Ms. Chun Geum Hee, 45
Volunteer Counselor from Gwanju
What are your jobs?
I volunteer for the community of migrant workers and also work as a counselor for public schools—elementary, middle school, and high school students. I’ve been doing that for ten years. I have students sit in groups of 5 or 6 students and encourage them to open up, discuss their problems, and accept themselves and each other for who they are. Finally, I’m also a counselor for juvenile delinquents, aged 12-22. I visit them twice a month to give them advice.Where were you trained to do counseling?
I studied Psychology at university, and am trained five days annually at the Institute of Education and Science. They select people with certificates of teaching and counseling.What sort of problems do you encounter?
In Japanese they have ijime, bullying. We have that here too. I usually counsel victims. We also talk a lot about relationship between classmates, and between students and teachers. Studying is an issue. If students study well, there’s no problem with parents. If they don’t, their parents are stressed and angry. These problems are linked together.Do you enjoy it?
Yes. I’ve been a counselor for ten years. Now my son joined the army. I started because I was concerned about my children. I work from Monday to Friday, two hours a day; one hour for one school. This is completely voluntary. No pay.Does the job sometimes cause frustration or negative feelings?
If I make an appointment with a student, and they don’t show up, I feel frustrated. Sometimes I wonder, ‘Why am I doing this?’ The answer is, ‘Just because I like it.’ Also, I have to spend my own money for students and transportation and don’t get reimbursed. Conversely, if I have a family issue to take care of and can’t go to the school that day, I feel bad, like I’ve let them down.In your heart do you feel this counseling is effective?
Yes, it’s very effective. I’ve witnessed many students change. Normally after ten sessions you can see change.As for your other job, how did you get involved with migrant workers?
At my husband’s company there are many migrant workers. We formed an organization to defend their rights.How are the conditions for migrant workers in Gwangju?
We say 3D: dirty, dangerous and difficult. Koreans don’t want to do those jobs. Their pay is lower than Koreans. And they have communication problems. When sick they can’t tell their boss or coworkers; they don’t go to the hospital because they have to save money, so their health gets worse. Frequently they overwork.Are there any illegal situations, like labor laws being broken?
There might be violations, but not so many. The migrants do get minimum wage—but that depends on the company. The workers are more or less forced to work, unless they’re sick.Is there discrimination against foreigners?
None. Seriously. Gwangju people are very friendly, even more than other Koreans. Well, I can’t claim there is no discrimination, but as far as I know, none.Do you get paid for this job?
No (said in a playfully pained voice)…Do you ever feel dissatisfied doing so much work for no pay?
Sometimes, yes.Is your husband well-paid?
Almost 3,000,000 won a month, and the education for our children is free. I don’t care much about money and financial matters; I have enough money for living.What’s your dream for the future?
Since I’m a counselor, I want all students to grow up to be well-adjusted adults. So I just want to keep doing what I’m doing. Now I don’t feel any personal dream. I chose volunteer work over personal desires. I feel healthy; this is what I want to pursue now.Are you Christian?
Catholic.Is it a big influence in your life?
Yes. When my children were young I was sick. I decided to teach them about Jesus and voluntary work. Later I became a bible teacher at my church, and it influenced me to do volunteer work.the end