Korea is among the many nations working to promote the development of

1. The world has been experiencing many changes recently. The international community has become closer. Many people refer to the world as the global village. In this new environment, there are hopes for more cooperation with one another. Racial conflict has led to a number of disputes.

2. Korea is among the many nations working to promote the development of its neighbors. Korea had received international help over past years. In turn, Korea is now helping others with many kinds of support. Korea’s economy continues to improve.

3. Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) was started in 1991 to carry out such efforts. Since then, KOICA has created a number of helping programs for its developing neighbors. The “Dispatch of Korea Overseas Volunteers” (KOVs) is one of these programs. This program focuses on support to countries in need. These programs reimburse KOVs with a monthly wage.

4. A number of the KOVs are sent to developing countries around the world. The main fields of KOVs’ service include teaching and public health, to mention only a few. These volunteers live and work together with the local people. KOVs are also sent to developed countries to help enhance their economy.

5. The KOVs serve for two years in a host country. A group of around thirty volunteers were sent to several countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines, in 1991, the first year of service. Every year since then, more and more countries have been asking for help. The number of volunteers has risen to several hundred, who work in countries almost all over the world. Volunteers find it difficult to leave their families behind.

6. Another important program that KOICA has developed is the “Dispatch of Medical Doctors.” Many Korean medical doctors have served in Asia, South America, the Middle East and Africa. They have been warmly welcomed and have become known as the Schweitzers from Korea by some local people. Many Schweitzers from Korea are now working hard in many countries in need of medical care. Access to clean water is limited due to poor sanitation in Africa.

7. These programs have been successful in sharing in the efforts to help Korea’s neighbors. Through these programs, therefore, the volunteers have felt the pride that comes form helping other countries. They have also been able to learn much about the different cultures of their host countries. Korean culture and traditions are promoted and exercised in these host countries.

8. The most important thing, however, is that they have been sharing good experiences with others It is this sharing that helps to improve relations within the global village. With more than ten years of good experiences behind them, KOVs are looking forward to more challenges in the years to come. KOVs aim to restore cooperation between nations.