There was a time in our society when prejudice against people with disabilities was widespread. However, in recent years, the awareness that individuals with disabilities have the same right to happiness as those without disabilities — and that society must work to ensure this — has been growing. Despite this progress, a genuine understanding of people with disabilities and the recognition of them as equals and companions remains insufficient. In light of this, The Monday Times met with Kwak Hee-cheul, director of Dancing Fragrant Tree, who is dedicated to improving disability welfare. - Ed.

 

Q: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Could you first tell us about yourself?

A: I am a social worker and currently work at a vocational rehabilitation facility for people with disabilities. These facilities, also known as sheltered workshops, provide support to adult individuals with disabilities, who have graduated from school, helping them manage daily life and participate in social activities. Many individuals with severe disabilities cannot work in regular workplaces even after graduating from school. I serve as the director of “Dancing Fragrant Tree,” a vocational rehabilitation facility that provides them with a space to work and meaningful roles. I am also the president of the Chungcheongbuk-do Association of Vocational Rehabilitation Facilities for People with Disabilities.

 

Q: What do the people with disabilities at the Dancing Fragrant Tree do?

A: Traditionally, people have thought of individuals with disabilities just as those who are cared for at some places for them. However, I believe that, like everyone else, individuals with disabilities should live with their families and have the opportunity to work. People with disabilities can work, find fulfillment through it, and earn wages, even if modest. Through this process, they become active members of society. Dancing Fragrant Tree is a facility focused on vocational activities for individuals with disabilities. We provide opportunities for employment to those with limited job skills and offer vocational rehabilitation training programs to help them transition into the labor market. Currently, 38 individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with intellectual and autism spectrum disorders, work here.

At our workshop, we produce coffee. However, since coffee production alone does not provide enough jobs, we also assemble components and package products provided by businesses. Additionally, we operate a café within the Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Office, where our baristas with disabilities work.

Q: Could you also tell us about the staff at Dancing Fragrant Tree?

A: Including myself, there are 12 staff members working here. Most of them are social workers, some of whom graduated from a vocational rehabilitation department in college. We also have staff responsible for cooking, administrative tasks, coffee roasting, and barista roles. Social workers, in particular, need to be highly versatile, as they handle various tasks. For example, they produce goods, deliver products, and manage many aspects of the facility.

 

Q: The name Dancing Fragrant Tree is quite unique. Does it have a special meaning?

A: We put a lot of thought into choosing the name for our facility. I imagined that if people with disabilities could find happiness here, so much so that they feel like dancing, then their families would join them. When the families find such happiness, society as a whole might also join in that happiness. With this vision in mind, we named it Dancing Fragrant Tree.

 

Q: The name of the facility naturally connects to the aroma of coffee, but I’m curious — why did you choose coffee as your main product?

A: We didn’t start with coffee production at first. Initially, we ran a coffee shop that also sold secondhand books. People donated books, which the individuals with disabilities refurbished or sold if possible. Unsellable books were processed as recycled paper. Over time, as we were already operating a coffee shop, we thought it would be meaningful to produce our own products, leading to the establishment of our coffee production facility.

 

Q: Why did you name your coffee brand “Kagnew”? 

A: As many people know, the origin of coffee is Ethiopia. During the Korean War, when our country was in great need, Ethiopia sent a military unit in the Imperial Ethiopian Army, known as the “Kagnew Unit,” to support us. They were fierce warriors on the battlefield but also established facilities to care for war orphans with warmth and compassion. Inspired by their perseverance and kindness, we named our brand Kagnew to reflect our determination to support individuals with severe disabilities in achieving independent living despite challenges.

 

Q: Many people may not understand the struggles or concerns of individuals with disabilities. Since you work closely with them, could you share your perspective?

A: Many individuals with disabilities may not outwardly appear different. Because of this, when they make mistakes, they often face misunderstandings. I think their main challenge is communication with society. They have the same desires and aspirations as anyone else, but their disabilities can make it difficult to express these. This often leads to challenges. I believe we need to create a societal atmosphere where people understand and accommodate them.

Another significant issue for them is the challenge of forming friendships. I think this is one reason they feel happy coming here. Here, they can connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. I hope for a society where individuals with disabilities can comfortably access places like restaurants, supermarkets, cafes, recreational facilities, and museums. That is the kind of inclusive society I dream of.

 

Q: What kind of work do the individuals here do?

A: They perform various tasks. Around ten individuals are involved in coffee production. At the café in the Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Office, three individuals work as baristas. The rest focus on simple assembly work. Since most of them have severe disabilities, they find complex tasks challenging. We provide continuous training tailored to their abilities and assign them roles they can manage. Through this process, they can do well. It’s our responsibility as staff to support and enable them to succeed.

 

Q: What does Dancing Fragrant Tree mean to the individuals with disabilities working here?

A: From my perspective, this place is not just about earning money. It’s about having a place to go to every morning, where they can spend time with friends who share similar experiences, laugh together, and support one another. Here, they learn about society, and about what is acceptable and what isn’t.

For many, finding jobs in regular workplaces is difficult. However, here, they can work at their own pace, earn a small income, and feel happiness. This facility is a crucial social connection for them, providing a space where they can interact, build relationships, and learn together. It’s more than just a workplace; it’s a foundation for social integration.

 

Q: What motivated you to start this work?

A: Initially, we operated a daycare center for them and after-school programs for children with disabilities. However, as they began to graduate from school, parents expressed their concerns, and we, too, started worrying about what these individuals would do as adults. Amid a growing societal movement to enable people with disabilities to work, we established our current vocational rehabilitation facility for individuals with disabilities, known as a sheltered workshop. Facilities like ours provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in social and economic activities. We believe this greatly helps them maintain their self-esteem and achieve economic independence.

 

Q: Could you tell us about the coffee products or other goods produced here?

A: Our workshop produces roasted coffee beans, which are supplied to cafes and offices. We also make drip bags, liquid coffee, and coffee gift sets from the beans.

 

Q: What plans do you have for the future?

A: For now, we plan to continue our current work. My dream is to ensure that individuals with disabilities here receive a living wage, not just the minimum wage. I believe this should be supported by the government. With that foundation, we can focus on helping them work comfortably.

However, our current facility is in a redevelopment area for apartment construction, so we need to find a new workspace. I hope to move to a safer, more spacious location. Additionally, while I take pride in our coffee’s quality, I aim to improve it even further to compete in the general market.

 

Q: Lastly, please share some advice with our readers and viewers, especially young teenagers.

A: First, I’d like to talk about people with severe disabilities. While they may look like adults physically, their cognitive abilities are often comparable to those of early elementary school children. However, their hearts are truly pure. I encourage you to keep this in mind when you see them.

For the young readers of The Monday Times, as you grow up to become leaders and influential figures in society, I hope you consider how you might help your friends with disabilities when you meet them. Even something as simple as starting a conversation or standing up to others who might bully them can make a big difference in their lives.

Let me share one more thought. There are countless jobs in the world, but how many of them can make people respond with, "You're doing such a wonderful job," when you say, "This is what I do"? Being a social worker is one of those truly rewarding careers. So, when you're thinking about your future path, I hope you'll take this into consideration.

 

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