Column
2022 Textbook Seminar for Educators of Ecuador
A Sea Bringing Us Together
I have been involved with the South Korean government for more than seven years, first at Editorial Norma and now at Editorial Don Bosco. I remember a letter arriving from the Korean Embassy in Ecuador with a recommendation regarding the East Sea issues. We were aware of the recommendation so we made the requested changes, but I realized that Korea is not only a reference point for Ecuador as a waterbody; it is a millenary culture, a country at the forefront of the modern world, a reference in science and technology, literature, and experience that could be exploited in our school textbooks in order to provide a better education for children and young people. Therefore, from the Editorial point of view and at a personal level, we began fruitful collaboration and knowledge transfer crusade, and this is how a sea brought us together.
It was such a pleasant surprise to learn that the Korean Embassy had invited me, as a member of Editorial Don Bosco, to participate in the "Textbook Seminar for Educators of Ecuador" from 16 to 22 October, organized by AKS. I could not have guessed exactly what I would find; I tried for weeks to imagine what I would experience in the country. In fact, I browsed Internet forums and travel blogs and watched videos about the culture, but nothing compared to the spectacular experience I had.
Being able to visit AKS and to be trained by experts in South Korean History and Economy, to analyze the combination of factors making Korea a world power, was unrivaled, with the clear exception of visiting the dynastic settlements of the Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon dynasties, a lively experience to learn more about their culture, to discover relevant features such as ways of life and cultural manifestations, to experience the syncretism of ancient and modern traditions, and to feel how the different faith traditions intertwine over time and show the behavioral traits of a culture with a wealth of traditions, values, and customs.
Experience traveling through a timeline of more than 7000 years of history, right up to the time when modern conflicts such as World Wars, invasion of Japan, Korean War, military dictatorships, and rise of democracy show how the character and identity of South Korea were forged in the crucible of this series of historical moments.
Finally, I can only express my gratitude and admiration for the entire South Korea, for its landscapes, its history and especially the people who live there. I am extremely amazed that a society can reach this state of empathy for and awareness of each other. I only hope that very soon, with the same strength and determination as those of Korea, and thanks to organizations like these ones, we in Ecuador can educate the generations leading us to a thriving and sustainable future.
I can only say 고맙습니다 and please count on me and Editorial Don Bosco for any help you may deem necessary to educate our young people to be good Christians and honest citizens.
It was such a pleasant surprise to learn that the Korean Embassy had invited me, as a member of Editorial Don Bosco, to participate in the "Textbook Seminar for Educators of Ecuador" from 16 to 22 October, organized by AKS. I could not have guessed exactly what I would find; I tried for weeks to imagine what I would experience in the country. In fact, I browsed Internet forums and travel blogs and watched videos about the culture, but nothing compared to the spectacular experience I had.
Being able to visit AKS and to be trained by experts in South Korean History and Economy, to analyze the combination of factors making Korea a world power, was unrivaled, with the clear exception of visiting the dynastic settlements of the Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon dynasties, a lively experience to learn more about their culture, to discover relevant features such as ways of life and cultural manifestations, to experience the syncretism of ancient and modern traditions, and to feel how the different faith traditions intertwine over time and show the behavioral traits of a culture with a wealth of traditions, values, and customs.
Experience traveling through a timeline of more than 7000 years of history, right up to the time when modern conflicts such as World Wars, invasion of Japan, Korean War, military dictatorships, and rise of democracy show how the character and identity of South Korea were forged in the crucible of this series of historical moments.
Finally, I can only express my gratitude and admiration for the entire South Korea, for its landscapes, its history and especially the people who live there. I am extremely amazed that a society can reach this state of empathy for and awareness of each other. I only hope that very soon, with the same strength and determination as those of Korea, and thanks to organizations like these ones, we in Ecuador can educate the generations leading us to a thriving and sustainable future.
I can only say 고맙습니다 and please count on me and Editorial Don Bosco for any help you may deem necessary to educate our young people to be good Christians and honest citizens.
