The 47-member strong Korea Volunteer Team was composed of two groups: 36 members of the MGU (Medical Services) started by Dr Lucas Kim and 11 members of the Salesian Youth Volunteer animated by Fr John Jeon. The Medical team as usual came with a lot of necessary medicine and basic medical tools from Korea. Thanks to this service about 1680 poor people around Anisakan received medical treatment and necessary medication. On their part the university students were conducting Oratory activity with children and youth in the nearby villages.
As usual, the volunteer service benefits both sides: Korean Youth Volunteers are improving the recruitment and formation for their regular expeditions (summer and winter) with a clear focus on university students (three formation sessions before departure). Meanwhile the Myanmar confreres are learning about the accompaniment and technical back-up of volunteer experience. Both sides acknowledge this strong faith experience with a sense of gratitude.
The last session of the 2016 EAO provincials meeting highlighted the ongoing challenge to help the MYM vice-province to overcome the effects of their 50-year long isolation from communion within the world wide Congregation. The suggestion was two-fold: any possible visit and help for the development of the mission in Myanmar as well the willingness to welcome some MYM confreres for any kind of Salesian exposure, formation or professional preparation in one of the EAO provinces.
