On the 24th of May, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) office in Cambodia orchestrated the annual meeting for the Host Organization of the World Friends Korea (WFK) volunteer program, an initiative backed by the Korean government. This gathering, held in the spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange, was aimed at discussing various aspects of the volunteer program, including safety, regulation, and support for small-scale projects.
Key participants included H.E. Mrs. Phana Veunida, Deputy Secretary General of the Cambodia Development Cooperation Board, Ms. Choi-Moon Jung, Country Director of the KOICA office in Cambodia, and representatives from approximately 21 governmental organizations. This conference served as a platform to introduce the volunteer program and examine the competencies that volunteers bring to the table.
The partnership forged in the year 2001 between Korea and Cambodia laid the groundwork for KOICA volunteers to contribute significantly to multiple sectors in Cambodia through the WFK program. With the first batch of volunteers arriving in 2003, the program has since grown extensively. To date, 960 volunteers have participated, offering their expertise in fields such as education, technology, and healthcare.
The KOICA Cambodia office acknowledges the importance of facilitating efficient work and dialogue among volunteers and partner organizations. Hence, this conference is part of the annual tradition to foster exchange and implement improvements. During the event, exceptional contributions by partner organizations to the WFK program were celebrated, with the Kampong Thom Provincial Office of Education, Youth, and Sport, and the National Technical Training Institute receiving awards for their excellent support and commitment to the longevity and success of volunteer projects.
Enthusiastic engagement from partner organizations characterized the discussions. Ms. Choi-Moon Jung expressed gratitude for the robust exchange of ideas, which greatly contributes to the program’s advancement. KOICA’s dedication to elevating the caliber and reach of the volunteer dispatch program was evident as plans for expanding project teams, performance-led initiatives, and resuming the full scale of operations as seen pre-pandemic were announced. KOICA also stressed the value of transparent communication for timely resolution of any concerns.
H.E. Mrs. Phana Veunida emphasized the strategic partnership between Cambodia and Korea, affirming an unwavering commitment to strengthening collaborative ties. She noted that the WFK volunteers were pivotal in enhancing the skills and capacities of Cambodians, aligning with the nation’s strategic development initiatives. These volunteers are integral to disseminating expertise across sectors including health, education, public administration, and agriculture, thus reinforcing the effective deployment of their respective programs.
The role of the Korean Volunteer Program has been significant in fortifying the cooperation and partnership between the two nations. It facilitates socio-cultural exchanges and contributes to the development of human capital, both on national and sub-national levels. Furthermore, it delivers critical training in occupational skills and expertise in rural areas, thereby aligning with institutional requirements and labor market demands.
Source: Fresh News
