Gapyeong Scholarships continue in 2016

E ach year, veterans of the Korean War and members of the Australian community in Korea hold a commemorative service at the site of the Australian and New Zealand Memorial in the Gapyeong Valley.  The 65th anniversary of the battle was commemorated at the memorial on Sunday 24th of April 2016.

For many years, the Australian and Commonwealth communities have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the development of the Gapyeong community through the award of Battle of Kapyong (Gapyeong) Commemorative Scholarships to the schoolchildren of the Gapyeong Valley.  These scholarships are awarded to deserving children selected by the respective school based on the student’s academic ability and economic need.

ANZA once again supported the scholarships, contributing towards the educational expenses for local students and ANZA member families were also invited to personally contribute.  Sponsorships for Middle School students are 250,000 KRW and High School student scholarships cost 400,000 KRW.

In addition to the awarding of the scholarships, the service is attended by veterans and serving personnel from the defence forces.  The ceremony was moving and significant for all those who were in attendance.

An extract from a handwritten note from one of the scholarship beneficiaries follows:

“I really appreciate your sincere support….It is my honour to get this scholarship.  It seems like there is no word to express my pleasure and gratitude……I will do my best for for studying and for life…..I hope that I am the one who can help people in need like you someday….Thank you for this scholarship again”

Ji-Won Oh, Ga-Pyeong High School