Never Too Late to Rap: 80-Year-Old South Korean WomenFind New Voice Through Literacy and Hip-Hop
SEOUL, South Korea – In a bustling Seoul neighborhood, a group of women in their 80s are defying age and societal expectations. They are not your typical grandmothers,knitting and tending gardens. These women are learning to read and write, and they are doing it while rapping.
The Grandma Rappers, as they areaffectionately known, are part of a unique program at the Seoul Senior Welfare Center. The program, initiated by a group of young volunteers, aims to bridge the generational gap through the power of music and literacy.
We started with thebasics, explains volunteer Kim Ji-hye, teaching them the alphabet and simple words. But we soon realized that they were eager to express themselves, and rap was the perfect medium.
The women, many of whom never had the opportunity toattend school, are now confidently reciting rhymes about their lives, their hopes, and their struggles. Their lyrics are a poignant blend of traditional Korean values and modern-day experiences.
I was so ashamed that I couldn’t read or write, admits 82-year-old Park Soon-ja,her eyes twinkling with newfound confidence. But now, I can write poems about my grandchildren, and even rap about my worries.
The program has not only boosted the women’s literacy skills but also ignited a sense of empowerment and community. They gather regularly for rap sessions, sharing their stories and supporting each other.
They are like a family, says volunteer Lee Min-woo. They have found a voice, a platform to express themselves, and a group of friends who understand them.
The Grandma Rappers are a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of embracing new experiences at any age.Their story is a reminder that learning is a lifelong journey, and that it’s never too late to discover your voice and share your story with the world.
Beyond the heartwarming story, the program offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education and the changing role of seniors in South Korean society:
- The program highlights the need for accessible and inclusive education for all ages. The Grandma Rappers demonstrate that learning is not confined to childhood and that even in later life, individuals can acquire new skills and knowledge.
- The program challenges traditional notions of aging and empowers seniors to embrace new technologies and cultural trends. Thewomen’s adoption of rap music, a genre often associated with youth, shows that age is not a barrier to creativity and self-expression.
- The program fosters intergenerational connections and promotes understanding between different age groups. The volunteers and the Grandma Rappers have created a unique bond, sharing their experiences andperspectives.
The Grandma Rappers are a beacon of hope, proving that age is just a number and that learning and creativity are boundless. Their story is an inspiration to us all, reminding us that it’s never too late to discover our potential and embrace the joy of learning.
References:
*AP News: In their 80s, these South Korean women learned reading and rap
* Seoul Senior Welfare Center Website
* Interviews with program volunteers and participants
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