By John Redmond

The Mannam Volunteer Association will host the “Mannam meets Italy ― Italian Carnivale” at Arko Arts Theater ― Studio Darak, in Seoul on Feb. 5.

From 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. people are invited to join the festivities as Mannam creates a unique international celebration of this vibrant Italian tradition.

“A carnival is a time for people of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities to come together and enjoy the festivity. Mannam is to invite children and adults alike to take part in various games and experience the rich Italian culture through food and music. Top quality entertainment will be provided, including clowns, carnival models, face painting, and an open mic stage. Everyone is expected to be swept away by the carnival beats and the enthusiasm of the dedicated Mannam members and volunteers,” states a press release.

The cost for the event is 5,000 won each for members and anyone who wishes to register. Tickets will be available at the door.

Directions to Arko Arts Theater (near Hyehwa Station, line 4, Exit 2): Get off at Hyehwa Station and walk straight out Exit 2. Walk about 70m and turn left after the first building. You will see the large brick building on the left.

Mannam currently has 70,000 members.

Another recent activity included expat volunteers of the Mannam Volunteer Association visiting Daecheong Social Welfare Center in Ilwon-Dong, Gangnam, to entertain the elderly during the Lunar New Year holiday. Further south, more volunteers went to Gyeong Dong Won orphanage in Suwon with a fun program for children.

“During a regular volunteer trip to Daecheong Social Welfare Center, 18 international volunteers cleaned the facilities, served lunch, and washed dishes as usual. However, they also had several surprise performances to entertain the senior citizens. Mannam’s singing club prepared and performed the traditional Korean song Milyang Arirang.”

In their individual native languages, the volunteers expressed their wishes for the elders to stay healthy in the New Year and did the traditional Korean bow called “sae-bae” to honor them. A cheerful time of singing karaoke and dancing followed. To close their time together, the elderly were given massages as they shared their words of wisdom with the younger generation despite the language barrier. The elderly at Daecheong were greatly pleased with the performances of the expats who aimed to share light and love. The warmth and heart of the volunteers were well-expressed beyond the age, language, and cultural differences through their acts of service.

Later the same day, volunteers went down to Suwon to work one-on-one with orphans at Gyeong Dong Won. After playing games with the children, about 20 international volunteers sat down to help them paint traditional Korean masks.

Lastly, the children sang with their international friends and took a group photo to end their New Year celebration party. The children at Gyeong Dong Won thoroughly enjoyed their party with their English speaking friends from Mannam. And their masks, which they painted with their international buddy, will always serve as a reminder of their New Year celebration 2012.

For more information, contact via email at mannamvolunteers@gmail.com To follow events and get more information about Mannam’s upcoming “Open Mic Café: Share the Love” on Feb. 11, please join Facebook: “When Lights Unite.”
Association website is www.mannam.org.