Helping mothers help themselves: The KPop way

NAGA CITY --- Kaina: Korean Dish recently held a soft launch on Monday, June 11, at the Bonoan Cafeteria, Ateneo de Naga University. Supervised by four Korean senior students from Han Yang University (with assistance from ADNU students), the newly opened food kiosk offers a variety of authentic bunsik, which is the Korean equivalent of merienda. Some of the Korean snacks served are ramen (served hot or cold), fish cakes, and kimbap. Seung Hun Han, one of the students behind the kiosk, shared that the seed of the project started in July 2017 during the Social Venture Youth Exchange. Prior to the launch, his group made several preparations: from researching local food culture, to giving taste tests in different establishments. They also took some careful consideration on the food budget of students and the possible menu. The thrust of Kaina is to provide Korean food at the cafeteria, as well as reach the goal of sustainability — along with it the empowerment of Filipino mothers whom the Korean students are helping. Kaina is, in fact, a play of words: “Kain/Kain na” and “Ina” (referring to the mothers they’re helping). Four nanays are currently working with them. Kaina: Korean Dish is well-aligned with the university’s mission to help and empower Bicolanos, especially the ones in the margins. Through social entrepreneurship projects, ADNU forges partnership with members of local communities to establish businesses which will greatly help the latter in the long run.