The Minister of State for National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga, has recognized the contribution of a group of young Korean and Chinese volunteers from the International Youth Fellowship (IYF). At a ceremony held on Friday, 3 January 2025, at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the volunteers were awarded certificates of appreciation for their sacrifice and support as Good News Corps Overseas Volunteers in Uganda.

The volunteers, who served from February 19, 2024 to January 6, 2025, participated in a wide range of impactful activities. These included teaching the Korean language at Makerere University, conducting academy classes such as taekwondo, music, computer skills, dance, and mind lectures, as well as organizing environmental preservation initiatives like the ‘Clean Campaign.’ They also engaged in volunteer services for local residents and communities across Uganda, taught Korean culture through traditional clothing, cuisine, and games, and facilitated a local World Culture Camp to foster cross-cultural exchange.

Hon. Kabbyanga commended the IYF for facilitating this cultural exchange and expressed gratitude to the volunteers for choosing Uganda as their destination. 

“Thank you for coming to Uganda for your cultural exchange. I urge you to encourage others to visit Africa and experience the warmth, hospitality, and simplicity of life here. When you go back, tell others in Korea and China to come to Africa and learn the African way of living—a happy, simple life,” said Hon. Kabbyanga.

The Minister emphasized the value of humility, drawing comparisons between influential historical figures. 

“Jesus Christ, Prophet Muhammad, and Alexander the Great all died around the same age. Alexander amassed vast wealth, yet not many people know about him today. Meanwhile, Jesus and Muhammad had little wealth but are followed by billions worldwide. Humility is a virtue we must all embrace,” he said, adding that he was pleased to see the volunteers had learned this important lesson during their time in Uganda.

The Chairman of the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Uganda, Pr. James Kim, highlighted the global impact of the IYF’s Good News Corps Project. 

“Since 2001, IYF has been sending Korean university students to over 100 IYF branches worldwide every year to participate in one-year volunteer programs. Through various youth activities and Mind Education programs, these efforts have helped build the capacity of young people in many countries,” he explained.

In 2024, Uganda hosted seven Korean and five Chinese volunteers, who, together with local IYF volunteers, engaged in diverse activities such as cleaning campaigns, painting campaigns, children’s hope camps, and youth camps. 

“Through these initiatives, they inspired patriotism in Ugandan communities and taught the values of love and sacrifice for the nation,” added Pr. Kim.

The volunteers also actively participated in the National Mindset Change Program, a collaboration between the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and IYF. This initiative aimed to help youth develop a proper mindset, fostering leadership and personal growth.

The event also featured heartfelt testimonies from the volunteers, who shared how their experiences in Uganda had changed their lives.

Hyeyoon Kim, who taught the Korean language at Makerere University, reflected on her personal growth.

“I did not have much experience in teaching, but I was happy when the Ugandan people welcomed and embraced me. This allowed me to practice and improve my teaching skills. I was also extravagant and arrogant, but my time in Uganda has taught me to live a more humble and better life,” she said.

Hwan Kim, locally known as Otim, another volunteer, shared how initial concerns about food, culture, and language turned into a positive transformation. 

“I was worried about the environment and couldn’t express myself well in English. But volunteering in Uganda enabled me to interact with different people, greatly improving my English skills. Ugandans are very welcoming, and their love and hospitality softened my heart and taught me humility,” he said.

The volunteers’ work in Uganda was part of the Good News Corps Project, a unique program managed by the IYF headquarters. Exclusive to IYF, the program allows university students from over 80 countries worldwide to participate in an 11-month immersive experience, volunteering and gaining valuable field experience in the country of their choice.

Under the direction and support of IYF branches in each nation, dispatched volunteers manage and support free education programs and various community service activities. In Uganda, they led the IYF Academy, offering free classes, while also publicizing IYF activities and fostering meaningful connections with local youth.

Pr. Kim praised the volunteers for their dedication to cross-cultural understanding. 

“By teaching the Korean language, taekwondo, and sharing diverse aspects of Korean culture, they provided Ugandan youth with opportunities to engage with international cultures,” he said.

Hon. Kabbyanga lauded the cultural exchange as a meaningful way to bridge gaps and build connections between Uganda and East Asia. The Minister also encouraged more young people from Korea and China to follow the volunteers’ footsteps, come to Africa, and experience its vibrant culture and way of life.