KOICA

search open menu
KOICA
ENGLISH
close menu

Webzine

/WEB-INF/jsp/k2web/com/cop/site/layout.jsp
koica_en_JW_MS_K2WT001_S

Together KOICA

Last Issue(PDF)
  • We will work as a bridge between our country and Korea!

    We will work as a bridge between our country and Korea! Meet the 3 foreign trainees at KOICA More

  • KOICA's 30th Anniversary Special Feature

    KOICA's 30th Anniversary Special Feature Looking back at the 30 years of KOICA from 1991 to 2021 More

  • President of KOICA, Sohn Hyuk-sang

    President of KOICA, Sohn Hyuk-sang 30th Anniversary Interview More

  • The 30th anniversary of KOICA, and KOICA's newsletter that have documented history

    The 30th anniversary of KOICA, and KOICA's newsletter that have documented history From 'Global Village' to 'Together KOICA' More

KOICA's dream, and 30 achievements
KOICA's dream, and 30 achievements
  • 0
[KOICA's 30th Anniversary Special Feature] From the moment KOICA was established in 1991, for the past 30 years, KOICA has been making a happy world for all and a better life for tomorrow . KOICA has achieved remarkable performance through various activities and strategies to realize those dreams. Please take a look at the 30 achievements KOICA has achieved over the past 30 years, and let's dream of a world where everyone is happy together. #1. Volunteer Group ActivitiesAs one name, as a friend of the worldThe work of the Korean Youth Overseas Volunteer Group has increased the number of dispatched countries and \personnel every year, and in 2019 alone, a total of 5,203 Korean overseas volunteers were dispatched to 68 countries, bringing the cumulative number to 80,783. The overseas volunteer group project, which had been implemented by 5 ministries and 7 organizations, was integrated into a single brand World Friends Korea in May 2009, and KOICA took over as the leading institute for the overall project implementation as of 2011. Since then, KOICA has established specialized volunteer groups by subdividing the program into different fields of various types, such as 'University Student Volunteer Group', 'NGO Volunteer Group', 'DREAM Volunteer Group', 'International Development Volunteer Group', 'UNV University Student Volunteer Group', and 'Global Saemaul Youth Specialized Volunteer Group'.#2. International Cooperation Agent SystemDispatch of specialized volunteer groups for partner countriesThe International Cooperation Agent System is a system that selects qualified applicants among those subject to mandatory military service as international cooperation volunteers or international cooperation doctors, sends them overseas to perform volunteer work for a certain period of time, and then recognizes the duration of their work as military service. Since 1995, KOICA has dispatched international cooperation agents amounting to a total of 1,439 people to countries around the world, of which 1,219 were international cooperation volunteers and 220 were international cooperation doctors. This system was abolished after a final dispatch in 2013, and the Global Cooperation Doctors Program was newly established. 11 global cooperation doctors have been dispatched since February 2016, 9 in 2017, 5 in 2018, 2 in 2019, and 2 in 2020, and except in 2020, when dispatches decreased due to COVID-19, an average of 6 doctors were dispatched to overseas locations every year.#3. Youth JobsSupporting Dreams and Opportunities for International Development CooperationSince 2011, the 'ODA Youth Intern Project' has launched and supported the 'KOICA Overseas Office Youth Intern', which dispatches young interns to KOICA overseas offices to train them as ODA specialists, and the 'ODA Project Execution Agency Youths' which dispatches youth interns to execution agencies. Since 2013, KOICA has promoted the KCOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officers (KMCO) project to support the advancement of youth manpower into international organizations and foster global talent in the field of development cooperation, and they are dispatched to offices of international organizations located in 42 countries with KOICA's overseas offices. In addition, various other programs including opening of 'KOICA INNOPORT' and 'Development Cooperation Career Center', '2018 Youth Advancement to Latin America Forum', the establishment of subsidiary 'Coworks Co., Ltd.' for the conversion of dispatched workers into regular workers, 'KOICA Job Strategic Roadmap', etc., are being developed to nurture global talent and create jobs for youth.#4. Global TrainingPlanting seeds of talent to lead the development of partner countriesIn 1991, the 'KOICA long-term degree training project' was promoted, and through this project, core talents who can contribute to the economic and social development of partner countries were nurtured, and at the same time, and grew leaders in partner countries who later became friendly to Korea, thereby expanding Korea's international influence. Afterwards, the global training program brand Capacity Improvement & Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) was launched. From 1991 to 2020, the cumulative number of trainees at the trainee reunion was 84,742 (including trainees who participated more than once), and as of 2021, 59 offices in 58 countries are supporting the reunion activities of returning trainees. Also, through the CIAT On-site Program, the global training follow-up management project, we support trainees in implementing an action plan that applies what they learn through the training course to the work in the field after many years of training.#5. Global Citizenship EducationCultivating global citizens who care for humanity and peaceThrough an international cooperative writing contest for elementary, middle and high school students, and a thesis contest on ODA-related topics, KOICA induced the younger generation to have an understanding and interest in public development, and in 2018 laid the foundation to educate future generations as global citizens by a revision of new textbooks for middle and high schools which were modified to cover a wide range of global issues and to include the concept of global citizenship as a separate chapter. In addition, the 'University Understanding Promotion Project' was opened in 2009 to support university students' understanding of international development cooperation and ODA and their career exploration in the field of international development cooperation, strengthening the mutual cooperation partnership between KOICA and the Universities, and since 2016, the International Development Cooperation Center has been opened at domestic universities to serve as a base for ODA in each region.#6. Peace SupportBuilding Development and Peace on the Ruins of DisasterIn the early 2000s, Afghanistan's prolonged war and civil war destroyed most of its infrastructure and facilities, and the political, economic and social systems were badly impaired under the Taliban government. The international community and the Korean government promised support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, and KOICA established an overseas office in Afghanistan in 2002 and started special projects in earnest by setting up the Afghanistan Support Project Special Team . In addition, KOICA focused on providing a social safety net and to reduce conflict factors in local communities by providing support to conflict zones such as Iraq, Pakistan and Palestine. Then, in December 2019, KOICA's Humanitarian-Development-Peace-Nexus (HDP-Nexus) strategy was implemented to systematically execute the 'Recommendations for implementation of the OECD/DAC related to humanitarian aid-development-peace linkage', and carried out various activities to solve the humanitarian crisis tthat chronically continued.#7. Emergency ReliefRun into the Disaster of the WorldThe Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) is an emergency relief team dispatched by the Korean government to support damage reduction and recovery, lifesaving, and medical aid in disaster-stricken areas overseas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acts as the head of overall activities, and KOICA handles bureau operations, and the Fire Department, the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the National Medical Center, the Korea International Health and Medical Foundation, and the Ministry of National Defense form and dispatches emergency relief teams together. KOICA is in charge of coordination and administrative tasks such as consultation with the local governments and other international organizations from dispatch of the advance team to returning home, preparation of emergency relief teams, local transportation, cash support, in-kind support, insurance for dispatched personnel, and flight arrangement, and performs on-site coordination activities in close cooperation with local governments, international organizations and INGOs. So far, the teams have been dispatched to several disaster-affected countries such as Nepal, Haiti, Indonesia, China, Sierra Leone, Myanmar, and the Philippines, contributing to enhancing Korea's international status.#8. Disease EradicationRaising national pride through professional management of the fundThe International Disease Eradication Fund is a fund to prevent and eradicate diseases around the world and is collected by collecting 1,000 won per purchase of international flight tickets departing from Korea, and the International Poverty Eradication Fund was founded in September 2007. As time went on, as the need for legislation of the fund was raised, the International Poverty Eradication Fund was converted into the International Disease Eradication Fund in January 2017. By efficiently operating the International Disease Eradication Fund, KOICA not only contributed to the efforts of the international community to support partner countries, but also strengthened its expertise as a fund management organization.#9. Health SecuritySetting the standard for responding to infectious disease crisisIn 2014, the international community launched the Global Health and Security Initiative (GHSI) for the purpose of promptly detecting and reporting naturally occurring, accidental, and/or malicious intent driven infectious diseases, and preventing disease transmission at the earliest stage through international mutual cooperation and the protection of the international community. Korea participated as an early member right after the launch of GHSA, and in line with government's keynote, KOICA reorganized its infectious disease operation strategy and introduced an infectious disease support program to grant aid projects for its partner countries. Meanwhile, KOICA has disseminated the 'GHSA Guidelines' to help KOICA's partner organizations better understand GHSA as an international infectious disease response coalition, and this was also used as a basic data for the 'ABC program'.#10. COVID-19Supporting partner countries to respond to infectious diseases with K-quarantine experienceAfter the spread of the COVID-19 infectious disease, as positive evaluations of Korea's successful COVID-19 quarantine model continued, the international community's request for support increased. Accordingly, KOICA implemented the ABC (Agenda for Building resilience against Covid19 through development cooperation) program . Since May 2020, projects for full-scale responses against COVID-19 have been promoted in national cooperation projects, humanitarian aid, global training, and global human resource projects. The three main promotion directions were support for countries with poor health care, strengthening the infectious disease management capabilities of partner countries, and strengthening global solidarity using Korea s experience. #11. Strategic ProjectSupport for prompt implementation of important foreign affairs and foreign policyKOICA's 'Strategic Project' was first launched in 2014 to respond to urgent support needs such as high-level diplomatic activities or disasters and calamities. In the case of the strategic project cost allocation, the KOICA overseas office, the person in charge at its Headquarters, and, if necessary, an investigation team consisting of an external expert group review the project support feasibility, and then go through a 'Technical Review Committee' comprised of internal and external judges to determine policy feasibility, technical feasibility, project ripple effects and sustainability, and the projects that have passed the review can apply for the fund allocation. After that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requests the Ministry of Economy and Finance to approve the occasional allocation, and after approval by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, KOICA executes the budget. As for strategic projects, a total of 39 cases have been approved as of 2020, starting with 20 cases in 2014, and approximately KRW 46 billion has been executed. #12. Safety ManagementEstablishment of a system for the safety of overseas dispatched personnelIn order to protect the safety of dispatched workers abroad, KOICA established the 'Global Safety Center' in 2018, and safety information that can affect dispatched workers from various situations are collected and analyzed, and delivered them to the center, and the center reports forecasted information to the headquarters, and a two-way communication system was established between the headquarters and the global safety centers by operating hot lines from continents and between countries. Afterwards, KOICA opened the Comprehensive Safety Situation Room on December 31, 2019 in order to comprehensively determine the level of risk in situations where personnel dispatched to each country need such aid and prepare a system for rapid decision-making. The Comprehensive Safety Situation Room helps to efficiently manage any situation and quickly make a decision in case of an emergency by integrating real-time safety information, natural disaster monitoring status, and reported data from overseas offices.#13. Gender EqualityODA promotion to solve the most common inequalityKOICA established the Regulations on the Promotion of Gender Equality and Enhancement of Women s Competence in December 2010 in accordance with the Basic Law on International Development Cooperation to prepare a legal basis for promoting gender equality. In addition, the 'Gender Recognition Officer' has been newly established and has been planning and monitoring projects so that they can be carried out in a gender-sensitive manner. After that, a gender expert was hired, and in 2011, the gender mainstreaming was institutionalized through the establishment of five-year plan for achieving the goal of gender equality and designation of 25 cases of gender equality pilot project , and so on. In addition, specialized courses such as gender and development , which aim to spread the importance of development cooperation and gender equality to the general public, were expanded, leading to gender-sensitive project implementation by selecting gender mainstreaming projects and introducing the OECD gender policy marker standards. As a result of these efforts, in 2020, the proportion of projects directly aimed at achieving gender equality reached 8.3%, more than double the OECD average of 4%.#14. Human Rights ManagementPeople-first management, development cooperation for peopleIn November 2018, KOICA adopted the 'Human Rights Management Implementation Plan (2018-2020)' to improve global human rights through international development cooperation and established the Human Rights Management Committee , a deliberation body that organizes human rights policies, systems and projects related to human rights management. By collecting the opinions of employees, KOICA partners, and that of civil society, a human rights management implementation plan which includes a mid-term road map for human rights management implementation and step-by-step tasks were developed, and existing business-related regulations were reorganized based on the plan. In April 2019, the 1st Organizational Human Rights Impact Assessment was conducted as one of the core tasks of the Human Rights-Based Development Cooperation Implementation Plan . Through this, vulnerable human rights issues were identified from all employees, and a supplementary plan for each department was developed and implemented. #15. Customer Satisfaction ManagementKOICA loved by the world and trusted by the peopleIn October 2016, the CS Center Promotion TF , a newly established department for customer satisfaction management, was launched for the first time, and in 2017, as the CS Management Center was officially launched, customer satisfaction (CS) was promoted in earnest. In 2018, for the first time since the establishment of the institution, the 'KOICA customer relationship management plan' was initiated, and customer meetings were conducted for each project division to promptly improve the system, and based on this, 'Customer Code of Conduct' for all KOICA employees was developed. In July 2019, after reorganization into the National Communication Center , more customer satisfaction management outcomes achieved, and in the customer satisfaction survey by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, KOICA had obtained an A grade for three consecutive years (2016 2018).#16. Innovative Development CooperationPromote innovative public-private cooperation and development cooperationIn December 2009, KOICA and the private sector introduced the Public Private Partnership (PPP) to conduct grant aid projects in partner countries, and in 2015, in an attempt to convey the meaning of a more strategic form of establishing shared value beyond cooperation through CSR changed the name of the project to 'Corporate Cooperation Program.' With the establishment of the Innovation Project Office in 2017, the name of the program was changed to Development Innovation Program (DIP) while cementing the concept of the project, project discovery and operation, examination, and evaluation modules. Among the DIPs, the Creative Technology Solution Program (CTS) focused on creating scientific results and discovering creative development models. Improving the effectiveness of development resources (cost effectiveness, proven social impact, and spread of innovation) by applying innovative technology to ODA is the most important element of the CTS program. The CTS program is the only program that KOICA hopes to promote cooperation through public offerings with private companies, and through the CTS program, innovative technologies, which the public sector cannot introduce on their own, can be applied to ODA.#17. Civil Society CooperationCreating synergy of solidarity and win-winKOICA established the Private Cooperation Division in 1995 and started the first public-private cooperation project by providing NGO support. As the need for public-private cooperation increased with the addition of the OECD/DAC in 2009, KOICA launched the 'Development Alliance Korea (DAK)', which forms a comprehensive public-private partnership with various actors directly or indirectly participating in public-private cooperation projects since 2012. As performance management is emphasized for effective ODA, KOICA has established and operated a step-by-step performance management system in respect to each stage of implementation of such a public-private cooperation project since 2015, and the public offering system has evolved from previous its actor-based method to the five themes-based method of higher education, education, health, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and multi-sectoral fields. In 2018, in order to contribute to the realization of global social values ​​and the creation of jobs, which is the top priority of the government, KOICA introduced the 'Social Solidarity Economy Program', which discovers social business project models that can create social values ​​in partner countries, and it contributed to expanding the use of the expertise possessed by private sectors. #18. Global PartnershipStrengthening innovative partnerships for the implementation of the SDGsKOICA has strengthened multilateral partnerships with various countries and organizations with the purpose of the implementation of the SDGs and a win-win outcome and sustainable development of the global villages. As part of this initiative, KOICA organized the 2017 Seoul Annual General Assembly of the 'International Volunteer and Cooperation Organization (IVCO)' hosted by 'FORUM', a global network of organizations dispatching overseas volunteers, and ran a discussion panel as a side event at the 'High Level Political Forum (HLPF)' held by the UN in July 2018, and hosted the 'KOICA Seoul ODA International Conference' under the theme of 'Inclusive ODA for Global Peace, Democracy and Human Rights' in September 2018 in Seoul. Also, KOICA continues various dialogues and partnerships to achieve domestic peace ODA and SDG 16 by hosting forums on peace such as Seoul ODA International Conference, PyeongChang Peace Forum, and Jeju Peace Forum, and forums on human rights and justice such as the Gwangju World Human Rights Cities Forum, and forums on democracy and governance such as the Busan Democracy Forum, and the International Development Cooperation Civil Society Forum.#19. Climate ChangeJoint response to climate change through international partnershipsSince its establishment in 1991, KOICA expanded ODA projects in the field of environmental concerns and consolidated international cooperation and partnership relations, and as KOICA was selected as the 'East Asia Climate Change Partnership (EACP)' project execution organization during the G8 extended summit in August 2008, the support in the environmental sector increased significantly. In addition, KOICA selected five key support areas such as water management, low-carbon energy, low-carbon urban forestry and biomass, and waste treatment, and provided strategic support. Among them, the Water Management Landmark Project , which provides comprehensive solutions to water problems in Mongolia, the Philippines, and Azerbaijan, is a representative project and provided the largest amount in Korea s grant aid history. In the future, KOICA will continue to promote climate action projects by investing an amount estimated at USD 100 million from 2021 to 2025 as a climate action initiative project . Also, the proportion of climate change response projects in the KOICA project will be doubled from the current level, and climate change environmental mainstreaming will be accelerated.#20. Environmental MainstreamingEnvironmental issues are considered as an important factor in all project processesAs this development aid project began in earnest, negative voices began to erupt in some areas. The number of cases in which the implementation of such a project faced opposition from the people of the partner country increased as serious ecological damage and environmental destruction occurred during development assistance projects. Accordingly, the OECD/DAC recommended conducting an 'environmental impact assessment' to consider the impact of development aid projects on the environment and local communities in the country concerned, and KOICA established environmental guidelines to stipulate procedures and tasks for environmental impact assessment. Afterwards, in accordance with the DAC's recommendation to expand cross-sector issues, KOICA recognized environmental issues as important cross-sector topics that could occur in all fields and areas, and published the KOICA Environmental Mainstreaming Guidelines. #21. OECD/DAC Peer ReviewRecognized for development cooperation achievements in the international communityThe OECD Development Assistance Committee conducts a regular review of the development cooperation of member countries approximately every five years. Since Korea joined the OECD/DAC in 2009, it has undergone a DAC peer review twice in 2012 and 2017. The 1st peer review conducted in 2012 visited Cambodia, one of Korea's partner countries for development cooperation, to check on the progress of Korea's ODA, and the 2nd DAC peer review was conducted in 2017. As in 2012, the peer review group visited Cambodia to check on the current ODA progress. In the second review, Korea's efforts to improve overall development cooperation for five years after the first peer review in 2012, in particular, △ the role of a bridge between developed countries and partner countries, △ contribution to global public goods, △ education and promotion to raise global citizenship, and △ the effective allocation of resources to partner countries and support for concessional loans were highly appreciated. The peer review report was published in February 2018 after revision and supplementary work, and in 2020, an interim review of the second peer review was conducted.#22. Evaluation & MonitoringStrengthening evaluation for effective development cooperationSince the 1990s, as interest in the effectiveness of development cooperation projects has increased in the international community, the importance of systematic evaluation has been emphasized. Accordingly, KOICA established a project evaluation department in 1996 and initiated the project evaluation task, and the department conducted the first official project evaluation in 1998. As a measure to systematically evaluating aid effectiveness, KOICA laid the foundation for promoting a 'result-based project', and in 1999, published 《the KOICA Business Evaluation Guidelines》, which contains evaluation criteria, procedures, and feedback procedures, for the first time. Since that time, new evaluation trends and evaluation methodologies have been applied to continuously improve the evaluation quality of development cooperation projects. In addition, KOICA published 《Evaluation and Performance-Based Management Glossary of Key Terms》 in 2010 to improve the understanding and expertise of the evaluation tasks, and in 2019, introduced the Independent Evaluation Panel Quality Review Committee System to enhance the reliability of evaluation. In addition, various development cooperation evaluation seminars were held to strengthen evaluation capabilities within recipient countries and share evaluation knowledge, providing a venue to share information necessary for project implementation. #23. Performance-based project managementApproaching the SDGs through performance-based project managementPerformance-based project management focuses on effectively overlooking the entire process, such as determining input items at the planning stage based on performance , and monitoring and evaluating the implementation activities, and whether it is linked to the ultimate performance of the project. KOICA has fortified the effectiveness of development cooperation projects by continuously upgrading and internalizing a performance-based management system. In particular, performance-based management went through systemization by preparing performance-based management operating standards for each stage of the projects. Following the establishment of aperformance index pool for development cooperation projects for the first time in Korea in 2011, a preliminary advisory review system for performance management was established in 2012, and in 2018, the 'Project Quality Performance Management Team' was established to professionally operate and continuously monitor project performance and quality management standards according to strategies and goals for each sector, thereby establishing a systematic organizational foundation. In addition, a performance management inspection form was introduced in the annual inspection, and in 2020, a program performance management system was established to promote comprehensive program performance management and create representative results. Furthermore, for data-driven performance management and efficient digital transformation, KOICA is promoting the development of Data Collection Standard (Template) .#24. Social ValueInternalizing social values ​​in project and managementIn order to internalize social values ​​from a project and management perspective, KOICA named the 'Korea development cooperation representative institution that practices global social values' as the institutional vision, and developed the 'implementation strategy for social value practice' in 2018 and the 'social value implementation plan' in 2019. By linking the government's 13 social value actors and the international community's 17 sustainable development goals, KOICA broadly divided the social values ​​that it intends to realize into three categories: 'safe society', 'inclusive society' and 'peaceful and just society', and derived the implementation system and detailed action propositions. In addition, the Seongnam City Public Agencies Council was launched, and public agencies worked hand in hand to solve any problems that may come up.. Participating organizations are 10 in total including KOICA, Seongnam City, Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled, Korea Institute of Design Promotion, and Korea National Oil Management Institute. #25. Innovation ImplementationCitizen-led innovation based on basics and principlesComing to the end of 2017, KOICA launched the KOICA Innovation Committee and began an extensive drive for innovation. The primary purpose was to promote organizational innovation to establish basic principles and philosophies, enhance transparency and ethics, and strengthen collaboration with private and global partners in a crisis situation in which public support and trust are declining. Based on the results of diagnosing various fields such as project and organization, KOICA developed four main innovation directions of Back to Basics including realization of universal values, management innovation for realization of social values, promotion of development cooperation partnerships, and effective achievement of the SDGs, and proposed ten key innovation tasks accordingly. Furthermore, the Independent Innovation Implementation Panel was established in 2018, consisting of 10 experts and 15 young people, to strengthen public participation and communication. KOICA has promoted innovation that meets the expectations of the public by actively listening to and reflecting the diverse opinions from an independent panel composed of external experts and young people. #26. Informatization InnovationFrom e-procurement system to digital strategyIn line with the changing procurement environment at home and abroad, KOICA has been trumpeting the improvement of procurement methods and systems to enhance the effectiveness of activities by selecting excellent project performers, and to strengthen the transparency and fairness of procurement process. At the same time, KOICA has gone one step further from a transaction-oriented relationship with our partners and has been moving to create a symbiotic relationship. In addition, in 2007, an integrated information system was established to collect information on scattered development cooperation projects, and in 2010, to share the knowledge and know-how of the ODA business, the project information and output were first converted into a DB and a knowledge management system was established. In order to respond to the increasing cyber threats caused by digital acceleration, a thorough information security system was established through a big data-based 'Cyber ​​Security Center', and the safety management of overseas dispatched personnel was strengthened through a cloud-based safety management system. KOICA plans to establish a digital transformation strategy in preparation for the next 30 years, implement a step-by-step roadmap to leap forward as a digital KOICA, and effectively support the digital transformation of partner countries based on our capabilities. #27. Enhanced ODA TransparencyDisclosure of ODA information to IATI for the first time in AsiaAs a consensus was formed in the international community that improving the transparency within ODA is essential to increase the effectiveness of aid, Korea pushed ahead by joining the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI). While participating in the government's T/F activities in preparation for joining the IATI, thorough preparations were made while supplementing the system, conducting related research, and training employees to produce data that meets the IATI reporting standards. Based on these preparations, Korea joined the IATI as an official member in December 2015. Korea started its activities as an official member state in 2016, and the most important matter was the disclosure of ODA business information. In August of that year, Korea disclosed her first IATI information, and the ODA information disclosure at the time by Korea was the only Asian donor country that joined the IATI. Since then, the scope and items of ODA information disclosure and the participating organizations have been gradually expanded, and in 2019, a total of 31 items were disclosed. #28. Medium-term Strategy by SectorThe direction of ODA for the implementation of the SDGsThe MDGs ended in September 2015, and the SDGs emerged as a new paradigm for international development cooperation (2016 2030). Accordingly, KOICA began work on establishing medium-term strategies for each sector, and announced the results of a study on the Establishment Status of the SDGs and Response Plans jointly written by experts affiliated with KOICA. Based on this theoretical background, KOICA established a medium-term strategy for each sector to effectively carry out ODA projects through selection and concentration based on the new flow of international development cooperation and Korea s development experience. The medium-term strategies for each sector were used as the basis for the formation of innovative practice models, and were applied to the entire process of KOICA's project discovery, selection and planning, and evaluation. It was evaluated to have played a leading role in suggesting the future direction of ODA to domestic ODA stakeholders. #29. Active Implementation of Government PoliciesFrom Saemaul project to Mother and Child Health SupportIn order to spread Korea's experience of both rural development and economic growth, the Saemaul project model was introduced into the rural development support project of partner countries. Among them, the Myanmar Rural Community Development Project (2014 2019) invested 9 million dollars in the village project, paving roads of about 218 km in a total of 110 villages, building about 200 living water supply facilities, and setting up more than 1,600 electric poles. Above all, the income of villagers has also increased by more than 20%, and the Myanmar government has benchmarked this project with its own budget and has been implementing it since 2019. In addition, the 'Korea Aid' project was promoted to spread Korean food and culture while providing visiting services such as health promotion by mobile vehicles. This project consists of mobile examination vehicles, ambulances, food trucks, and cultural video trucks, and KOICA, which was designated as a single implementing agency, provided a total of 73 services in three countries for 7 months from June to December 2016. #30. New Southern/New Northern ProgramNew Strategic Partnership, Strategic Project Planning!KOICA has established a support strategy for ODA from the perspective of development cooperation to support foreign policy outcomes such as the government's New Southern Policy and New Northern Policy, and is promoting project discovery and budget expansion centered around core programs. In addition, in order to enhance the effect of ODA through collaboration with various organizations and promote coexistence and prosperity with partner countries, KOICA launched the 'International Development Cooperation Project Council' in December 2018 and contributed to establishment of ODA Team Korea through linkage and convergence. With the goal of discovering and implementing ODA projects, this project council contributes to the development of partner countries by combining not only capabilities of public institutions but also their expertise in various fields with ODA projects. In addition, KOICA has established a program-type project planning management system for project advancement, and as a part of that effort, is promoting the 'strategy-project performance program' to enhance the linkage, effectiveness, and efficiency between strategy and projects.
Lee Ji-hye, CEO of 'Couscous', a Tunisian food restaurant Finding a second life through KOICA's overseas volunteer work.
Lee Ji-hye, CEO of 'Couscous', a Tunisian food restaurant Finding a second life through KOICA's overseas volunteer work.
  • 0
[KOICA PEOPLE _ BEAUTIFUL KOICA]Tunisia, an unfamiliar country where I first set foot in as a volunteer of World Friends Korea (WFK) in 2009, has become my second hometown over time. Lee Ji-hye, CEO of Couscous, who went to Tunisia to promote Korean food, but instead fell in love with the food and people there and has been promoting Tunisian culture in Korea. Although 10 years have passed, Tunisia still holds a special place in her heart. At first, we started talking about Tunisian food while introducing the menu. Then, naturally, we talk about our travels, and then we move on to the story of WFK. A professor intentionally comes here with his students when the semester starts. He says that his students can have a chance to hear a vivid story about Tunisian culture here and that he wants to open their minds through my story that there are a variety of directions in life. Lee Ji-hye's life changed after she finished her work life for over 10 years and suddenly left for Tunisia for KOICA's overseas WFK volunteer activities. She immersed herself in an unfamiliar and awkward country while teaching Korean cuisine and Asian food and culture to students at the National University of Tourism in Tunisia for three years. I also learned Arabic to communicate more comfortably with the locals. There is a sense of distance that comes from the language barrier. On exam days, I used to study almost all night, but it was very difficult. Still, thanks to this, I felt much closer when offering classes to the students and meeting the locals. Even people who were unfamiliar with me because I was a foreigner smiled at me first when I greeted them in Arabic and asked how they are."I stayed in Tunisia throughout my service period, which was originally two years but was extended by one further year, but it was regretful to end it as it was. She wanted to introduce the charm of Tunisia to Korea. In the end, as soon as CEO Lee Ji-hye came to Korea, she opened the only Tunisian restaurant in Korea. Not only ingredients but also its tableware and accessories are air-supplied from TunisiaCouscous, located in Seochon, Seoul, 8 years ago, is located in an inconspicuous place that you can just pass by unless you are looking for it. Nevertheless, Tunisians come here because they miss their hometown, and people come here for various reasons, such as memories of their trip to Tunisia, and new food experiences. It's not just food. When you enter through the blue door resembling the Mediterranean Sea, the cute props and photos scattered throughout the store make you feel as if you are in Tunisia. I met very nice people in Tunisia, and through them I became accustomed to so many delicious foods. I wanted to convey the feelings I felt in Tunisia to others. I wanted to show Tunisia as it is, rather than changing it to Korean style. In order to show the taste of the real Tunisia, the method that CEO Lee has chosen is to make not only the original cuisine but also to gather all the ingredients from Tunisia. Major ingredients such as couscous, signature food and ingredients, olive oil, harissa (Tunisian red chili paste sauce), and Arabic coffee are supplied from Tunisia. At first, many customers said the taste was boring. But the same customers dropped by again. They then said the taste keeps coming to mind after eating it two or three times. Above all, I feel proud when Tunisians who have longed for a taste of their hometown or people who have traveled to Tunisia visit here and say, the taste is the same . The reason CEO Lee Ji-hye is insisting Tunisia-like Couscous with Tunisian taste as it is not simply to sell food, but to promote and share Tunisian culture. Also, she hopes that the time in Couscous will be a comfort to those who miss Tunisia even for a moment. There was a young man who left Tunisia and came to Korea to work, and one day he came to my restaurant and ordered food, but he couldn t eat and was just crying. He said he had never had a chance to try Tunisian food in Korea, but came here on purpose because an acquaintance searched for it and told him about it. As he said, 'Thank you for reminding me of my hometown,' as tears came to my eyes. He said he was very happy to have found a small piece of Tunisia in Korea, which is unfamiliar to them. If you are new to Tunisian food, start with couscous .The charm of Tunisian food is that it is good for health as it uses a lot of fresh olive oil and tomatoes. In addition, there are chili peppers and sauces that give it a spicy taste, so it is not unfamiliar to Koreans. I recommend couscous first to customers who are new to Tunisian food. It is one of the dishes that cannot be missed on important days in Tunisia, and on important occasions such as weddings, lamb couscous is served. Couscous is the name of the dish and the name of the ingredient. It is made by crushing spaghetti made from durum wheat, and Tunisian households make and use couscous at once to eat all year round. It is made of small grains, and the texture is like eating a familiar millet , which adds to the fun. Lamb, fish, chicken, etc. cooked in tomato sauce is placed on top of the couscous to complete the dish. One of the familiar tastes but unfamiliar dishes to us is a salad called Slata Mouchuia . Slata means salad, and mouchuia means 'grilled', so it's a grilled salad. For this dish, one must peel the peppers roasted over a direct fire, apply the seeds and chop them finely, then mix them with tomatoes and garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Salad is served with traditional bread made from durum, and the taste of spicy pepper and light bread goes very well together. Tunisian food is very time consuming. A lot of sincerity has to be put into it, and it is impossible to serve to large groups of people. Although the space of Couscous is small, there are so many things that can be communicated in this space. If you have any questions about Tunisian food, travel or culture, please feel free to visit here. Of course, the story about WFK is also good. When it comes to Tunisia, I am still excited. CEO Lee Ji-hye who says that her relationship with KOICA led to Tunisia, which changed the direction of her life. She says that when opening Couscous, she thought, 'I'll change my mind in about 10 years' but she says that she still has a heart for Tunisia. I don t have big goals or grand plans. I am satisfied if just the slightest bit of interest in Tunisia through Couscous or me, or if you can dispel preconceived notions about Africa and Islam. It will not be an easy road, but I want to continue the connection between Tunisia and Korea. Written by Kim Jeong-ah & Photo by Lee Kyeong-ho
Look into KOICA's partner countries! Azerbaijan, Paraguay, and Algeria
Look into KOICA's partner countries! Azerbaijan, Paraguay, and Algeria
  • 0
KOICA, an agency of the Republic of Korea primarily responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance, is promoting customized ODA in consideration of the environment of partner countries around the world, such as those in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In addition, as a platform for ODA in Korea, KOICA supports the economic and social development of partner countries and contributes to peace and prosperity in the international community. Accordingly, learns about partner countries around the world that are cooperating with KOICA, and examines each and every detail regarding partner countries around the world to become closer friends with them. The countries to be introduced this time are Azerbaijan in Central Asia, Paraguay in Central and South America, and Algeria in Africa. Shall we meet the various charms of each country with its own flavor?Azerbaijan is located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea under the Caucasus Mountains that divide Europe and Asia. Geographically, it belongs to Southwest Asia, but culturally and historically, it is closer in nature to Europe. The official name of the country is the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, and it is called the Three Caucasus States by combining Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. Azerbaijan is nicknamed the Land of Fire . Crude oil and natural gas account for about 70-80% of total exports, and there are regions still burning natural gas . The capital, Baku, is famous for the passage of the old Silk Road, and remains of the Silk Road persist to this day. It is a country that boasts a unique landscape with a wonderful and quaint natural environment and a long history.In order to solve the water shortage in Azerbaijan, KOICA continues to carry out a restoration project on the Kahriz, a traditional water supply system. Following the success of the first project, the second project, which started in 2018, is expected to be completed in 2022. In addition to restoring Kahriz, KOICA is supporting systematic cooperation such as strengthening technicians' capabilities, irrigation canal maintenance, and supporting small businesses. Crude oilBaku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is considered the largest oil city in Eurasia. Baku is home to the world's first commercial oil well (a well that pumps crude oil), the 'Bibiheibat Oil Well'. It is located in the south of Baku, and it is also where the movie 007 series 'Unlimited' was filmed. Numerous oil pumps continue to supply oil across Baku. Even in the yards of some homes , there are oil wells rather than water wells. By the beginning of the 20th century, Baku produced half of the world's oil use. There is even a unique culture called an Oil Bath based on abundant crude oil. Soaking in oil is effective in alleviating skin diseases.Shirvanshahs' PalaceShirvanshahs' Palace is one of the must-see sights in Baku, where the old city and the prosperous present come together. Built in the 15th century, Shirvanshahs' Palace is such a valuable cultural heritage site that it is called the 'pearl of Azerbaijani architecture.' This palace was rebuilt when the capital was moved to Baku after an earthquake in Shemaki, the capital at the time. It is widely known that Khalil Lula I built it for his father, Shir Bansha Ibrahim. Inside the palace, there are densely packed offices, reception rooms, banquet halls, living spaces, temples, and steeples. The remains of an old bathhouse without a roof are well preserved. Other highlights include the 11th-century Sinikkala Temple, the Divankan Court built in an octagonal hall, and the Djumamethet spire. Currently, the inside of the palace is being operated as a museum with old paintings, photographs, and the daily necessities of the royal family. In 2000, it was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.Caravan SarayA typical Silk Road historic site in Azerbaijan is the Caravan Saray. Caravan Sarai is the lodging site for caravans on every street of the old Silk Road. Caravans traveling East and West used camels, and there was a lodging facility every 45 km, the distance a camel could walk in one day. The few remaining caravans around the world remain in the old city of Sheki, Azerbaijan. Sheki played an important role as a crossroads on the Silk Road from the 15th to the 17th centuries. Sheki's Caravan Saray has been preserved as it used to stand and is considered a historically important relic. Now, it has been remodeled into a hotel and restaurant, and tourists continue to visit it. PlovThe staple food of Azerbaijani people is plov. Plov means 'pilaf' which means rice in English. Plov is fried rice made with mostly lamb, onions, and dried plums in rice, and it is a typical home-cooked meal in Azerbaijan. The variety is so diverse that there are about 40 recipes. It is a traditional dish that has recipes passed down from generation to generation in every family. Other must-try foods in Azerbaijan include Kebab (Shashlik), which is skewered on a charcoal fire, Baklava with a hard and crispy texture, that is, a honey pastry made with honey and nuts, and Dolma, seasoned rice and lamb wrapped in grape leaves.CarpetThe carpet is a national cultural heritage item containing the life and spirit of the people of Azerbaijan. The history is so deep that one of Azerbaijan's major exports, which only made use of the trade route along the Silk Road in the past, was carpet. Carpets are traditional handicraft fabrics of various sizes, characterized by a very dense texture. The pattern of the carpet is slightly different depending on the region. Carpets are so closely related to their daily life that there is an Azerbaijani proverb, Where there is my carpet, there is my home . There is a tradition of putting carpets on the windows and balconies on festival days, and presenting carpets to loved ones. A colorful carpet woven with rich colors and unique patterns is comparable to a work of art. Azerbaijan's traditional carpet weaving technique was listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. ■ KOICA Office in Azerbaijan Chirag Plaza(4th Floor), Tbilisi Avenue, 49 "C", Baku, AzerbaijanParaguay's official name is Republica del Paraguay. The name of the country was derived from the word from the Great River in the language of the Guarani people. The Great River refers to the Parana River connected to the Iguassu Falls. The Parana River runs through Argentina to the sea. Because it is a landlocked country in central South America, there is no sea, but rivers and forest resources are abundant. Based on the fertile land present, Paraguay has developed agriculture and pastoralism. The main exports are beans, meat, wood, and tobacco, among which cotton accounts for 40% of exports. It is also the country with the best preserved culture and language of the indigenous Guarani people. Neighboring countries include Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. Until recently, KOICA has been providing quarantine support by donating medical devices to respond to COVID-19 to Paraguay hospitals and donating thermal imaging cameras to airports. Since 2016, KOICA has been collaborating with the Paraguay Ministry of Health and Welfare to develop the Limpio City Health Care System Formation and Primary Care Reinforcement Project . KOICA is working to improve the local health care system in the nation by establishing 20 health centers in the region. TerereTerrere is a traditional drink of the Guarani people, the indigenous people of Paraguay, which is a cold drink mixed of mate tea and various medicinal herbs. Wherever you go in Paraguay, you can see people enjoying this tea. A large container of terrera is called a telmo, and Paraguayans carry terere in a large telmo and drink it frequently. The method of making this tea is to mash the herbal-flavoured herbal poanyana in a mortar and mix it with cold water. The method of making this tea is handed down from generation to generation in each household. The way Terrere is drunk is also unique. It is a tradition to drink together with family or friends from a single iron straw. They share terrere and deepen their friendship and solidarity with one another. Its taste is a mixture of mate, mint, and various medicinal herbs, which is both bitter and refreshing.Jesuit Missions on the riverside of the Parana RiverThere are special ruins around Encarnacion, a city in Itapua, Paraguay. It s Jesuit Missions of La Sant sima Trinidad de Paran and Jes s de Tavarangue, a community village created by Jesuit missionaries with the indigenous Guarani during the Spanish colonial rule of South America. The village became world famous after the movie Mission, which tells the story of a Jesuit missionary and Guarani. There are three historical sites, but the best known is Trinidad. It was built in 1706 by two Jesuit missionaries together with the Guarani. It had a square and a cathedral, as well as a free nursing home for the natives, educational facilities, and a hospital. It was also called 'Paradise on Earth' as ​​the missionaries protected the natives. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Asunci nAsunci n is the capital and largest city of Paraguay. Its nickname as the "Mother of Cities." Founded in 1537 by the Spanish, it is the oldest city in South America. The city's mix of historic buildings and skyscrapers built during the Spanish colonial period adds to its strange charm. Asunci n, where Paraguay's international airport is located, is the nation's gateway and a major tourist destination. The busiest place is La Catedral. The presidential palace, parliament, national bank, and shopping mall are clustered here. If you want to know the history of Paraguay, you must visit the Paraguay Independence Hall and Museum. If you want to feel the unique relaxation of South America, Costanera Park on the banks of the Paraguay River is the perfect place. They set up artificial beaches with sand around the river. Asado PartyParaguay is one of the world's leading beef exporters. Thanks to this fact, the beef here is not only delicious, but also quite cheap. It is a traditional food culture in Paraguay to invite friends and family to hold an asado party on weekends. Asado is made with various types of meat, including beef ribs, pork ribs, and sausages, sprinkled with salt and grilled over charcoal for a long time, and the taste is superb. It is a kind of barbecued dish. Paraguayans usually cook with cooking utensils on a large table in the middle of the yard. The cooked dishes are shared by the whole family and they share their hearts.■ KOICA Office in ParaguayCalle Federacion Rusa No. 1059 c/ San Rafael, Asunci n, ParaguayThe official name of Algeria is the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, located on the Mediterranean coast in northwestern Africa. It is the largest country on the African continent and the tenth largest in the world by total land area. It is also called the Maghreb region, collectively with neighboring countries such as Tunisia, Morocco, and Libya. This means that even in the Islamic world, it is located in the West. The northern slopes of the Atlas Mountains, which are parallel to the coastline, have a typical Mediterranean climate, with abundant rainfall and favorable agricultural conditions, where most of the population resides. To the south of the mountain range is the vast Sahara Desert. The main resources are oil and natural gas with abundant reserves. KOICA has been providing medical supplies such as masks and protective suits, as well as oxygen masks for patient treatment, to support the Algerian government's response to COVID-19 from 2020. As part of this, a Korean-style walk-through diagnostic booth was provided under the ABC program. KOICA's ABC program is a COVID-19 resilience strengthening program that is being actively promoted under "ODA KOREA: Building TRUST." Casbah in AlgiersIn the heart of Algiers, the capital of Algeria, there is an old town that catches the eye at first glance It is called 'Kasbah of Algiers', which refers to a castle or building with a sultan (a monarch of an Islamic state) found in Arab countries in northern Africa. It encompasses not only the building, but also the surrounding residential area as a complex. Algiers' Kasbah is famous for its unique shape. It is located on a hillside overlooking the island built in the 4th century BC at the historical trading post of Carthage, and the highest point is 120 meters above sea level. Most of the structures were built between the 16th and 19th centuries. There are remains of a large and luxurious citadel, a historic mosque, and the remains of an Ottoman-style palace. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.Sahara Desert SafariOne of the romances of a trip to Algeria is to run on the sandy beach. The largest desert on Earth, the Sahara Desert, is located at the southern tip of Algeria, and it is so vast that it occupies four-fifths of the land area. Timimoun in Adrar Province, Algeria is famous for its desert safari , a desert experience tour where you can taste the various aspects of the desert. In a four-wheel-drive jeep, you can drive over the sand dunes, visit an oasis village, and enjoy a romantic picnic while sitting on the sand dunes. The best part is spending the night watching the sunset in the desert. The sunset in the desert that gradually fades over the calm sandy sea leaves a lasting impression. TipasaTipasa is a Roman ruin located 70 km west of Algiers, the capital of Algeria. Founded by the Phoenicians, it served as a trading port for ancient Carthage between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC. After Carthage was conquered by Rome, Roman settlements were established. The building was built on a central hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, but with the passing of time, it is no longer there. The scenery facing the blue sea is exceptionally beautiful, and Albert Camus sang, In the spring of Tipasa, the gods descend and live . Inside the ruins of Tifaja is a monument to Camus. Tipasa, a collection of Phoenician, ancient Rome, Carthage, early Christian, and Byzantine ruins, is like a museum without a roof. UNESCO recognized its value and inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 1982. M morial des MartyrsAlgeria's landmark M morial des Martyrs is a tower dedicated to the victims of the Revolution of 1982 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of independence. Algeria became independent in 1962 after signing an armistice agreement with France and electing a president through a national referendum. This tower is a huge structure with a height of 92m, and it has the shape of three palm leaves leaning against each other. Each palm leaf symbolizes agriculture, industry and culture. When the tower was erected, President Chadley Benzedid created the M morial des Martyrs between the old and new towns as a symbol of Algeria's new era. The Algiers Mujahideen Museum is located at the bottom of the M morial des Martyrs. Likewise, as a memorial dedicated to the victims of the independence revolution, various collections related to the war of independence are on display. ■ KOICA Office in AlgeriaVilla G7, Residence Chabani, Val d'Hydra, AlgerWritten by Kang Mi-sook & Illustrated by Lee Moon-jeong
Interim report on the 30th anniversary of its foundation, 2021 KOICA Innovation Day New International Development Cooperation in a New Era - Private Business Partnership
Interim report on the 30th anniversary of its foundation, 2021 KOICA Innovation Day New International Development Cooperation in a New Era - Private Business Partnership
  • 0
[KOICA Inside]Innovation in international development cooperation means new solutions that lead to positive change and growth in developing countries. KOICA has opened up the ideal horizon of ODA (Official Development Assistance) through various partnerships with private companies equipped with cutting-edge science and technology and inclusive business methods. 2021 KOICA Innovation Day was successfully held on December 2nd at Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Seoul. At the event, which makes the 30th anniversary of the foundation even more significant, President Son Hyuk-sang of KOICA emphasized that the participation of more private business partners serves as a momentum to innovate international development cooperation. KOICA's main driving force is a partnership with private companies 2021 KOICA Innovation Day , is a venue to share successful development cooperation achievements between KOICA and private companies and was successfully held on December 2nd at Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Seoul. A highlight of the '2021 KOICA Innovation Day' held for the first time in three years, was the sharing of cases of private partnerships that have solved social problems in developing countries along with corporate growth, and discussed options to attract more companies to enter overseas markets to become key players of international development cooperation. The event, held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of KOICA's foundation, was attended by Son Hyuk-sang, President of KOICA, Kang Seok-gu, Director-General for International Trade of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Yoon Dae-sik, Executive Director for External Relations at LG Electronics, and Park Soon-ho, CEO of Glory & Tech. The common opinion of various stakeholders, including the government and international organizations, large corporations and social venture leaders, was that the concrete and practical ideas and spirit of participation of private companies could advance performances of international development cooperation one step further in the right direction. Above all, it pointed out that the continued participation of private companies is very encouraging in that they can create high-quality jobs and economic values while solving social problems in developing countries. In the opening speech, KOICA President Son Hyuk-sang mentioned why private companies' participation in international development cooperation is essential by saying Everyone talks about innovation, but it is very difficult to actually try to introduce, and it is even more difficult to achieve successful results from that innovation. At a time when everyone is afraid to take a chance arising from innovation, obtaining a reliable partner with challenging spirits is a powerful boost to KOICA s growth. The platform achieved through practical collaboration with various private entities, from social ventures, social enterprises, and large corporations, is an innovative collaboration that helps each other and has the possibility and potential to position itself as a KOICA s leading development cooperation program." The common opinion of various stakeholders, including the government and international organizations, large corporations and social venture leaders, was that the concrete and practical ideas could advance performances of international development cooperation one step further.CTS leaders who are social entrepreneurs but earn more than for-profit enterprises In the performance sharing session, examples of innovative companies were introduced one after another. As in the first case, the experiences of a domestic startup Piquant entering the developing global market were introduced. Piquant, which was selected as KOICA's CTS partner in 2018, received 800 million won to develop a portable water quality measuring instrument known as a 'Water Scanner' and presented an innovative solution to solving water-related diseases in India and Vietnam. Since then, it has been selected as a partner for water quality and sanitation improvement by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and has been carrying out water quality improvement projects in several countries, and recently signed a second contract with the foundation. The second case to share achievements is Glory & Tech, a promising water company that has built a drinking water supply platform in Bangladesh. Glory & Tech, which has solved the lack of clean drinking water for developing countries with carbon credits, is currently operating and managing water purification systems in 70 villages in 11 countries through innovative eco-friendly water purification equipment. However, the drinking water project of Glory & Tech did not go as smoothly as required from the onset. As the Bangladesh government did not approve carbon emission rights in the drinking water sector, it faced difficulties waiting for more than a year and submitting the verification plan several times repeatedly. Chairman Park Soon-ho, who overcame such a crisis and attained business registration, has one more goal now. He aims to provide clean water to one billion poor people within 10 years. He wants to make the fruits of long waiting and trials more meaningful and true to its cause. Enuma is a cutting-edge education company that has solved the failing educational infrastructure in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya by developing Kit Kit School , a tablet-based basic literacy and numeracy application. In 2015, it was selected as KOICA's representative CTS and achieved great success in Africa, and is currently expanding its scope of activities to 55 countries including the United States and Indonesia. For children and parents in areas where it is difficult to even make a living due to hunger and civil war, Enuma's educational program is helping them develop inner strength to deal with despair. ➊ LG Electronics Executive Director Yoon Daesik, in charge of external cooperation, explained the achievements of LG-KOICA Vocational School of Hope, which is providing opportunities for self-reliance for Ethiopian youth, and said that KOICA's diplomatic and administrative support and brand power helped a lot in solving local difficulties. ➋ Director Lim Hyeon-chae of Piquant presented project results that solved water-borne diseases in India/Vietnam by distributing water scanners that can determine the potability within one minute of water quality assessment. '2021 KOICA Innovation Day' was held in Seoul with a hybrid method that New York, Cambodia and Singapore in real time, and became a communication venue where sufficient results were shared and opinions were exchanged vigorously.The main topic of millennium development cooperation is the idea of ​​private companies Although the achievements of each company are important in themselves, sharing various management know-how and experiences and insights gained in the course of project implementation may act as a guide for potential partner companies that will participate in international development cooperation projects in the future. Why is KOICA dedicated to pursuing partnerships with more private companies? This is because the government's ODA alone has its limits in solving the economic and social problems of developing countries, and the insight that goes beyond this scope is derived from the ideas of private companies and the spirit of participation. The focus of 2021 KOICA Innovation Day is undoubtedly on innovation in partnership with private companies. Raising the development effect through collaboration with private companies in the public sector is a main topic in millennium development cooperation, and KOICA plans to further emphasize the importance of this platform and expand further. This is because the powerful efficiency and synergy generated by the unity of the government and private companies, public trust and creativity, enable the coexistence of all mankind. 2021 KOICA Innovation Day was a fruitful time to recognize and confirm the hopeful innovation. Written by Lee Il-seop & Photo by Han Jun-ho
Look into KOICA's partner countries! Vietnam, El Salvador, Mozambique
Look into KOICA's partner countries! Vietnam, El Salvador, Mozambique

KOICA, one of the main organizations for development cooperation in Korea, promotes customized ODA in consideration of the local environment of partner countries around the world, including countries in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. KOICA, as a Korean platform for ODA, supports the economic and social development of partner countries and contributes to peace and prosperity in the niternational community.In this regard, Together KOICA examines partner countries that are cooperating with KOICA, and takes a closer look to become more close friends with the partner countries.The countries to be introduced this time are Vietnam in Asia, El Salvador in Central and South America,and Mozambique in Africa.Let s look into each country that possesses originality and various charms.Vietnam is a country in the eastern part of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It borders China to the north, Laos, and Cambodia to the west, and the sea to the east. Vietnam envelopes the Indochina Peninsula, extending from north to south. For this reason, the width from east to west is only 600 km at its widest point, but it stretches for 1,650 km from north to south.Vietnam has been building its economic foundation through agriculture since ancient times, and its main exports are wheat, corn, potatoes, rubber, tea, and coffee. In particular, rice farming has developed around the fertile lands of the Red River and Mekong Delta, making Vietnam the world's third-largest rice exporter.KOICA has been conducting an inclusive rural development program since 2019, such as improving medical facilities and building the first modern health center in Tuyen Quang Province, one of Vietnam's poorest areas, Through this program, KOICA is taking the lead in improving the quality of life in underprivileged areas by promoting integrated support for regional development in Tuyen Quang Province. The area is actively cooperating with KOICA and maintaining a close relationship.Ha Long BayHa Long Bay is located in northern Vietnam, and it is made up of 1,969 large and small islands and limestone pillars and is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. 'Ha' means 'coming down', 'Long' means 'dragon', which makes the meaning of Ha Long dragon that came down from the sky . The limestone hilly district has been eroded by seawater, rain, and wind over many years, and islands and rocks rose above the emerald blue sea. The sight of the strangely shaped rocks and small islands forming the cliffs is magnificent.HueHue is a city in central Vietnam and was the capital of the last dynasty of Vietnam. As the former capital, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is comparable to Gyeongju in Korea. The shallow and wide Perfume River flows through Hue, and on the left side of the river is Dai Noi, the royal palace of the Vietnamese Empire built in the Chinese style in the early 19th century. The Hue dynasty ruled Vietnam for centuries. In colonial times, the French lived on the right side of the river and today the eastern side of the city is a commercial district. It is an important transportation hub with the road and railway connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.It is a religious, cultural, and commercial center, where rice milling, lumber, textile, and cement industries are being made.Motorcycle and cycloThe number of vehicles and motorcycles in Vietnam increased rapidly in the 1980s, and motorcycles are still the most popular means of transportation to this day. As traffic laws and signaling systems on Vietnamese roads have also been established mainly considering motorcycles, motorcycles have become a convenient means of transportation. There are about 20 million motorcycles in Vietnam, and almost every household owns one.On the other hand, cyclos, another popular transportation in Vietnam along with motorcycles, are three-wheeled vehicles found a lot in Southeast Asia and are especially popular with travelers. There are two types: a bicycle-type that moves by human power and a type with motorcycle engines. Although it is not possible to move quickly, it has the advantage of being able to admire the scenery of Hanoi while moving.Vietnamese spring roll / goi cuonVietnamese spring rolls, called goi cuon in Vietnamese, are a traditional Vietnamese food in which various ingredients such as noodles, carrots, cucumbers, pork, shrimp, and mushrooms are wrapped in rice paper. Rice paper is made by grinding rice finely, pouring water into it, kneading it, and then slightly baking it and drying it. Sometimes you eat it by slightly moistening the rice paper in hot water to wrap various vegetables. And sometimes you eat the fish and meat after blanching them like shabu-shabu. It is served with fish sauce, red pepper sauce, or peanut butter sauce. It has a mild and healthy taste.CoffeeVietnam is the world's second-largest coffee producer and exporter, and Vietnamese coffee is one of Vietnam's main exports. Vietnamese coffee is mainly used as instant coffee, and the mainly cultivated kind is Robusta , which has a hard bean and savory and bitter taste.When brewing coffee in Vietnam, they use micro-perforated containers called cafe fins, rather than filters. It is a method of brewing by adding coffee beans to a coffee fin and pouring hot water. Because it is brewed slowly for over an hour, the deep, rich, and bitter taste becomes stronger. You can pour hot water or ice into the extracted coffee, or drink it with sweet and strong condensed milk instead of sugar. In Vietnam, there is a culture of drinking coffee in the morning, and the price of coffee beans is cheap, so it is a drink that is consumed daily.Rice (Indica)Rice is also a staple food in Vietnam, but it is different from Korean rice. They consume Indica rice, which is also called Annammi. It is the main rice variety that accounts for 90% of rice worldwide. It is harvested in large quantities in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest granary.In Vietnam, rice is called 'com', and when you look at a menu at a restaurant, if it says com on the menu, it is much easier to choose a menu that comes with rice or cooked rice. Rice is also used in various food, such as rice noodles, rice paper, alcohol, sweets, glutinous rice, porridge, and ice cream, so rice is an essential part of Vietnamese food.■ KOICA Vietnam Office18th Fl., Landmark 72 Tower, Plot E6, Pham Hung Street, Tu Liem, HanoiEl Salvador is a country in Central America, officially known as the Republic of El Salvador. It is the only country in Central America that does not border the Caribbean Sea but only the Pacific Ocean, and it has a coastline of 307 km. With an area of 21,041㎢, it is about onetenth the size of the Korean Peninsula and the smallest in Central America. The climate is mild tropical, and more than 90% of the land was created by volcanic activity. In the past, it was a typical agricultural country, but it has grown into an industrial country since the 1960s, and its main resources are coffee, cotton, sugar, and shrimp.KOICA recently held a ceremony to donate a multimedia studio and classroom for e-learning content development at the El Salvador University of Technology (UTEC) in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. In addition, last year, the Korea-El Salvador Medical Center was built with about KRW 4.1 billion, to provide continuous support and cooperation for the underprivileged in El Salvador to receive medical benefits.Santa Ana Volcanoes and Izalco VolcanoesEl Salvador is a region with active seismic and volcanic activity, and Santa Ana Volcano and Izalco Volcano are the major volcanoes of El Salvador.Santa Ana Volcano is the tallest (2,181 m) volcano in El Salvador and has erupted 12 times since the eruption recorded in 1520. The volcano has a flat circular crater, a central vent, and a small volcanic arc, which is rich in sulfur, giving it an emerald green color.Izalco Volcano, the youngest volcano in El Salvador, is a parasitic volcano formed by the eruption of Santa Ana Volcano in 1770. It was so active that it erupted more than 50 times by 1957 and was visible from far away from the coast, so sailors who set out on voyages in the 19th century used it as a milestone. However, since 1958, it has maintained a lull.Joya De CerenLike Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy, Joya De Ceren was an agricultural community before the Spanish conquest and is buried in 7m thick ash from the eruption of the Loma Caldera around 600 AD. It is a residential area of the Maya period excavated by archaeologists and is also called 'Pompeii' of Central and South America. This well-preserved property, with its buildings, gardens, farm implements, and farmland in perfect condition, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a reminder of the life of the Mayans who worked and farmed the land before the Spanish conquest.Coffee plantationAbout 12% of El Salvador's land is coffee farms, and about 20,000 households are engaged in coffee farming. Because more than 90% of the country was created by volcanic activity, coffee with a unique flavor can be harvested. In El Salvador, forest conservation and wildlife habitat protection are doing well because shade farming is mainly used to shade coffee trees by planting other trees in between. This method suppresses the occurrence of weeds and pests, and it is said that it is possible to lower the defect rate of coffee cherries because it is easy to control moisture.After the coffee harvest is over, villagers who worked on coffee farms pick up coffee cherries that have fallen on the ground. When drinking coffee, the coffee cherries are ground, peeled by hand, and roasted over a wood fire using a tool called 'Galdol' in the traditional Mayan method.PupusaPupusa is an El Salvador food that is grilled with cheese, seasoned pork, and black bean sauce inside a corn tortilla. Like Bungeoppang or Hotteok in Korea, it is traditional street food in El Salvador. Traces of pupusa cuisine were also excavated at the Joya De Ceren site. It is said that in the past, pupusa did not contain meat but made a half-moon shape with herbs and vegetables.■ KOICA El Salvador OfficeCalle El Mirador y 87 Avenida Norte, Edificio Torre Futura,Nivel 10, Local 3, Colonia Escalon, San Salvador, El SalvadorThe Republic of Mozambique is in the southeastern part of the African continent, and it faces the Mozambique Channel. Because it is located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those of Korea. It has a tropical climate, with an average winter temperature of about 20 C and an average summer temperature of about 26 C. It has major mineral resources such as coal, bauxite, diamonds, and gold.KOICA has helped Mozambique respond to COVID-19 by donating six Korean walk-through diagnostic booths to the National Medical Center in Mozambique in 2020. For a safe educational environment in Mozambique, we also donated quarantine products to the Matola Industrial School in Mozambique together with the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the trainee reunion.Island of MozambiqueThe Island of Mozambique is located in Nampula Province, northern Mozambique in Africa. It is an island with a fortified city, located in the Indian Ocean, 3.5 km from the African continent.The Island of Mozambique is a port for trade routes from Portugal to India, and you can get a glimpse of the establishment and development of the Portuguese route connecting Western Europe and the Indian subcontinent, and all of Asia. The buildings in this area show architectural unity, characterized by the consistent use of the same architectural techniques, building materials, and decorative principles since the 16th century. Mozambique's heritage includes the oldest Fort St Sebastian (1558-1620) and other defensive structures, as well as many buildings from the 16th century onwards and religious buildings. Mozambique was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.Maputo CathedralMaputo Cathedral was designed by engineer Marcial Freitas eCosta in 1936 and opened in 1944. It is located in Independence Square of Maputo, the capital, and stands as a landmark of Maputo with a height of about 18 meters.Cashew nutsIn Mozambique, 80% of the population is engaged in agriculture, and agriculture is the main industry that accounts for more than 20% of total GDP. Mozambique is a long country with a diverse climate, so it can cultivate a variety of crops, and its main products are corn, sugar cane, cassava, and cotton. Among these crops, cashews are particularly famous, and Mozambique's 2017 production of cashews is 140,000 tons. Mozambique exports cashew nuts to India, Vietnam, and the United States, and the revitalization of the cashew nut business is a source of income for about 1.5 million households. The Mozambican government is currently pursuing a policy to revitalize the cashew nut industry, which was 50% of production in the 1970s, but has declined due to the nationalization of factories.TimbilaA timbila is a xylophone made of 5 to 30 wooden keys of various sizes and ranges, and is particularly famous for its ensemble music unique to the Chopi people, who live in the southern Inhambane province, south of Mozambique. Timbilas are mainly performed at weddings and other tribal events, with ensembles of all ages participating. For this reason, the timbila master and his pupil play together, and sometimes his grandson plays alongside his grandfather. However, due to recent deforestation, the mwenje wood needed to produce its distinctive tone has become difficult to obtain, and the experienced timbila players are mostly older, making this heritage less accessible to young people.■ KOICA Mozambique OfficeAv 25, de Setembro n 270, Edificio Time square Office Park bloco 4, 1 andar Escrito rio 4, nesta cidade de Maputo, MozambiqueWritten by Nam Jiyeon, illustrated by Kim Ihyeon

Look into KOICA's partner countries! Bangladesh, Ecuador, Morocco
Look into KOICA's partner countries! Bangladesh, Ecuador, Morocco

KOICA, one of the main organizations for development cooperation in Korea,promotes customized ODA in consideration of the local environment of partner countries aroundthe world, including countries in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. KOICA, as a Korean platform for ODA, supports the economic and social development of partner countries andcontributes to peace and prosperity in the international community.In this regard, Together KOICA examines partner countries that are cooperating with KOICA,and takes a closer look to become more close friends with the partner countries.The countries to be introduced this time are Bangladesh in Asia, Ecuador in Central and South America, and Morocco in Africa.Let s look into each country that possesses originality and various charms.The People's Republic of Bangladesh is a country located northeast of India in southern Asia. It borders Myanmar to the southeast, the Bay of Bengal to the south, and India to the rest of the country. The name of the country means Land of Bengal .It is considered one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Although the land area is about 1.5 times that of Korea, it has the world's highest population density with a population of 166.3 million, which is about three times that of Korea. It is also one of the poorest countries in the world, with foreign aid accounting for half of th #000000 e government spending. The country's economic development plan is in line with the country's top priority to eradicate poverty, increase food self-sufficiency, enhance employment, and reduce the population growth rate.KOICA established the only nursing graduate school in Bangladesh in 2012. In 2020, we delivered emergency medical supplies to COVID-19 screening centers and supported the establishment of an intensive care unit (ICU) in Bangladesh to foster the nursing workforce and strengthen its ability to respond to the pandemic.Mosque City of BagerhatThis is an ancient Islamic city site in Bagerhat, southern Bangladesh. It is an ancient city located at the start of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers and Bagerhat Bridge, and was built by Ulu Khan Jahan of Turkey in the 15th century. Once a wasteland, it gradually developed to become the commercial center of Bengal, and 360 mosques were built. 9 mosques remain today, most of them built of bricks. The eaves are in a gently curved shape which is a unique Bengal style, and the four corners of the building are in the shape of a cylinder. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 as a relic that shows that the ancient architectural techniques were advanced considerably.RickshawRickshaw is a common means of transportation used in Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh. The name comes from the Japanese word 'rikisha'. Most of the rickshaws are cyclic cars, which are modified bicycles, and auto-rickshaws, which are three-wheeled vehicles with small engines. A cycle rickshaw is three-wheeled with a wheeled chair attached to the back of a bicycle, and is mainly used for short-distance travel. Auto rickshaws running through the city center are often called tuk-tuks in Southeast Asia. There is a device that calculates the fare by distance inside the rickshaw, but it is rarely used, and the fare is usually decided by negotiating beforehand.It is an important means of livelihood for the poor and an important means of transportation for the common people, and Bangladesh has the highest number of rickshaws in the world. Auto rickshaws, which are fast on busy roads, are somewhat dangerous because they easily run between cars, but accidents are rare.Sundarbans and Mangrove ForestSundarbans is a large area of mangrove forest located in the southwestern tip of Bangladesh, near the borders of India. It was designated as a national park in 1984 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Sundarbans means beautiful forest in Bengali. It is famous for its vast area of mangrove forest. The combined area of it in India and Bangladesh is 140,000 hectares, and a total of 453 species of wild animals live here.Mangrove is a generic term for trees that grow wild along the coasts of tropical and subtropical regions, and does not refer to one particular species. Mangrove forests are home to many living things, and they block wind and waves, preventing erosion of the tidal mudflat. It breathes with roots above the mud, and its roots are intertwined above and below, so it stands upright even when submerged in water. When a tsunami occurs due to an earthquake, the mangrove forest absorbs 70-90% of the waves and prevents soil loss by catching mud, due to its nature of breathing with the roots out outside the ground.Otter FishingIn Bangladesh, they use an unusual way of fishing using otters. Unlike other fishermen who just use nets to catch fish, it is a traditional Bangladeshi way of fishing by using trained otters. Bangladesh is the only country in the world that uses otters to catch fish. Otters use their sensitive whiskers and developed senses to detect fish movements and drive them to the net. They mainly go into the water inside mangroves to chase fish, and when the otters drive the fish into the net, fishermen pull their nets up.Trained otters are leashed, but the cubs do not leave their parents, so even if the mother and father are leashed the family stays together. It is said that symbiosis is possible because otters know that helping humans and getting a portion of the catch as a reward is an easier way to eat rather than hunting the fish themselves.Bengal TigerBengal tigers, also called Indian tigers, live in the Sundarbans of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. It used to live throughout India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Thailand in the past but has decreased by more than 90% over the past 100 years, mainly due to habitat destruction and poaching.Currently, it lives only in the jungles of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and in fewer than 10 protected areas such as Kanha National Park and Sundarbans National Park. Sundarbans National Park is home to the world's largest mangrove forest and is famous for being the major habitat for Bengal tigers. The Bengal tiger is the second largest in size among tiger species, after the Siberian tiger, and it has the largest population, accounting for more than 70% of tigers.Rice (triple cropping)In Bangladesh, 62% of the country's population is engaged in agriculture and more than 70% live in rural areas. Rice is Bangladesh's main agricultural product, and rice production ranks among the top in the world. However, it is a country that imports rice because of its large population, so consumption is much higher.Double and triple cropping is possible in the climates of Bangladesh. In particular, the number of areas where triple cropping is possible has greatly increased due to the supply of wells and enhanced strain, greatly increasing rice production.■ KOICA Bangladesh OfficeLevel 5N, Grand DELVISTAA House CES(A) 1A, Road 113 Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka-1212, BangladeshThe official name is Republica del Ecuador, and its capital is Quito. It borders Colombia to the north, Peru to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean, 965 km away from the mainland, are also Ecuador s territory. 'Ecuador' is a Spanish word meaning 'equator', and the equator actually runs through the northern part of the country. The capital, Quito, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its long history and rich heritage. The main export is shrimp farmed in coastal fisheries, and tuna also accounts for a large proportion.Last year, KOICA provided 11 biosafety carriers and 410,000 KF94 masks to Ecuador to deal with COVID-19, and established a start-up supportive innovation center of 4,000㎡ in the old airport site in Quito. It is used to promote projects such as providing consulting for public innovation research institutes and in creating innovative industry clusters.Equator MonumentEcuador is a country that is located on the equator. In the town of San Antonio, about 22 kilometers north of Quito, there is a zero-degree line that separates the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, on which the Equator Monument stands. The Equator Monument is a 30m-tall monument made of volcanic stone to commemorate the discovery of the equator line by French scientists who came to Ecuador in 1735. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Quito. At the Equator Museum (Inti-Nan Museo) near the Equator Monument, you can do various gravitational experiments such as making eggs stand and have guided tours.BananaEcuador is the world's largest banana exporter, and bananas play a major role in the country's economy. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Ecuador's annual banana exports amounted to 66,850,000 tons as of 2019, ranking first in the world. The figure is highest by far among the world's major banana exporters, followed by the Philippines, Guatemala, and Colombia.Galapagos Islands and On the Origin of Species The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000km from the continent of South America. Its official name is Archipielago de Colon and is Ecuador s territory. It is located 1,000km west of mainland Ecuador and crosses the equator.The 19 islands and the surrounding marine resource reserve are also habitats for marine life because it is the place where three ocean currents meet. It is an area that forms a very unique marine ecosystem, called a living museum and exhibition hall of evolution . British biologist Charles Darwin is famous for writing On the Origin of Species (1859) after observing unusual fauna here in 1835.Galapagos PenguinsIt is the only tropical penguin that exists. Living in the Galapagos Islands, it is a small species of about 50cm in height. As an endemic species of the Galapagos, it has the lowest reproductive rate among all penguins and is an endangered species with a small population. The Galapagos penguins have less hair on its face than other penguins due to adaptation to the hot temperatures near the Galapagos.Galapagos IguanaThe Galapagos iguana lives in the Galapagos Islands and is the only lizard to have the ability to camouflage and survive in the sea, also called marine iguana. It can jump into the water from a height of 10 meters and can be found throughout the Galapagos Islands. Although omnivorous, their diet is plant-based, feeding on cacti and fruits.Galapagos Blue-Footed BoobyFound only in western Mexico, northwestern South America, and the Galapagos Islands, the blue-footed booby, as its name suggests, has large, vivid blue legs and feet. On the ground, it shows clumsy behavior such as wobbling, which was why it was given the name 'boobie', meaning fool . However, the blue-footed booby, which feeds on small fish, squid, anchovies, and flying fish, can fly over water and catch prey by diving with great speed. It is agile when flying, submerging almost without splashing water and jumping out of the water from a few meters away with prey in its mouth.Galapagos Sea LionGalapagos sea lions are seals that only live on the Galapagos Islands. They are very social and are one of the most populous species in the Galapagos Islands. They often sunbathe in groups on sandy shores or rocks, and glide gracefully on the waves. With no natural enemies, the Galapagos is a paradise for these sea lions.■ KOICA Ecuador OfficeAv. 12 de Octubre N24-660 y Francisco Salazar, Edf. Concorde, 3er Piso, Quito-EcuadorThe official name is the Kingdom of Morocco. Its capital is Rabat, and the official language is Arabic, but Berber and French are also widely spoken. It borders the Iberian Peninsula in Europe across to the Strait of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the northwest. It borders Algeria to the east and southeast, and the western Sahara to the southwest. Their main products are wheat, barley, and olive oil, and underground resources such as phosphate, coal, and iron are also abundant.In 2018, KOICA launched a medicine management program in Morocco through CTS (Creative Technology Solution), which links the innovative technology of startups with ODA to combat tuberculosis in Morocco, one of the high-risk countries for tuberculosis designated by the WHO. KOICA also continues to cooperate by dispatching overseas volunteers.Medina and Boujloud in FesFes, Morocco's former capital and cultural and religious center, is a city that displays the prototype of a medieval Islamic city. In the past, Fes had an advanced commercial industry, and the city leading Morocco's religion, academic studies, and art. The old town medina of Fes, which retains its medieval appearance, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.The biggest characteristic of the medina is its 'complex maze'. In Islamic culture, it is common to design a city with a complex maze to prevent invasion by foreign enemies. In order to pass through the narrow alleys of the medina, the gates of the houses facing each other must be staggered, and the main means of transport are donkeys that can cross the narrow streets.Bab Bou Jeloud, the starting point of Fes medina, is also called the Blue Gate , and is the famous entrance to the medina. The inside is decorated with green tiles and the outside is decorated with blue tiles, with blue representing Fes and green representing Islam.Chouara TannerieFes, which is famous for its excellent dyeing technology and natural leather, is also famous for its leather tanning workshop, which has continued the tanning and dyeing practice for over 1,000 years. The workshops in the medina are called tanneries in French, and there are three tanneries in the medina. The Chouara Tannerie is the largest and oldest among them. Tannerie is known to produce the world's highest quality leather fabrics because all processes are performed in a traditional way and only natural raw materials are used. It is a must-see destination for tourists visiting the medina of Fes.Tagine PotTagine is a traditional Moroccan dish made from clay, meaning frying pan in Arabic. It consists of a flat, round bottom for holding food and a cone-shaped lid with a handle. The cone-shaped lid not only traps heat well, but also has the advantage of being able to cook with minimal moisture because it prevents moisture from evaporating, with a structure that allows steam to collect inside and then fall back to the food. This is very practical for those who live in areas where water is scarce. Moroccan families give their daughters a well-tamed tagine when they get married, as a token of their love.Argan TreeThe argan tree is a tree native to the southwestern region of Morocco, and it is a tree found only in about 8,000㎢ in Morocco and southwestern Algeria. It grows to a height of 8 to 10m, adapts well to harsh environments and survives for hundreds of years, but it is currently classified as a risk of extinction. Goats jump on this tree to eat the leaves, as seen in wellknown photos.Argan OilArgan oil can be extracted from the fruit of the argan tree. Argan oil contains twice as much vitamin E as olive oil and has excellent moisturizing power, so it has been used as a treatment for skin inflammation and rashes since ancient times. Today, it is used as an effective oil for skin and hair care, and is also used as a moisturizer and hair essence. The entire process of making argan oil is done by hand, all of which are done by local women. Argan women teach their daughters the traditional method of extracting argan oil and the various uses of this oil, systematically passing it on to their daughters to apply in real life.■ KOICA Morocco OfficeNo.19, Av. Mehdi Ben Barka, Soussi, Rabat, MOROCCOWritten by Nam Jiyeon, illustrated by Kim Ihyeon