clear. I plan to move into international development or the field of education. I won''t postpone it any longer and plan to start right away.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
