By Andrew Hernandez and Aaron Phillips, Grade 5 Teachers

Grade 5 students at BFS had the opportunity to turn their learning about human migration into real life support for asylum seekers in South Korea. In Quarter 1 of learning, the classes’ social studies objectives included a deeper look at why people seek asylum. Students then organized a fundraiser to support the Korea Hana Foundation.

“This was inspiring for the classes, as they can see that making a difference is possible regardless of age, language, or culture,” said Mr. Hernandez, Grade 5B teacher.

The student project led to raising 1,900,254KRW for the Korea Hana Foundation. The foundation assists refugees from North Korea with finding housing, initial needs for daily life while resettling, and in seeking employment in South Korea. 

“We truly appreciate that the students of Busan Foreign School showed great interest in North Korean defectors, attended the lecture, and even extended their support through a donation,” said Seehee Kim, Korea Hana Foundation representative. “This meaningful act serves as an inspiring example for other students as well.”

Mr. Hernandez, Grade 5B Teacher, helped coordinate the fundraising project with the Korea Hana Foundation. Ms. Kim was able to meet with both Grade 5 classes via Zoom to share the organization’s history and work.

The meeting with Ms. Kim was part of a larger, standards-based learning unit exploring why people move, how migration impacts people and communities in various countries, and the cultural impacts of migration. Student learning explored several case studies in migration so that they could develop a deeper understanding of the push and pull factors that cause people to flee their homelands.

“When I understood what the Korea Hana Foundation does and how they help, I felt proud that we were supporting North Korea refugees,” said Jisika P., a Grade 5 student.

Throughout the learning process students heard from a guest speaker who was a refugee, visited the United Nations Peace Memorial, and facilitated the fundraiser. 

BFS substitute teacher Ms. Sihanouraj shared her family’s experience as refugees from Laos to the United States in the 1970s. Students also learned about Lao culture and the history leading to the conditions causing her family to flee.

During the unit the classes also visited the UN Peace Memorial where students learned about the history of the Korean War and the role of the United Nations in Korea and in other conflicts, as well as during natural disasters.

“It was exciting that we got to learn about the Korean War and what the UN did to help,” said Cy S., a Grade 5 student. “Social studies is one of my favorite subjects.”

Students also learned that many different communities took actions themselves to support refugees in their countries. In keeping with BFS Schoolwide Learner Objectives, the students designed and hosted a two-day bake sale with contributions going to the Korea Hana Foundation.

“I felt glad that we could do something to help people,” said Taeyang K., a Grade 5 student.

BFS Grade 5 students were able to connect their learning to real-life stories, and use that understanding to make a difference in their broader community.