KOREA FOUNDATION

On July 16, the KF’s World Activity Class made their way to the Eungwang Children’s Center in Eunpyeong-gu for another installment of the “Meeting the World in Korea” program. Despite the rain, a good number of kids showed up to learn about the cultures of the two European countries. The younger grades learned about Sweden with Per Omer Dil, while the older students were introduced to Germany by Luisa Annika Schimainski.
  The first session featured lessons on the Swedish national flag, basic expressions, and architectural landmarks of Sweden. The students also learned about Germany’s famous traditional beer festival, Oktoberfest, and its well-known pastry, schneeballen. The youngsters were not shy about asking questions, and the two volunteer instructors provided friendly answers, which helped to create a caring and delightful classroom environment for everyone.
  For the second session, the lower grades learned how to make Swedish cookies. They decorated their cookies with chocolate patterns that resembled the Swedish flag, a soccer ball, blueberries, and anything else that might be related to Sweden. The cookies were shared with everyone. The upper grades made miniatures of Germany’s Cologne Cathedral. They struggled somewhat at first, but seeing them work together to complete their projects with a flourish made for a gratifying and lasting impression.
  To wrap things up, badges, magnets, and books, provided by the Swedish embassy, were handed out as gifts to the children. Although the weather was rainy and dismal, the eager participation of the young students made for a wonderful and fulfilling experience for all.

KFVN Reporter Kim Hyung-mook