KOICA Rwanda hosts “KOICA WFK Partnership Conference”

(KIGALI, 30th June 2022)- The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) held a “KOICA WFK (World Friends KOREA) partnership conference” for its volunteer program, WFK at its premises in Nyarutarama, Kigali.

The Conference brought 12 directors and staff from public and private institutions, including Club Rafiki, Kabuga Yego Center, Sana Academy, St. Jacob, Nyamirambo Women’s Center and Action Chretienne de Developpement Social la Fraternité, currently hosting 6 KOICA volunteers in Rwanda.

They exchanged ideas on effective partnership through the volunteer program, and shared the solutions against challenges especially due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the conference participants in his opening remarks, the KOICA Country Director CHON Gyongshik emphasized the need to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the KOICA office and partner institutions especially after the reopening of the KOICA volunteer program in December 2021 after the COVID-19 outbreak.

He further expressed his hope that the conference would provide new perspective on the volunteer program. The participants voiced their gratitude for the continued partnership and working relationship with KOICA Rwanda and pledged to continue supporting the volunteers dispatched in their organizations as they carry out their duties.

Mr. Nsengumuremyi Omar Tony of Club Rafiki further remarked that he appreciated the opportunity the conference offered for KOICA’s partners to share their opinions and commended KOICA on its ongoing support in the development of Rwanda.

The KOICA WFK partnership conference is a bi-annual event that brings tog ether institutions in which KOICA volunteers are dispatched to assess the on-going partnership, offer a platform for exchanging ideas and ensure customer satisfaction with KOICA’s activities which aim at improving the socio-economic development of the country.

During the conference, participants are informed of KOICA’s activities and plans for the year, they are made aware of the strategic plans of the WFK program in addition to taking part in a feedback session to enhance the effectiveness and impact of KOICA’s volunteer activities.

KOICA is a South Korean government agency that was established in April 1991 to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the grant aid programs.

Through sharing of Korean’s development experiences and know-how with its partner countries, KOICA aims to fight global poverty and support sustainable socio-economic development in developing countries while at the same time strengthening Korea’s friendly relations with them.

KOICA Rwanda Office has provided USD 139 million (equivalent to 130 billion RWF) in grant aid assistance since 2011 when the office was established.

Additionally, a total of 410 volunteers have been dispatched to Rwanda since the volunteer program began in 2006. More volunteers will continue to be dispatched in the future to promote a friendly and cooperative relationship and mutual exchanges between Korea and Rwanda.