A Kinder World Without School Bullying
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES),
19% of students aged 12 to 18 in the United States
experienced school violence during the 2021–2022 academic year.
Forms of school bullying include verbal bullying (name-calling, teasing, insults, threats), physical bullying (hitting, pushing, kicking, damaging possessions, spitting), cyberbullying (sending hurtful messages, posting harmful content, online harassment), social bullying (spreading rumors, excluding someone, public humiliation), coercion and extortion (forcing someone to do something against their will or demanding money or belongings).
Children who were bullied during their school years
have been reported to suffer negative effects in the following area:
Self-Esteem
Academic Performance
Family and Peer Relationships
Physical Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reported that children
who experienced school bullying during adolescence are more likely
to experience depression and anxiety in adulthood.
This underscores the importance of school bullying prevention efforts.
To raise awareness of the growing and increasingly severe issue of bullying
and to help children develop healthy behavior, the Eastern U.S. Chapter
of the International WeLoveU Foundation (Hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU)
is conducting anti-bullying programs that teach appropriate responses and promote positive values.
WeLoveU’s Anti-Bullying Campaign
With Community Partnerships
There is an African proverb:
“It takes a village to raise a child.”
This highlights that raising children is a shared responsibility
involving the entire community—including families, schools,
local communities, governments, and businesses.
Family
Builds sound values through love and support
Schools & Community
Create a safe and inclusive learning environment
Government & Businesses
Provide resources and policies to support child development programs
On April 24, WeLoveU held the Anti-Bullying Workshop in partnership
with the global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca,
under the theme “Inspiring a Kinder World.”
The event took place at the AstraZeneca campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland,
with around 1,200 participants, including WeLoveU members,
AstraZeneca employees, and their children.
Every year, AstraZeneca hosts a “Take Your Kids to Work Day” event,
offering parents and children the chance to build meaningful memories
through hands-on activities.
This year, in partnership with WeLoveU, AstraZeneca introduced
an interactive education program that help children learn
how to respond to various forms of violence,
creating a beneficial experience for both parents and kids.
WeLoveU members presented short skits
representing different types of bullying to help children understand
the issue more easily, and shared the message:
“Even a small act of kindness can stop hatred and violence.”
Children shared their ideas for responding to school bullying:
“Telling a trusted adult 📢”
“Reaching out to lonely classmates 🎀”
“Helping friends who are vulnerable 💕”
They also sang “Speechless,” the theme song from the film Aladdin,
to express their determination not to remain silent in the face of violence.
Around the campus, various activity booths offered science experiments,
craft workshops, and more—sparking curiosity and joy for the children.
Creating a Kinder World Together
Experiential learning programs like this
not only help prevent school bullying
but also bring positive impacts
such as children’s social development and well-being.
Emotional Growth
Watching roleplays enhances empathy and builds positive self-image
Social Development
Participating in group activities fosters cooperation and strengthens family bonds
Bullying Prevention
Improving children’s ability to respond to bullying and nurturing peer support culture
Chase Warner, Director of North America R&D Site Communications
at AstraZeneca, shared: “It was an honor to join with WeLoveU today.
Thanks to all of you, the event was both educational and filled
with laughter. Thank you for helping us convey the importance
of a world without bullying to our children.”
One AstraZeneca employee and parent commented:
“The skits were fantastic. They helped my child understand
the different types of violence in a fun and engaging way.
She loved singing and dancing with the members.
The whole event was amazing, and the message of creating
a kinder worldt hrough a mother’s heart was deeply moving.”
When NGOs and businesses work together through partnership,
they can fulfill their social responsibilities and create even greater synergy.
WeLoveU will continue to collaborate with like-minded organizations
around the world to prevent school bullying
and create a safer, kinder world for children everywhere.
“Now We Ride Bicycles 🚲 to School”
Leondoni Elementary School is located in the mountainous outskirts
of Ormoc, Leyte, the Philippines. Every day, students walk for hours
along winding dirt roads just to get to school.
With no access to public transportation, walking remains their only option.
For some, the round trip can take up to eight hours a day, leaving them
physically exhausted and often unable to focus or even attend school regularly.
A recent study conducted at a national university in Morocco
found that students with longer commutes are more likely to be late or absent,
and tend to have lower academic performance. Clearly, the burden of distance
can hinder students’ educational outcomes and future aspirations.
Fatigue
Physical exhaustion from long travel reduces concentration in class.
Sleep Duration
Early departures and late returns result in insufficient sleep.
Emotional Stability
Commuting stress lowers motivation and willingness to study.
Attendance
Increased tardiness and absences lead to poor learning continuity.
After-School Activities
Limited time restricts participation in arts, sports, and other programs.
To address this challenge, the Ormoc City Department of Education
made a promise to sixth-grade students at the start of the last school year:
“Maintain good attendance for one year, and you will be given a bicycle.”
With a bicycle, students can reduce their commute time
from 3–7 hours on foot to just 1–3 hours. As junior high schools
are also located far away, having a bicycle helps them continue
their studies after graduation. Encouraged by the promise,
students significantly improved their attendance rates.
As the end of the school year approached, the Department of Education
sought support to fulfill their commitment,
and came across the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation.
On April 23, a bicycle donation ceremony was held at Leondoni Elementary
School. The event was attended by school teachers, students, representatives
from the Ormoc City Police Office and Department of Education, officials
from the Leondoni barangay office, and members of the WeLoveU Foundation.
WeLoveU supports children’s big dreams by providing audiovisual equipment
Principal Jonathan Villacorte expressed his gratitude, saying,
“We sincerely thank Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah for her generous donation.
These bicycles will help our students commute more easily
and attend school more consistently.”
Education Supervisor Uldarico N. Bojos Jr of District V added,
“Among all my years in education, I have never experienced a day
as touching and meaningful as this one.”
He extended his heartfelt thanks to WeLoveU on behalf of the students.
Excitement filled the air as the students rode their new bicycles
for the first time, their faces beaming with joy.
WeLoveU members shared their hopes that the improved commute
would inspire greater motivation in learning
and help students take meaningful steps toward their dreams.
In recognition of their contribution to improving academic conditions
for local youth, the Ormoc City Department of Education,
the Leondoni barangay office, and Leondoni Elementary School
presented certificates and plaques of appreciation to WeLoveU.
WeLoveU will continue to provide various educational support
so that more children can pursue their studies consistently.
Bringing Hope Through Love
Climate disasters are becoming increasingly severe,
and even schools, where children’s dreams grow, are left vulnerable.
Last year, Mathare North Primary School in Nairobi, Kenya,
suffered extensive damage due to severe flooding.
When torrential rains caused a nearby river to overflow, the school grounds
were submerged under water as high as an adult’s chest.
Educational equipment, including desks, chairs, and even textbooks
traditionally kept at the school and handed down over the years,
were completely ruined. The ceiling and walls show severe wear,
with peeling paint and heavy stains resembling layers of filth.
The school promptly began recovery efforts with government assistance.
However, the extent of the damage was severe, and the funding provided
was far from sufficient. Teachers and staff had no choice but to dry out water-
damaged teaching materials and carry out temporary repairs to resume classes.
Repainting was not even a consideration, and as a result,
students have continued their lessons in unhygienic classroom conditions.
Upon hearing of the school’s unfortunate situation, WeLoveU coordinated
with the member of parliament overseeing the region and agreed
to implement an educational environment improvement project.
The initiative includes painting interior and exterior school walls,
replacing roofing materials, and providing educational supplies.
Regaining Vitality Through Loving Care
Repainting School Walls
30 Rooms (Classrooms and Teachers’ Rooms)
Before and After: Painting Transformation
Roof Panel Replacement
3 School Buildings
Educational Material Support
980 Textbooks
10 New Triple Desks
On March 12, a completion ceremony for the Mathare North Primary School
Educational Environment Improvement Project was held on campus.
The principal, teachers, and students attended the event
and expressed their gratitude for WeLoveU’s support.
How Did the School Change?
Textbooks
- Helped students with reviewing lessons and completing homework
- Supported teachers’ lesson planning
- Boosted academic performance and motivation
Roof Repairs
- Enabled classes to continue even on rainy days
- Strengthened students’ sense of belonging to the school
- Provided a safer and cleaner learning environment by eliminating leaks and slippery floors
Painting
- Created a bright, welcoming atmosphere
- Improved attendance and reduced absenteeism
- Cultivated students’ sense of responsibility for cleanliness
Additional Reflections
- “The school feels safer now.”
- “I feel more motivated to study—new desks, new books, clean classrooms!”
- “The school looks more beautiful, and the community’s perception has improved.”
Boniface Berina Matindi, Principal of Mathare North Primary School
“I sincerely thank Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah of WeLoveU for helping us improve our school environment. The painting and roof repairs have made our school beautiful, and I feel truly happy. We are especially grateful for the new textbooks provided to our fourth-grade students. Last year’s flood left us without any usable books, so this support means more to us than words can express.”
Boniface Berina Matindi, Principal of Mathare North Primary School
Jacinta Njoji Kabebe, Deputy Headteacher of Mathare North Primary School
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah. Before this support arrived, teaching was extremely difficult due to the severe shortage of textbooks; some classes couldn’t even continue. Thanks to WeLoveU, every student now has their own materials, and we expect significant improvements in academic performance. The teachers are thrilled to finally have the resources they need. We’re also deeply grateful for the painting; the classrooms are now so bright and inviting. Previously, when it rained, students often arrived late, and books would get soaked due to leaking roofs. Thanks to the roof repairs, those challenges are now behind us. Thank you, WeLoveU, for transforming nearly every part of our school. We truly love and appreciate you.”
Jacinta Njoji Kabebe, Deputy Headteacher of Mathare North Primary School
Naomi Owee, Curriculum Support Officer of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)
“Thank you for the warmth and care extended to this remote community. We are sincerely grateful for the support with textbooks and the improvements to our school buildings. I hope this spirit of sharing continues to grow throughout the region. May heaven’s blessings be upon all who serve humanity with such compassion. Thank you.”
Naomi Owee, Curriculum Support Officer of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)
Education should never be a casualty of disaster.
WeLoveU remains committed to restoring and enriching learning environments,
ensuring that no matter the circumstances, children’s dreams continue to grow.
Happy Lunar New Year Holidays Together With Global Family 2025
Scholarship to International Students from Eight Countries & Essential Goods to 1,600 Underprivileged and Multicultural Families Across Korea
As the hopeful New Year of 2025 begins, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU) launched its traditional initiative, “Happy Lunar New Year Holidays Together With Global Family 2025.” United by a shared commitment to extend a mother’s love to those in need, members nationwide participated in this meaningful effort. From January 20 to 23, they collaborated with local governments to donate daily necessities to 1,600 underprivileged and multicultural households across 62 regions. Each set of donations included 23 essential items, such as groceries like red pepper paste and glass noodles, as well as laundry and kitchen detergents.
On January 23, WeLoveU held the event “Happy Lunar New Year Holidays Together With Global Family 2025” at the WeLoveU Pangyo Chapter, Seongnam, Republic of Korea. The event aimed to ensure that no one is left behind during the holiday, inviting foreign residents in Korea to offer them comfort and love as they navigate life in a new land. The event welcomed around 300 attendees, including Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, board members, Korea Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (KAPCAN) President Yi Bae-keun, and multicultural families and international students from 24 countries, including Nepal, Taiwan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, the U.S., Ecuador, Uzbekistan, and Kenya. Diplomatic representatives such as Lao Ambassador to Korea H.E. Songkane Luangmuninthone, and Ecuadorian Deputy Head of Mission to Korea Orlin Madrid attended the event.
Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah gave a welcoming address, saying, “New Year’s Day, a traditional Korean holiday, is a meaningful time for family and neighbors to gather and renew their resolutions for the New Year.” She expressed hope that the event would provide a warm and embracing experience. She added, “Each of you, with your diverse cultures and traditions, makes Korean society richer and more vibrant. I hope the new connections and experiences you gain here will become cherished memories, and I always support your growth.”
Lao Ambassador H.E. Songkan Luangmuninthone commended WeLoveU’s practical and multidirectional efforts, remarking, “This event goes beyond celebrating a Korean holiday—it strengthens global solidarity and love.” KAPCAN President Yi Bae-keun also expressed his appreciation, emphasizing the universal nature of maternal love, “Across cultures, a mother’s love symbolizes wisdom and courage. I deeply appreciate how this event shares that love, offering strength and encouragement to our global neighbors.”
Following this, a symbolic donation board was unveiled on stage, marking the support extended to 1,600 underprivileged and multicultural families. The event also featured a scholarship award ceremony for international students. With the goal of promoting the spirit of Korean holidays—sharing and compassion—while fostering the academic growth of future global leaders, WeLoveU provided a total of KRW 48 million (approx. USD 32,650) in educational support to 24 students from eight countries. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah presented scholarship certificates to international students from Vietnam, Honduras, and Angola, and other nations, offering encouragement and heartfelt handshakes one by one.
Afterward, the event continued with a warm banquet and various Korean cultural experiences, carefully prepared by WeLoveU members. Festive dishes, including tteokguk (rice cake soup), galbi (grilled short ribs), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and sanjeok (skewered meat and vegetables) were served. Participants enjoyed a warm meal together, engaging in friendly conversations. They then joined in various experience booths, such as tteokmechigi (making rice cakes), making kites, Jegichagi (Korean shuttlecock kicking), and Yutnori (a traditional board game). The hanbok experience zone was a favorite among attendees, as foreign guests selected and donned traditional Korean attire, capturing memorable moments in photos and videos. Laughter and the rhythmic sounds of rice cake pounding filled the venue, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Mikov Abdelaziz, who has lived abroad for a long time since leaving his home in Morocco, said, “Having studied and worked in various countries for many years, I often felt that it was difficult to integrate into society as a foreigner due to language, cultural, and traditional differences. In this regard, I truly respect WeLoveU’s dedication to supporting foreigners and, above all, its commitment to embracing everyone with unconditional love.” Batsukh Javkhlan, a Mongolian resident of Korea for 24 years, said, “Living far from home, I sometimes feel homesick, and language and cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings. Opportunities like this event, which introduce Korean culture and foster mutual understanding, can greatly reduce difficulties and conflicts.”
Lim Hyo-jeong, a WeLoveU volunteer from Seoul, said, “Although we all come from different backgrounds, we feel that we can become one through the universal theme of a mother’s love. I hope that everyone here today forgets loneliness, embraces the warmth of home, and starts the New Year with renewed energy.” Julissa Castro from Honduras (Ewha Womans University Graduate School) expressed her aspiration, “Thank you for the scholarship support. As a sociology student focusing on cultural exchange, I look forward to participating in WeLoveU’s various volunteer initiatives that contribute to social development and harmony.”
Foreign diplomats present at the event took the opportunity to encourage their country’s students while expressing gratitude for WeLoveU’s efforts. Orlin Madrid, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Ecuadorian Embassy in Korea, said, “It was great to meet Ecuadorian students here today. I sincerely appreciate WeLoveU’s generosity, and hope to see more events like this in the future.”
WeLoveU’s efforts to foster global solidarity and spread warmth
will continue throughout the New Year.
We Are the Winter Trendsetters
“Welcome, children!”
With cheerful greetings from members of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation
in the United States, the faces of children entering the venue lit up with joy.
As they carefully selected and tried on their favorite winter outfits,
bright smiles spread across their faces;
each of them transformed into a winter fashion icon.
Each year, WeLoveU launches its “WeLo’s Winter Weather Clothing Drive”
to support children’s health and educational success during the colder months.
“WeLo” is the mascot of the East Coast chapter’s education support initiative.
During this past winter season (December 2024 – January 2025),
the program provided winter coats, gloves, scarves, and hats
to 339 children in Elizabeth and Long Branch, New Jersey;
Boston, Massachusetts; and Annapolis, Maryland.
Mayors, superintendents, school officials, educators, and local political
leaders attended the events, offering warm encouragement
for a safe and joyful winter for the children.
Christian Bollwage, Mayor of the City of Elizabeth
“First of all, thank you to the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation. I’m so happy to be part of this event, providing nearly 200 winter coats to the children of Jerome Dunn Academy School No. 9. It’s a wonderful initiative here in Elizabeth for children without coats. Some may be receiving their very first winter coat. Thanks to this, they’ll stay warm this cold winter. The event today is simply perfect.”
Christian Bollwage, Mayor of the City of Elizabeth
Russell Holmes, State Representative of Massachusetts
“I joined WeLoveU today at Shaw-Taylor Elementary School for their winterwear giveaway. I’m sure it will help our local neighbors in need. I deeply thank WeLoveU for doing this amazing work without asking for anything in return. This initiative aligns with my own values; it truly warmed my heart. Please continue this wonderful effort. WeLoveU is a remarkable organization.”
Russell Holmes, State Representative of Massachusetts
Olga Hugelmeyer, Superintendent for Elizabeth Public Schools
“This morning has been amazing. I sincerely thank WeLoveU for your generosity that allows our children to enjoy a wonderful holiday season.
It’s a heartfelt gesture of warmth toward our community. It reminded me once again of the importance of kind actions—something we promote here at Elizabeth Public Schools. This donation will have a lasting impact on students’ families as well. Every moment of this event was meaningful. Partnering with WeLoveU has been an incredible experience.”
Olga Hugelmeyer, Superintendent for Elizabeth Public Schools
Margie Donlon, Assemblywoman of New Jersey
“Thank you to the volunteers who welcomed us so warmly. WeLoveU is a fantastic team. On a cold day like today, warm clothes are essential. Sometimes, last year’s clothes no longer fit. Donating winter clothing is such an important act that it brings joy and ensures no one is left out.
Thank you so much for coming here today to support the children of Long Branch. We love you!”
Margie Donlon, Assemblywoman of New Jersey
In recognition of WeLoveU’s humanitarian efforts and dedication
to community well-being, certificates of appreciation and official resolutions
were awarded by the New Jersey State Legislature (Senate and Representative),
Massachusetts and Maryland State House of Representatives,
and the Union County Commission.
The WeLo Winter Clothing Donation Program, which warms both hearts
and bodies while turning children into winter trendsetters, will continue
in the years ahead, spreading joy and hope with every coat and smile.