Mr. An, Pyoung-Hwan, 38
YMCA Executive Director from Gwanju
In the U.S. YMCAs provide physical activities. What about Gwangju?
At first we followed the U.S. example by having body building, sports and recreation. In the 1970s the YMCAs in the world started new programs to develop local society to awaken citizens and motivate them to work together. We were ruled by a military dictatorship and felt we should play a larger role. We also focus on missionary work, the religious aspect.What are one or two examples of Gwangju’s projects?
Years ago we provided farmers in the countryside with carts and created citizens forums because freedom of speech was prohibited by the government. Now we educate parents of kindergartners to make them better parents. We also educate people about the environment. We’re an international organization so our major agenda is peace and life related. We have an exchange program with the YMCA in Nagoya, Japan. We send people there to experience Japanese culture. Since the mid 1990s we have exchanged kids’ soccer teams, things like that. Also, the staff here go to Japan, China and the Philippines. From this year we started sending donations to students in Philippines in need of financial support. In Sri Lanka we send 5,000,000 won (525,000 yen). This money is spent on education and prevention of disease. I would like to work to integrate all NGOs.How can you implement the integration of all the NGOs?
It is very difficult to realize. Gwangju, unlike other major cities, is not that prosperous. The major issues are economic. We have to work hard to improve the economy. Also we have to change the way of thinking. We need constructive and creative ides to help local societies. My coworkers and I are trying to establish a network. Maybe we can accomplish this in ten or twenty years.Through email and letter exchanges?
Email or face to face meetings. We need to foster youths to be future leaders.Any dream for the future?
I’d like to establish a building recreation center for the youth of this city. I’d like to be a person to take the initiative to improve local society.
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