OPEN ARMS SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026

events

RiDE WITH OPEN ARMS

Launch April 4, 2026

TWO JOURNEYS. ONE SUMMIT.

Why we are attempting the impossible for the children of Open Arms

There is a specific kind of mountain that children in welfare homes have to climb.

It isn’t made of rock or dirt. It is made of silence. It is the steep, invisible grade of overcoming academic gaps, navigating emotional trauma, and fighting for a sense of self-worth in a world that often overlooks them. If you have any questions about the event, feel free to contact us here

On April 4, 2026, at the Bugak Skyway in Seoul, we started the climb! Others will join along the way and the challenge itself goes for the whole month of April. There are even participants from several places around the world! Big thanks to Frank, Justin Im and Eric Seo from Open Arms for leading this, and Claire M and Irene Borioni for their support. Thank you also to Fritz Coffee Company who generously hosted the participants at their Jangchung location. Thank you to Yolekha Mallier who came out to support and share more about Open Arms with the riders. They enjoyed learning more about the origins, history and intentions. Thank you also to Danny from Watts Racing who was generous with his time and taking photos while riding. Grateful to D.O.P.E Cycling who joined us as well.

It is amazing to see the support for our work and our mission, centered around the best for our kids. Thank you all for playing a part. Hope truly does spring eternal.

- Yolekha

For ongoing updates, please follow us!

HOW THE BIKING FUNDRAISER HAS EVOLVED

Annual General Meeting

April 25, 2026, 5 to 6:30pm

RTR Lounge

The AGM is an incredibly important forum for all of us as a community to understand how Open Arms is doing, the impact of our work, and where we are headed. As a membership democracy, it is very important for each of us to weigh in on the different aspects of our work. Your voices matter and your input helps us evolve for the better of everyone, especialy the kids we serve. It is also a very fun time , an opportunity to meet volunteers from different programs and community partners that support us. 

- Yolekha

SIWA Coming Together

Sunday May 3, 2026

Connecting Hearts, Empowering Youth, Building Community

The 4th annual SIWA/OA Coming Together event is a beautiful collaboration between SIWA, Open Arms and Seoul Foreign British School. The children will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities based on their individual interests. More than just a fun afternoon, it is a chance to build confidence, connection and a sense of belonging. The CW children are looking forward to this special event and seeing our volunteers outside of their home.

Volunteer Workshop

Sunday March 8, 2026

Thank you so much for joining our first Open Arms volunteer workshop of 2026! We had a fantastic turnout, with rich discussion, thoughtful questions, and excellent feedback from everyone. Your presence and engagement make our programs — and the difference we make in the lives of the children — possible.

During the session, Sophie guided us through understanding how the early childhood and present experiences of children in welfare homes shape both inner and outer struggles. We explored ways to interact effectively and therapeutically, using the PACE model — being playful, accepting, curious, and empathetic.

Sophie also introduced the attachment theory, and how being aware of it helps us better understand the meaning behind children’s behaviour. It reminds us that behaviours such as withdrawal, acting out, or seeking attention are often rooted in a child’s need for safety, connection, and trust. By keeping this in mind, we can respond with greater patience, consistency, and empathy — focusing on building a sense of security rather than reacting to behaviour alone.

Your feedback and engagement were invaluable. We appreciate your suggestions for more discussions, connecting with fellow volunteers, and continuing to reflect on best practices. We look forward to continuing these conversations, sharing updates, and building on the great energy from the workshop. Thank you again for your dedication, care, and commitment to creating a safe, fun, and nurturing space for the children.



- Lenka Morgan-Warren

The Executive Centre

A big thank you to The Executive Centre for their generous donation through their Give Back With Every Cup program! They’re an executive co-working space with an on-site cafe. Proceeds from their monthly signature menu go to a charity partner - and last year, that partner was us! We are so grateful for partners who turn everyday moments (and coffee and tea!) into real support for children and communities. Thank you for giving back.

François Alonso, the Community Manager at The Executive Center, wanted to do a meaningful session with our kids. Since their business involves dealing with people from multiple careers, the idea of doing a career brainstorm session came about. His presentation at the MJ/Dulwich session on April 19, sparked ideas and volunteers also shared their own journeys through the activity.

SFS Youth Clubs Supporting OA

Open Arms is very grateful for the support of Seoul Foreign School's student led youth clubs; HIVE, Youth for UNICEF AND DOLBOM. We are really impressed by their inspiring initiatives and look forward to exploring more opportunities to collaborate with them in the future.

HIVE

HIVE (Helping Inspire through Visual Education) is a student-initiated club founded in 2024. This organization strives to develop educational children’s English books ranging from the alphabet to basic grammar in a fun way, promoting engaging activities that truly matter to the child rather than textbooks that encourage rote memorization. With the help of the illustrators and the writers (Chaewon (Emilie) Lee, Jiyoo Erin Lee, Sejik Lee, Jeneve Lee, Olivia Han, and Jaesun (Ryan) Chang). It took many months of rewrites, drawings, and pure effort to finish their first book, Alex’s Great Alphabetical Adventure, Volume I: A-E.

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Youth for UNICEF

Our mission is to advocate for and raise awareness of children’s rights; to conduct fundraising events to support children all over the globe; and to provide opportunities at SFS to turn compassion into action, through partnership with UNICEF. Specifically, we aim to develop initiatives that create real, lasting change in children’s lives, while maintaining long-term partnerships rather than one-time events. 

We became involved with Open Arms through a shared interest in community-based service. The partnership offered a way to move beyond awareness and directly engage with children in a local context. Since then, we have participated in multiple events throughout the year (September 25, October 30, November 27, February 4, and March 27), each requiring detailed planning and coordination.

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DOLBOM



Our club, DOLBOM (Diverse Opportunities for Learning Bonding and Outreaching Mentorship), is a crusader club in SFS where we provide services in teaching English. With the mission statement of “DOLBOM aspires to collaborate with the local community by fostering the exchange of multicultural experiences, offering synergistic service opportunities to SFS students, and providing English language courses for the future generations of South Korea.” Recently, we have extended our service areas by collaborating with Open Arms, meeting with children from welfare centers.

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volunteer with us

We meet the children as toddlers because we know early childhood education gives children the best start in life. Then we grow with the children following their life journey learning English. 

BUILDING COMMUNITIES OF CARE TOGETHER

WHERE CHILDREN FIND BELONGING

Volunteer Sign Up

Every quarter we send out our ROTA to sign up for program attendance for the volunteers. It is very important that you let us know if and when you can join so we can plan accordingly.

CW Tuesday/weekly 5:30-6:15 pm

The Community: Early Years & Primary

A vibrant "English Village" with three age groups running simultaneously—our most robust operation

Thank you to our CW volunteers: Kathrine, Dee Dee, Marta, Katy, Anne, Lola, Sejung, Kajal, Genesis, Silvia, Sanjana, Joseph, Amethyst, Lauren, Hailey, Alicia

CW Early Years

CW Primary

DT Primary Thursday/weekly 5:30-7:00pm

The Community: Primary 1-2

A "Big Sister" circle with a high volunteer ratio (1:2), ensuring every girl feels personally seen and valued.

Thank you to our DT volunteers: Amethyst, Veronica, OJ, Nancy, Katy, Emily, Madeleine, Brian, Lex, Heena, Lachy, Ella, Elena, Nourin

MJ Sat/monthly 10:00-12:00pm

The Community: Primary–Teen

The "Town Hall." Our largest gathering where primary kids and teens mix, fostering leadership skills and a loud, joyful sense of belonging

Thank you to our MJ volunteers: Darine, Nikki, Lindsay, Brooke, Emma, Anna Maria, Sanjana, Jake, Tiffany, Iunia, Diana, Katerina, Helen, Justin, Zach, Sophie, Louisa

MJ at Dulwich Saturday/monthly 10:00-12:00pm

The Community: Teen

The "Future Leaders" club. Hosted at Dulwich College, giving teenagers preparing to exit the system an aspirational network.

Thank you to our Dulwich volunteers: DW: Joseph, Elaine, Lindsay, Elaine, David, Rita, Beatrice, Isabelle, Emma, Brooke, Iunia, Lenka, Kat, Diana, Yunha, Lex, Amy, Heeju, Lachy, Jinjin

Thank you to all the volunteers who came to VAUNCE Trampoline Park with heaps of energy, smiles and initiative to give the kids a wonderful time! We had just under 40 kids who participated, plus a few members of staff from Myeongjin. It was a really fun and extra special outing for the kids. 

The kids had such a great time thanks to the Open Arms Team. Thank you so much for always putting so much effort into planning for them. - Mr. Park, MJ

SMW Saturday/monthly 10:00-12:00pm

The Community: Primary–Teen

Our most specialized, intensive mentorship group. It operates like a family unit, offering consistency to children in a remote location.

Thank you to our SMW volunteers: Amethyst, Erica, Arya, Robin, Agnes, Erika

SDW SFS English Club Friday/weekly 4:30-6:00 pm

The Community: Primary

An immersive exchange hosted at Seoul Foreign School, removing children from the institution to bridge two different worlds.The SFS Open Arms English Club program is a fun, activity based way of learning English. Activities such as treasure hunts in the forest, games and reading time are set in the inspiring atmosphere of the SFS learning environment, The participating children are a mix from SDW and SFS with volunteers from Open Arms who plan and facilitate the activities.

Thank you to our SDW SFS English Club volunteers: Catherina, Judy, Seulgi, William, Heejae, Dee, Katy

Community, connection, kids and fun are some of the key words our volunteers use to describe what they love about Open Arms. We are proud of our community, that every week and weekend show up to give the kids magical memories while practicing their English. If you want to join our community as a volunteer, check out the opportunities on our website: www.theopenarms.org 

volunteer voices

I’ve just finished reading a beautiful book, 'The Five People You Meet in Heaven’, by Mitch Albom, which is all about the impact we have on others - and the impact others have on us - throughout our lives. It really got me thinking about the positive, meaningful and long-lasting impact that the people within Open Arms (children and adults) make on each other all the time.

The impact we make on the children we see each week or month is immeasurable. As I shared at the volunteer workshop, it is us – the kind, caring, playful, and consistently present volunteers - who bring support, joy, and hope into their lives.

And the children we spend time with have a profound impact on us, too. They cause our hearts to swell and draw our full presence, as we focus on connecting with them and doing something meaningful and enjoyable together. I am constantly inspired by their courage, their strength, and their capacity for joy. 

We are all part of Open Arms (volunteers, donors and affiliated members alike) because we have big hearts and hopeful visions for improving the lives of children in welfare homes here in Seoul. It’s powerful to pause and remember the difference we make - not only to the children, but to each other as well - in this shared mission.

The book also speaks about endings, which are, in many ways, also beginnings. Open Arms is an organisation that is continually evolving, renewing, and growing. There is a lot of transition in the volunteer force at the moment: Our precious stone, Katy, is leaving after eight years of incredible input and dedication, Irene is on maternity leave after bringing a baby into the world, Louisa, Naja, Emily, Janet, Lauren, Ella and I are leaving Korea for new chapters in other countries. Roles and responsibilities are changing rapidly within Open Arms as we meet these changes and, naturally, all of this can feel unsettling.

At the same time, many of our kids are growing too - moving into middle school and developing new and different needs, which we are working hard to meet through a robust and creative middle school curriculum. Some of our programs are fairly new or changing, and we are also stepping more fully into recognising that our work is not only educational, but deeply therapeutic, and we are working on how best we can really own this aspect of what we bring to the kids at Open Arms.

It’s a busy and sometimes uncertain time, but also one full of possibilities, and we are in it together. 



So, together, let us honor the endings and embrace the beginnings.

sophie

Therapeutic Director

Congratulations to Irene and her family for welcoming their baby Livia into the world! We are beyond thrilled and wish them joy and love as they venture into this new chapter. Thank you Irene for working tirelessly for OA up until her birth! Your dedication and love for OA and the children is truly inspiring. Our children will be thrilled to meet their beautiful 동생.

thank you & goodbye

잘 가, 친구

To the parting volunteers, thank you for your dedication and sacrifice of time. Your presence and kindness made a difference and have created lasting memories for the children. We wish you the best in your next chapter and invite you to continue this meaningful journey with us by joining our Alumni Association. This is a wonderful opportunity to remain connected and support the ongoing growth and development of the children you have touched so deeply and to help create a global network.

Louise (DT)

Lisa (DT)

Melissa (MJ)

Jake (MJ)

Abby (DT)

Heather (DW)

Emily (DT)

alumni

Thank you Alumni members for showing the children they aren't forgotten when you leave: Barbara (Canadian/Canada), Sally (British/Canada), Richard (American/USA), James (British/Kazakhston), Malin (Swedish/USA), Judy (American/USA), Jannika (German/Austria), Munazza (Pakistani/Pakistan), Zahra (Tunisian/Germany), Ingrid (Belgian/Belgium), Louise-Laure (Belgian/Belgium), Sanjini (Sri Lanka/Belgium), Christine (Canadian/China), Jihong/Sam (Korean/USA), Lisa (French/Canada), Cate (American/USA), Abby (American, Korea->China), Jake (American/USA), Maya (British/UK), Ash (American/USA)

The beauty and uniqueness of Open Arms is the diversity of members. This also means that when they leave Korea, our Alumni members are scattered around the world including Kazahkstan, Sri Lanka, Germany, the UK, Canada and the United States. Although it’s sad to see members leave, it’s exciting for the kids to be in touch with them again. The Alumni met online from all corners of the globe on April 12. It was truly inspiring to re-connect and realize that although we have left Korea, our hearts are still with the children. We can’t wait to share our hopes and dreams for our global network. Thank you Alumni members for continuing the journey with OA and the children.

As many of you may know, I left Korea after 16 years last September. Although the change was difficult at first, I have enjoyed getting to know the country I am from a bit better. In February, I began working in London for a Korean government agency, supporting trade between Korea and the UK. Moving from my small hometown to London has been an amazing experience, and reminds me of Seoul in so many ways. During my time with Open Arms, I truly found a sense of community working alongside our members, and seeing the children was always the highlight of my week. Volunteering with Open Arms brought me opportunity, purpose, and lifelong friendships. I miss you all so much and hope that I will be able to visit soon. The commitments that we make to the organization, each other, and the children are inspiring. Please never forget that even from far away, the alumni volunteers will always support and encourage Open Arms! If you are ever in London or just want a chat please reach out, I would love to hear from you all!

maya

London, UK

Volunteer 2019-2025

management

Open Arms is a Volunteer-Driven Organisation

Thank you to our passionate and dedicated leaders who work behind the scenes to build our small but beautiful organisation.

Marta Casas will be joining the team as the Director of Administration for Open Arms! She has been at the heart of our recruitment, onboarding, and operations, and is a well known and loved member of our community. Her inputs will be critical to the strategic evolution of our organization and we are very excited and grateful to have her onboard.

Since the appointment of Sophie Cran as Therapeutic Director, she led an extraordinary volunteer workshop on March 8. Her vast experience in trauma informed approach, attachment theory and emotional/physiological regulation has been invaluable. Sadly, we must say goodbye to Sophie, as her family will be relocating in June at the end of the school year. OA and the children have been blessed by her passion and commitment for the past 2 years. Thank you for your dedication and love, and good luck with your relocation. We will miss you but look forward to your contributions to the Alumni.

yolekha

Executive Director

barbara

Founder & Newsletter Editor

CONTACT US

#2173, 20th Fl, 149, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03186 South Korea

info@theopenarms.org