The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the South Korean government’s official development assistance implementing agency, held “The Korean Day” event in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence Language Institute (MODLI), Misr Public Library Cairo, Misr Public Library Luxor, and EGOTH (The High Institute for Tourism and Hotels Luxor) at the MODLI Cairo premises on Saturday.
This event, organised for the second time by KOICA volunteers who teach the Korean language in each partner organisation, aims to promote the volunteers’ activities and outcomes and provide opportunities for the community residents to experience Korean culture.
The event began with remarks from General Mohamed Elbably, Head of the Ministry of Defence Language Institute, expressing gratitude to the South Korean side, represented by the KOICA Egypt Office, for their continuous support of the Korean language department at the institute.
He thanked the KOICA volunteers for their diligent and sincere work in serving the educational process at the institute, as well as the members of the Korean Language department from the Egyptian side for their efforts to improve the educational process.
General Elbably concluded by honouring the successful students who put in great efforts to study the Korean language and wished them success in their future endeavours.
Jinyoung Kim, Country Director of the KOICA Egypt Office, emphasised in her speech that the work of KOICA volunteers would support Egyptian youths in building their capacity and advancing their knowledge as agents of change for the sustainable development of the country.
The event featured various activities, including a Korean speaking contest and K-pop music performances by 40 Egyptian students from the partner organisations’ Korean language classes. Over 200 visitors had the opportunity to experience various aspects of Korean culture, such as wearing Hanbok (the Korean traditional costume), eating Korean traditional foods, and watching a live taekwondo show.
One student from EGOTH expressed his happiness to participate in the event. Having studied the Korean language for 4 years, he showcased his proficiency by performing a short show comparing Korean and Egyptian cultures.
Simultaneously with the event, the KOICA Egypt Office and MODLI held the opening ceremony of the “Project for the Establishment of the Second Korean Language Classroom for the Korean Language Department of MODLI.” This project aims to improve the learning environment for Korean language learners and teachers at MODLI.
Heo Kwangho, a KOICA volunteer, implemented this project in cooperation with MODLI, providing a smart board and various equipment to activate the digital education system in the Korean language department’s classroom.
More volunteers are expected to be dispatched to various fields, including youth activities, disability, and computer education, among others. KOICA volunteers will continue to provide technical cooperation to Egyptian youths to contribute to the development and prosperity of Egypt.
