LALITPUR: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) organized a Consultative Workshop for its Volunteer Partner Organizations with the aim of reviewing and evaluating its volunteer program in Nepal.

Held on March 29, 2024, in Lalitpur, the workshop brought together 54 volunteer partner organizations along with officials from different ministries and departments.

Mooheon Kong, the Country Director of KOICA Nepal Office, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of collaboration with recipient organizations to strengthen the KOICA program in Nepal.

He highlighted the 50th year anniversary of bilateral relations between Nepal and Korea in 2024, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two nations.

Additionally, Kong highlighted KOICA’s proactive approach towards addressing environmental concerns and its new area of interest in the environment sector.

During the workshop, presentations were made on various aspects of the KOV program, satisfaction surveys, and the Green ODA Programs implemented by the KOICA Nepal Office since 2021.

Current KOVs shared their ongoing activities, focusing on areas such as Art Education and Computer Education in different schools across Nepal.

Ram Pramod Yadav, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, acknowledged the growing significance of Korean Overseas Volunteers (KOVs) in Nepal, praising Korea as a crucial partner country in deploying volunteers across various sectors.

He commended KOICA and Korea for their support in various projects and dispatching volunteers.

The workshop also facilitated discussions on the experiences of volunteer recipient organizations and provided constructive feedback to improve the KOV program in the future.

Yoonhee Chung, Deputy Country Director of KOICA, addressed the recommendations and suggestions presented by the recipient organizations and ministries, focusing on the safety and security of KOVs.

The KOICA Volunteer Program aims to contribute to poverty reduction, sustainable development, and promoting friendly relations between Korea and host countries.

With currently 10 active volunteers in Nepal, KOICA is committed to increasing the number of volunteers to further support the transfer of Korean knowledge, expertise, and technology at the grassroots level.