KOREA FOUNDATION

Meeting the World in Korea: Armenia and Ethiopia in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do

The World Activity Class brought the cultures of Armenia and Ethiopia to the children of Taean Children’s Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do on March 17. Twenty-three elementary school students attended the classes to meet and learn from Hasmik Tshaghayan of Armenia and Dureti Ademe Gebresenbet, Lina Mehasin Ahmed, and Nuha Awol Ahmedin of Ethiopia.
  Tshaghayan introduced ghapama, the traditional Armenian dish of stuffed pumpkin, and taught a folk song called “Hey Jan Ghapama.” Ghapama is made by filling a pumpkin with rice, dried fruits, and nuts after the seeds have been removed. The pumpkin symbolizes the earth, the rice mankind, and the fruits and nuts peoples of different nationalities and religions.
  The children cooked and tasted the ghapama, wishing for peace between the many peoples of the world. Tshaghayan also led a sing-along of “Hey Jan Ghapama,” which is traditionally sung before putting the ghapama on the dining table, helping the children get to know the Armenian language and culture.
  During the class on Ethiopia, the children enjoyed a fun yet informative quiz on the African country, covering its geography, language, population, climate, culture, and festivals. Especially appealing to the boys and girls were the exquisite Ethiopian crafts brought by the trio. They learned how to make leaf rings by using string and beaded bracelets in the three colors of the country’s national flag. They were taught that green is a symbol of the rich earth, yellow of hope, and red of both power and the blood and courage of those who sacrificed themselves for freedom and equality. The day’s program drew to a close as the teachers and children wearing their new jewelry posed for a commemorative photo together.

KFVN Education and Publicity Team Choi Jin-woo

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