Marianne & Margaret

On November 28, the 5th Marianne and Margaret Volunteer Awards Ceremony and the 3rd Youth Hope Plus Contest Awards Ceremony were held at the Sharing Training Center. This year's event was attended by about 120 people who gathered to honor the spirit of sharing left by the two individuals and to celebrate the volunteers and youths who continue their legacy. Before the main ceremony, a documentary about the lives of Marianne and Margaret was screened, followed by a performance by the Dohwa Community Children's Choir, who added a warm atmosphere with their clear voices singing 'The Orchard Road' and 'Summer of Boriul.' The awards ceremony was conducted with the presence of Father Kim Yeon-jun, Chairman of the Marianne and Margaret Promotion Committee, Gong Young-min, Mayor of Goheung County, Ryu Je-dong, Chairman of Goheung County Council, and other distinguished guests from various organizations. Attendees reflected on the deep significance of the nurses' legacy continuing to this day. Father Kim Tae-kyu, the recipient of the Volunteer Award, was recognized for establishing the 5·8 Scholarship Association for children of Hansen's disease patients, providing a total of 420 million won to over 3,000 people from 1978 to 2016, and continuing his efforts to help orphans since 2017. His long-standing community service and dedication to helping the underprivileged were highly praised. The Nursing Award was posthumously awarded to Yoon-mi Cho, who passed away last July, with her brother Yoon-seok Cho accepting on her behalf. Yoon-mi Cho was dedicated to realizing medical separation, advocating for victims of medical accidents, and participating in policies directly related to public health, such as safe medication use. She was a nurse who protected the public's right to health through persistent efforts to change systems and policies, dedicating herself to those suffering outside the system. Many gathered to remember her devoted life. In the 3rd Youth Hope Plus Contest Awards, a total of 7 students were honored. Minister of the Interior and Safety Award - Lee So-yeon from Jakjeon Girls' High School in Incheon, Jeong Ga-ram from Nokdong High School in Goheung Jeollanam-do Governor Award - Shim Min-kyung from Jinseong Girls' High School in Yeosu, Kim Seo-yeon from Gyeonggi Management High School in Bucheon Goheung County Mayor Award - Kim Min-seo from Jinseong Girls' High School in Yeosu Goheung County Council Chairman Award - Kim Min-joo from Nokdong High School in Goheung Marianne and Margaret Promotion Committee Chairman Award - Jeong Se-mi from Jakjeon Girls' High School in Incheon Father Kim Yeon-jun, Chairman of the Promotion Committee, shared the meaningful news that the Gugelhupf cake mold and milk powder can were selected as preliminary cultural heritage items in his greeting. He also expressed gratitude to many, including Gong Young-min, Mayor of Goheung County, for their support in advancing the foundation step by step. Mayor Gong Young-min, in his welcoming speech, expressed his intention to expand the event so that more government officials, volunteers, and organizations can attend, aiming for the President and Prime Minister to personally present the awards. He also thanked everyone who attended the Volunteer Awards Ceremony. Democratic Party of Korea National Assembly members Moon Geum-ju, Shin Jeong-hoon, Lee Gae-ho, and Joo Cheol-hyeon sent congratulatory messages expressing their heartfelt congratulations and deep respect to the awardees. Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Young-rok's congratulatory address was read by Jeong Yang-soo, Director of the Provincial Residents’ Happiness Communication Office. There was also a congratulatory speech by Ryu Je-dong, Chairman of Goheung County Council. The event was graced by the presence of Shin Kyung-rim, President of the Korean Nurses Association, Lee Soon-ok, President of the Korean Midwives Association, Noh Seung-hwan, Chairman of the Sorokdo Residents' Association, and about 120 others. The presence of Sorokdo residents and nursing association executives from across the country made the event even more special. Towards the end of the event, a special video titled 'Dedication,' which reconstituted the records of the two volunteers using AI, was screened, leaving a gentle resonance. As attendees watched the two figures come to life on screen, they once again engraved the warm spirit that flowed from Sorokdo in their hearts. This awards ceremony was a meaningful occasion to reflect on the traces of love left by Marianne and Margaret and to encourage those who continue on their path. It was a time for many people with hearts of sharing and service to come together, hoping that the values left by the two will continue to spread in the future.