New TEACH Partner: Korean War Legacy Foundation
Founded in 2012, Korean War Legacy Foundation (KWLF) is dedicated to enhancing understanding of the Korean War, including its origins, impact, and enduring legacy promoting democracy and freedom. Our mission is to educate teachers, students, and the public about the experiences of soldiers and the war’s historical significance.
The centerpiece of our digital resources is a comprehensive interview archive featuring nearly 1,500 interviews with veterans from all 22 UN participating countries. This archive allows users to explore curated video clips, selected by teacher fellows who have carefully analyzed each interview. Our website also includes a documentary tailored for classroom use and history chapters authored by a leading historian, providing an in-depth look at various facets of the war.
The KWLF has published two influential curriculum books used by social studies educators across the United States. The first, The Korean War and its Legacy, was developed in collaboration with C3 Teachers and the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). Our latest publication, Honoring Sacrifice, was produced in partnership with the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation and supported by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). Additionally, we have released curriculum books in the UK and Canada, and we are currently developing books in Turkey, New Zealand, and Australia.
Professional development for educators is a key component of our efforts. Each year, we conduct a series of workshops at the annual NCSS conference and host the World Congress of Teachers of the Korean War, which brings together educators from all UN participating countries. This year's World Congress will be held in Cambridge, UK, with the next years' event being planned for Turkey.
Many view the Korean War as a tie or even a defeat, but this perspective overlooks its incredible legacy. The sacrifice of the US and its allies preserved South Korea and set the stage for an extraordinary transformation by the Korean people. In 1953, Korea was among the poorest nations in the world. 70 years later South Korea is one of the largest economies in the world, it has a strong democracy, and it is one of the few countries that has gone from being a recipient of foreign aid to a generous donor, contributing billions to developing countries This incredible transformation is a testament to the sacrifice of soldiers from 22 countries and South Korea's resilience and progress.
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