By Queen Kunde
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the South Korea International Cooperation Alumni in Nigeria (SKICAN), has taken bold steps to uplift the lives of over 170 vulnerable children through education and climate action in Plateau State.
KOICA and SKICAN teamed up with SOS Children’s Village Nigeria to host a transformative event at St. Jarlath Pilot Nursery and Primary School, Bukuru. Themed “Empowering Young Lives Through Knowledge, Care, and Climate Action,” the initiative blended educational empowerment with environmental sustainability directly supporting children under the care of SOS Village.
KOICA Nigeria Country Director, Mr. Kim Eunsub, emphasized that education remains one of the most powerful tools for sustainable development. “This isn’t just about materials. It’s about nurturing potential and reinforcing our shared values of compassion and cooperation,” he stated.
Barrister Joseph Oboh, President of SKICAN, echoed the sentiment: “No meaningful development can occur without education. It is the foundation upon which all progress stands.”
The outreach featured the distribution of school bags, textbooks, writing materials, and learning aids to help the students thrive academically. In a symbolic gesture of climate consciousness, a tree-planting ceremony also took place underscoring the program’s dual focus on knowledge and environmental care.
The event drew praise and participation from major education stakeholders including representatives of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Jos South LGEA, UNICEF, community groups, and the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria.
Grinning from ear to ear, the children sang songs of appreciation, promising to make the most of the opportunities provided. “I will read my new books every day and take care of my tree,” said eight-year-old Zainab, one of the recipients.
This CSR outreach forms part of KOICA’s broader development cooperation agenda in Nigeria promoting human capital development, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Through strategic collaborations with alumni networks like SKICAN, KOICA continues to make long-lasting impact across key sectors including education, health, governance, and humanitarian services.
As the trees take root and the books open new worlds, the 2025 KOICA-SKICAN initiative leaves behind more than aid , it plants hope, nurtures dreams, and builds a better tomorrow for Nigeria’s future generation.