Like its name, Baraka Little Library, the small place in Yongsan-gu, has been a blessed shelter for immigrants and refugees. Found in July 2018, it has offered academic and cultural classes to help them adapt well to the community.

Many organizations like Baraka help immigrants and refugees in need in South Korea; however, even with their support, resettlement has never been easy, especially for children. 

According to Article 43 of the Refugee Act, a refugee applicant, and their family may receive the same elementary and secondary education level as the Korean. Nevertheless, there is a problem. Taking classes in a foreign language and a new culture is a big challenge for young children; refugee parents mostly lack social and economic stability and can hardly afford educational expenses. As they get into secondary education with insufficient learning ability, they will gradually give up further learning, raising the possibility of being left out of society's loop. 

In March, angered parents protested the authorities' decision to admit 28 Afghan students to the school. The conflicts they are facing are not simple problems to solve. In addition, there are social prejudices and discrimination issues.

On November 9th, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi visited Seoul. He encouraged governments' greater acceptance of refugees through more resettlement and improved asylum measures. Working towards a goal will require understanding and cooperation among individuals.

천승후 강남포스트 학생기자  webmaster@ignnews.kr

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