1st batch of graduates of the 'YU-KOICA Regional Development Leader Fostering Program'
Master's in 'Saemaul Regional Development Major' given to 33 students from 18 emerging countries on the 12th
Policy legislation public employee back home expected to become hands-on worker in the public sector
[February 12, 2016]
<33 international students from 18 countries who earned their master's degree in the 'Saemaul Regional Development Major'>
“I learned while studying here that the Saemaul Undong and Saemaul spirit was one of the driving forces for the economic development of Korea. I will take the lead to achieve Korea's Miracle of the Han in my home country."
Ahose Gbemu Kofi Mawufelolo (43) from Togo, Africa said that he would take the initiative for the development of his home country in Togo as he received his master's degree in 'Saemaul studies' at the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (Dean Park Seung-woo) held at the YU Cheonma Art Center Sapphire Hall at 10 a.m. on the 12th.
<The Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul diploma ceremony was held at the Cheonma Art Center on the 12th.>
Mr. Ahose was the first batch of students to join the 'Regional Community Development Leader Fostering Program' that is being operated by YU (President Noh Seok-kyun) with the cooperation of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA, President Kim Young-mok). In October of 2014, students fro m18 emerging nations including Ghana, Laos, Tanzania and Papa New Guinea enrolled at the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul as the first batch of students for the 'Regional Community Development Leader Fostering Program'. The 33 students from this first batch received their master's degree with majors in Saemaul regional development on the 12th. They are expected to return to their home countries and begin activities as leaders of Saemaul international development as policy legislation public employees and public sector workers to apply the Saemaul Undong in their home countries.
International Development Cooperation Center Director (Vice-president) Choi Wae-chul who is in charge of YU's international development cooperation projects said at this ceremony in his congratulatory address, "Today is a very meaningful day for graduating leaders to overcome poverty in the global community." He added, "I challenge that everyone who received their diploma today go back to their home countries and jobs and utilize your capacities for the development of your country based on the knowledge that you learned at YU."
In 2014, YU was selected for the 'KOICA regional community development leader fostering master's degree program operating institute' with the goal of fostering next-generation international development leaders who will contribute to economic and social development of emerging countries. The diploma course is operated by the YU Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul and KOICA provides a total of 1.2 billion won annually in funding. Currently, the second batch of international students (36 students from 20 countries) that enrolled in October of 2015 are studying here to become next-generation Saemaul international development leaders.
YU Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul Dean Park Seung-woo said, "The young leaders of emerging nations who studied Saemaul sciences with scholarships from KOICA are expected to contribute to overcoming poverty and developing the economy of their home countries." He further added, "YU will do its best to become Korea's top global human resource fostering institute that plays a leading role in teaching the Saemaul Undong and spirit to the brilliant minds of those from emerging nations and to resolve the poverty issue of the global community."
Meanwhile, the YU Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul, which was founded in November of 2011, has been creating a prominent foothold as an institute for fostering Saemaul and international development experts such as being chosen for the 'KOICA regional community development leader fostering master's degree program' and the consigned institute for operating the 'emerging nation public employee master's degree program' from the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI). Up until now, 340 international students from 56 countries enrolled at the school and as of February 2016, 175 students from 45 countries earned their master's degrees.
