Agricultural Community Development Sungho Kim West Africa Team, KOICA

Myname is Sungho Kim, an Intern Coordinator at the Korea International Cooperation Agency. In this article, I will share useful information regarding the KOICA fellowship program. First of all, I want to introduce you a key strategy of community revolution, the Saemaul Movement, For those who already learned about the SMU (Saemaul), it will be a review of what you have learned and help you to apply it effectively in your countries' community development. Sungho Kim West Africa Team, KOICA

The New Community Movement, also known as the New Village Movement or Saemaul Movement, was a political initiative launched on April 22, 1970 by South Korean President Park Chung-Hee to modernize the rural South Korean economy. The idea was based on the Korean traditional communalism called Hyang-yak and Doorae, which provided the rules for self- governing and cooperation in traditional Korean communities First of all, I want to introduce you the concept of SMU December 10, Former President Park Chung-Hee

The movement initially sought to rectify the growing disparity of the standard of living between the nation's urban centers, which were rapidly industrializing, and the small villages, which continued to be mired in poverty. Diligence, self-help and collaboration were the slogans to encourage community members to participate in the development process The early stage of the movement focused on improving the basic living conditions and environments whereas later projects concentrated on building rural infrastructure and increasing community income. Though hailed as a great success in the 1970s, the movement lost momentum during the 1980s as the economic situation and political environment in South Korea changed rapidly. Core value and process of SMU

Recently, many partner countries have applied the SMU (Saemaul Movement) for their own community development

Moondang Information Network Village In a curriculum for Senegal Irrigation and Agriculture, the fellows had a chance to make their own cosmetics. This is one good way to attract people to their communities. I also made one for myself. It was awesome!!

Also the Moondang Village let us experience making Korean traditional doorplate using natural materials. Fellows created their own doorplate.

In another village, named Oeam, Fellows had another valuable experience, Fellows tried on Korean traditional outfits. And experienced The Korean traditional wedding ceremony. Oeam folk village

Mr. Ajibola Suraj Oladipo Biodun from Nigeria I am an Assistant Director in my Ministry overseeing the agricultural work of some farmers, giving them necessary advices where necessary and making needed recommendation to the appropriate authority; We came to gain a broad view and practical knowledge of the agricultural practices in South Korea, hoping that we can also apply them in our country. Truly, I was overwhelmed with the level of development, commitment, perseverance and achievement made considering what they suffered during their COLONISATION ERA. My stay was interesting and enjoyable, having been privileged to mingle with the Koreans and learn about their cultures, and my perception about the Koreans has changed positively. The Agricultural Training opened my inner mind and attitude, with the slogan WORK, SERVICE and SACRIFICE; if I have the opportunity to visit South Korea again, I will eagerly jump at it. The Life of Canaan, a small Korean community, had been very interesting worth learning and emulating which I will recommend for progressing minds. Praying for the progress and continuity of South Korea. Interview with my friend