From Aug. 7 to 9, the Gaehwa Student Council of CBNU and Sunyul Student Council of Chungnam National University (CNU) held a joint rural volunteer activity in Geumsan-gun, Chungnam Province. A total of 130 students, 65 from each of the two universities, participated in the volunteer program, which was organized as part of the National University Education Program’s “Regional University Cooperation Program,” and helped 10 farmers in Jeawon- myeon, Geumsan-gun.

  Participants were interviewed and selected based on their experience in rural activities and a strong desire to participate. The students and farmers were introduced on the first day of the volunteer program. The farmer representative explained the farming system and the precautions to be taken while volunteering, such as checking for ticks and preventing heat stroke. At that night, students from both universities got to know each other through recreational activities. On the second day, they conducted full-scale volunteer activities such as picking peppers, planting strawberry seedlings, and restoring water-damaged fields. On the morning of the last day, the studnets listened to an invited lecturer explaining about smart farms, which are farms combined with new information and technology and the future of agriculture.

  Baek Ryung-ji (Dept. of Sociology, 22) who participated in this volunteer program said, “I was confused because I did not have much experience using a shovel, but I was very proud when I finished the work with the other members.” “Living in a rural area for two days and three nights, I worried that it would be difficult to adapt. Despite my worries, I had a good time and felt good that I participated in a worthwhile activity. Especially since it was a volunteer activity in partnership with CNU, we felt more connected to the university and gained a lot of energy because we were able to complete the activity even though it was difficult.”

  Song Young-joon (Dept. of Animal Science, 18) planning director of the Gaehwa Student Council said “I hope that this joint rural volunteer activity will create a culture of ‘Buk-nam (Buk from Chungbuk and Nam from Chungnam, shows both universities unite for cultural activity)’ so that CBNU and CNU can interact more actively.”