2018-02-19

AFSC work in North Korea



AFSC work in North Korea











FWCC APWS Newsletter
February 2018

A challenge to change the narrative on North Korea

AWPS partners with American Friends Service Committee

If you want to make your enemy your friend, then work with your enemy and then he becomes your partner. Nelson Mandela, quoted during the webinar by Linda Lewis

On Thursday 15 February, AWPS hosted our first webinar. Many thanks to all involved in making this happen – in particular those who shared their interest and knowledge of North Korea.
During the hour we learnt a lot about the work of AFSC and also were challenged to be part of changing the narrative on the way we see the people of North Korea.

The contributors were

  • Lucy Roberts (AFSC Asia Regional Director), 
  • Linda Lewis ( AFSC project Manager), 
  • Daniel Jasper (AFSC Advocacy) and 
  • James Reilly (University of Sydney) 40-49 min


for their contributions.

Quakers from New Zealand, Japan and Australia participated. You can watch the recording by following the link below. We had some technical hitches and unfortunately the recording ends abruptly. Thanks to James for continuing to keep the conversation going until the recording ceased.

https://zoom.us/recording/play/_hC00jgaOvsUmYgrMzXHkSlieYFu_QyhDCvFM6MQpzKOqHSgTjlF3A-xVW9OPWcY

-------------

James:
41 Watching group.
42 AU-NK relations, through Beijing office.
90 million humanitarian aid.
Michael Curby. Judge Human rights concern.
AU-US relations - taking cues from the US.
Korean ethnic communities in AU.
AU helping isolatation.
Could AU invite NK people? to Canberra? Told No.
Countries similar to AU have activities:
Britain - Assistance to NK teachers
Germany
Canada - brought NK people to Canada

Australian Quakers:
47 Quakers could lead an ecumenical delegation.
Do it in public manner, with media exposure.
Universities Could invite NKpeople.


Linda:
How to change  the narrative about NK, of demonizing NK.
People can go with us.




American Friends Service Committee visits North KoreaMay 2017 AFSC delegation visit to one of the 4 farms that AFSC are supporting in North Korea.
Lucy Roberts ( beside farm management staff), a program officer from an AFSC donor (middle), and Linda Lewis on the right beside AFSC partner from the Korean Committee for Solidarity with the Worlds’ People. They are looking at experimental rice seedling plots at a partner farm.
For more details on the work of AFSC visit these links:

https://www.afsc.org/office/north-korea

https://www.afsc.org/story/qa-linda-lewis


Ronis Chapman

Secretary
FWCC AWPS
18 February 2018


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