When Elizabeth came from the Philippines to work in South Korea as an English teacher, she was never told that her lack of Korean language skills would be such a problem. She’d left behind her young son, her family, and all she holds dear. Yet thanks to a unique program begun by the Maryknoll Sisters, Elizabeth is now learning enough Korean so she can keep her job. 

The United Nations is the latest to recognize the success story that is the Miriam Center for Migrant Women. The UN Committee on Social Development surveyed 190 projects around the world, and the Miriam Center in Seoul was one of 14 chosen to serve as a model for others. 

Migrant workers in Seoul, Korea, take a class at the Miriam Center, founded by Maryknoll Sisters.

Non-native migrant workers form the backbone of the world’s economy. Often, though, they find scant resources when they arrive in a new country in search of work. In Korea, the Miriam Center for Migrant Women welcomes these workers into a culture they find unfamiliar. Through activities and resources, non-Koreans find a helping hand. Each success story means Korean society benefits from the cultural and professional contributions migrants have to offer.

This month, the Maryknoll Sisters who helped found the center went to the UN to shape future actions. Sisters Numeriana “Norie” Mojado and Patricia Norton said there are ways you, too, can welcome non-native workers right in your own community. You can:

• Embrace newcomers to your town as your neighbors,
• Seek out groups that serve migrant workers and see how you can volunteer your time and skills,
• Use the media to bring attention to what’s happening with non-native workers in your town.

A big barrier is language. Non-native workers lose out when they don’t know the language needed to do even the most basic tasks. If they can’t communicate on a daily basis, workers can’t learn about safety on the job, they can’t start families in their new culture, and they can’t fully participate in the life of their town or even hold down a job.  

Home visits are central to the Miriam Center's mission. Sr. Norie Mojado, in Seoul, Korea, is at left.

At the Miriam Center, Sisters Norie and Pat responded by offering counseling, Korean language classes, activities, regular home visits and more--right at the center. Migrants who had “graduated” from the center’s programs soon stepped up to volunteer to help those who were newly arriving to Korean shores. Now some are running the center themselves.

Elizabeth was lucky. Through the Miriam Center, Elizabeth found the Korean language classes she needed. She worked with a Korean instructor three times every week. Because Elizabeth was able to learn the skills her job required, she’s giving her Korean kindergarten students what they need to learn English.  

She can even bring her son to live with her in Korea and get a bank account and health insurance—benefits that most migrant workers around the world can only dream of. Elizabeth is able to contribute because the Miriam Center and her new Korean neighbors reached out.