Testimonials from the Participants of the 2007 Gwangju

Asian Human Rights Folk School
 

Today, years after the supreme sacrifice made by the people of Gwangju, they continue to inspire and teach us lessons, which is why we are here. The Gwangju Uprising reminds us to experience the spirit of democracy in our day to day life. The democracy groups in Korea, and the Folk School in particular, have shown us how to make democracy a part of our daily lives. The Folk School by repeatedly revisiting events of the May 18 Uprising, invites us to re-live the events, the ordeals and the sacrifices of the victims that we may never again be the victims of oppression. The activities organized, such as those we saw at the Liberty Park where young students were immersed in serious discussions about the merits of democracy, and the various fora organized to raise awareness of the significance of the May 18 events, for example the educational tours we had at the Busan Democracy Park and the visit to the Human rights Commission in Seoul, are but a few of the activities designed to nurture and develop the spirit of democracy in our daily lives.

- Mr. Damaso G. Magbual, ANFREL
http://518folkschool.blogspot.com/2007/09/reflections-by-mr-magbual.html

Again and again I want to thank you for this chance: I am so grateful for the enlightening learning process here. Also thank you for the endless help you have given me. Finally, the sauna was a really unforgettable experience where I could be my self without any shame as a human being and acceptance who am I.

- Ms. Damairia Pakpahan
http://518folkschool.blogspot.com/2007/09/excerpt-from-mr-damais-reflection.html

I recognized that the power of small individuals could forge and unite in solidarity to bring about the constructive change to the world. Eventually, Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School (GAHRFS) was a true moral blessing and encouragement to me.

- Ms. Ratchada Arpornsilp, Thailand
http://518folkschool.blogspot.com/2008/04/true-moral-blessing-and-encouragement.html

Through this program, all participants were learning that democracy in an on-going process. Democratic process demands times and unstoppable efforts. Democracy was fought and won through eternal vigilance and wary surveillance over decades and for many generations despite of their diverse social, cultural or political context. People were bound and united once their democratic and human right was violated.

- Ms. Nurul Rochayati, Indonesia
http://518folkschool.blogspot.com/2008/01/democracy-and-redressing-of-past.html