The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), South Korea’s official development assistance agency, held the “Annual World Friends Korea (WFK) Volunteer Program Partner Organizations Workshop” on 25 June 2026 at the Flamenco Zamalek Hotel in Cairo. The event brought together 33 participants, including representatives from the KOICA Egypt Office and its partner ministries—the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates (MOFAIC) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS)—as well as host organizations where KOICA volunteers actively serve across various fields. The workshop aimed to provide an overview of KOICA and the WFK Volunteer Program, as well as to discuss ways to improve the volunteer programme and its activities. The event also highlighted the value of Korean culture-based activities and emphasized the growing importance of Korean language education for individuals interested in learning the language and gaining a deeper understanding of Korean culture. Participants included representatives from Egypt’s MOFAIC, MOYS, Sadat City University, National Luxor University, Beni Suef Technological University, Suez Canal University, the Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH) in Luxor, the Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels in 6th of October City, Misr Public Libraries in Cairo and Luxor, Maadi Public Library, Alexandria youth centres (El-Horeya and Smouha Youth Centers), and the Taekwondo Training Center in Aswan. The session commenced with opening remarks, followed by the first session delivered by KOICA Egypt’s Deputy Country Director, Mr Myungshyn Lee. In his address, Mr Lee provided an overview of KOICA’s activities and the WFK Volunteer Program, highlighting KOICA’s key projects and its mission to support sustainable development and strengthen cooperation in Egypt. During the session, participants engaged in interactive question-and-answer discussions, expressing a keen interest in further leveraging the expertise and contributions of Korean volunteers. This was followed by a short video presentation highlighting the activities of Korean volunteers across different partner organizations. The video featured various clips showcasing heartwarming interactions between students and their Korean language instructors. A presentation was then delivered by KOICA volunteer Mr Horae Shin, who serves as a Korean language teacher at Misr Public Library in Cairo. Mr Shin introduced himself and shared his professional background in Korea, where he worked as an educator before retiring from a Korean school. Shin presented several photographs from his training at KOICA Headquarters, as well as memorable moments from his teaching and interactions with his students in Egypt during his volunteer activities in Cairo. He concluded his presentation by reflecting on his experience working at Misr Public Library in Cairo and outlining his mission and contributions to the institution. Finally, he concluded his presentation by performing the song Arirang, bringing a warm smile to everyone’s face. “My goal is to spread the Korean language and enhance cultural exchange by introducing Korean culture to the Egyptian people,” Shin stated. Ashnadelle Hilmy, Secretary General and Board Member of Egypt’s Society for Culture and Development, asked Shin about the distinct characteristics of Egyptian students learning Korean compared with those in other countries, particularly regarding linguistics, pronunciation, grammar and overall learning attitudes. In response, Shin noted that Egyptian students are highly passionate and expressive in their approach to learning. Drawing on his experience teaching students in different countries, he remarked that Egyptian learners stand out for their enthusiasm and eagerness to acquire the Korean language. He also added that high school students are among the most enthusiastic learners he has encountered. In the second part of the workshop, Sally Ayman, Professor in the Korean Language Department at the Faculty of Al-Alsun, Ain Shams University, delivered a presentation on the department’s academic programmes and activities, as well as on creating a sustainable learning environment. She provided an overview of student enrolment across different academic years and highlighted the various Korean cultural and educational activities organized by the department. Sally also discussed opportunities for collaboration between KOICA and the department’s students, emphasizing ways in which both parties could benefit from enhanced cooperation and support by creating an optimal teaching and learning environment for Korean volunteers and Egyptian students. In addition, she shared insights into the cultural similarities and differences between Egypt and Korea. The presentations were followed by a group discussion session during which participants reflected on their experiences of collaboration, shared expectations for future partnerships, and proposed practical ideas for strengthening cooperation. The discussion fostered mutual understanding and encouraged greater synergy among the participating institutions. The KOICA Egypt Office plans to continue working closely with educational and public institutions across Egypt to nurture young talent, promote cultural exchange, and contribute to sustainable community development. The number of volunteers is expected to reach 20 across Egypt by the end of 2026. KOICA is a Korean government agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that implements grant aid programmes aimed at combating poverty and supporting sustainable socio-economic growth in partner countries. Established in Egypt in 1998, the agency’s Egypt Office provides technical education for young people, supports the digitalization of government services and systems, and carries out programmes to address gender-based violence, strengthen women’s empowerment, and support vulnerable groups. The post KOICA holds WFK Program Partner Organization Workshop in Cairo first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.
