One of John F. Kennedy’s dreams was realized in 1991 when KOICA
opened its doors and
hearts to help developing countries learn and
grow.
“Let us hope that other nations will mobilize the spirit and
energies and skill of their people in some form of a
Peace Corps ― making our own effort only one step in a major
international effort to increase the welfare of all
men and improve understanding among nations,” said Kennedy to
Congress.
Last week, the United States Embassy welcomed 220 Peace Corps
volunteers who served in Korea from 1966 to 1982.
At the same time, the
embassy closed a 10-month art exhibition that toured 13 cities showing the
spirit of the Peace Corps volunteers during their days in South Korea, as well
as KOICA volunteers helping those in need in such countries as Afghanistan and
Indonesia.
“This experience for the KOICA volunteers means a lot because
they bring back knowledge of other countries to Korea just like the American
volunteers brought back knowledge from Korea to the United States, and that’s
one of the most important parts of the experience,” said U.S. Ambassador
Kathleen Stephens to The Korea Herald.
Stephens, a former Peace Corps
volunteer, served in Yesan, South Chungcheong Province from 1975-1977; it was
then that she was given her Korean name Shim Eungyeong.
The Peace Corps is a U.S. volunteer
program run by the United States government.
Its mission is to provide
technical assistance, help people outside the United States understand U.S.
culture, and help Americans understand the cultures of other
countries.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency’s philosophy is
much of the same thing.
