A charity helping children in 13 countries is reaching out to Korean donors to help improve the lives of children around the world.

Restore a Child helps children access basic needs unavailable to them such as food, water, health care, education and shelter.

The U.S. non-profit organization is now seeking volunteer translators to help set up a Korean website to reach what founder and director Norma Nashed describes as a community of responsive hearts.

“Many Koreans express an interest in helping to impact lives of marginalized people. As we work together we can make this world a safer and more equitable place to live in for us, our children and our grandchildren,” she said.

Restore a Child already has a Korean speaker among its volunteers and is now advertising for Korean and English-speaking volunteers to help translate the charity’s website for Korean audiences.

The website would allow Koreans to donate directly to the charity as well as inquire about partnerships going forward.

Nashed started the organization from her own apartment in 1999 while battling cancer. She still works as a full-time volunteer from her home in Beltsville, America, despite the organization’s growth.

Nashed said she felt a call from God to leave her job and dedicate everything to help disadvantaged children. She herself was an orphan who lived her childhood in extreme poverty.

The fact that Korea experienced a transition from a major aid recipient to an aid donor helped Nashed’s decision to appeal directly to Koreans.

“I have found Koreans and Korean churches are willing to be part of humanitarian activities that address real social issues in developing countries. They realize they do not live in isolation; and what they do for others will reflect back on the stability and prosperity of their country and nation,” she said.

Although Restore a Child is without an office in Korea, Nashed said that she is interested in operating here.

“I have thought about this for a while, and would like to pursue it when I find the right contacts in Korea. I am very much interested in exploring the possibility further to make an even greater impact in the world, restoring children’s opportunity for healthy, fulfilled lives.”

Go to http://restoreachild.org/ to volunteer or for more information.

By Hamish Macdonald  (hmac2115@uni.sydney.edu.au)