They visit YU to learn theories and get field experiences of Saemaul Undong in Korea, with an expectation of integrating Saemaul Undong into the the national reconstruction and recovery project from the 2010 earthquake.
[July 29, 2014]
Officials from the central government Haiti, an island country in the Caribbean, visited YU (President Noh Seok-kyun) for its nation reconstruction. Their purpose is to experience the Saemaul Undong and the economic development of Korea at the invitation of the Korea International Cooperation Agency.
On the 17th, 15 public officials of the central government of Haiti including from the President's Office, agricultural ministry, foreign cooperation ministry, foreign affairs ministry, youth and sports ministry, women's ministry, environment ministry, and the tax office received training on 'Haiti's economic development strategy and Saemaul Undong' at the YU International Development and Cooperation Center (Director Choi Oe Chool).
During this training period that will continue until the 2nd of next month, public officials from Haiti will study theories such as understanding the Saemaul Undong, as well as Saemaul Undong and rural development. In addition, they will take a look at the sites of Korean economic development such as the Cheongdo Saemaul Undong Memorial Hall, Yeongcheon Agricultural Technology Center, Gumi National Revival Hall, Samsung Electronics, Busan New Port, Pohang POSCO and the Sabang Memorial Park to learn the Korean knowhow for economic growth. On the final day of the training, the trainees will make presentations on actual action plans and hold debates based on their understanding of the Saemaul Undong philosophies and pursuance process.
70% of the entire population of Haiti works in agriculture. Due to the massive earthquake in 2010, many people are still suffering and 80% of the entire population are in poverty, while over half (54%) are suffering from absolute poverty.
After the visit to Korea by Vice Minister of Foreign Cooperation Robert Labrousse in 2012, Haiti designated a town called 'Thomazeau' as a Saemaul Undong pilot village to utilize the Saemaul Undong in their national restoration project.
YU International Development Cooperation Center Director (Vice-dean) Choi Oe Chool who is overseeing the Saemaul Undong training program for Haiti public officials said, "Haiti provided material support to Korea during the Korean War. Since Korea received a lot of help from the international community when it was having difficulties, it is the duty for Korea to now actively help countries that are struggling." He added, "I believe that Korea emerging into an advanced nation through people-led community development strategies and industrial technological innovations can suggest many things to the people of Haiti. I hope that through this Saemaul Undong training session, Haiti will be able to share the economic development and Saemaul Undong experience of Korea to help improve the quality of life and overcome poverty in their country."
