The KDI Latin American and Caribbean Forum, as part of their cultural activities to strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among the student community, faculty and citizens in Sejong City; organized the “Latin American Traditional Dessert & Souvenir Selling”, with the aims to raise funds for the victims of earthquake last April 16 in Ecuador.

The FLEA MARKET is an initiative organized by the City Hall to spend time with family and friends, to buy cheap items, enjoy cultural performances, and taste traditional food. A stand with KDI student voluntaries, selling desserts and traditional Ecuadorian souvenirs, was placed to raise funds for the victims of the last earthquake in Ecuador.

This “morning of solidarity“ was coordinated in conjunction with the KDI Club "Dorm Production", KDI School of Public Policy and Management and the Municipality of Sejong City so that a stand of Ecuador could be placed in the Flea Market. Sejong City Hall kindly sponsored the cost of the tent, table and the space.

Objectives

• Raise funds for earthquake relieve aid.
• Enhance the bonds of solidarity between the international community of students and the people of Sejong City.
• Show some traditional pastry cuisine of Latin America and the diversity of cultures.

Results

The participation in the Flea Market was a big success not only because all the desserts and souvenirs where sold, but also because there was great support of many KDI Students who kindly volunteered to help with the organization, promotion and logistics of the event. The event started from 10:00am and by 15:00 everything was already sold out. More than 30 KDI Students, both Korean an international, attended the event and helped with the organization or showed up the day of the event to give support.

Desserts where cooked the day before by Latin-American hands so that the next day will be fresh; Ramón Fábrega from Venezuela prepared a traditional Venezuelan pudding made out of eggs, vanilla and milk which looks as a piece of cheese (that’s why it’s called “quesillo” which means “little cheese” in Spanish).

Additionally, “Andean granola and raisins cake” was prepared with South American techniques, along with Tiramisu, cheese cake, cinnamon and apple sweets.

Traditional Ecuadorian souvenirs where imported directly from Ecuador to be sold in the Flea Market such as: key chains, necklaces, bracelets, vegetal ivory handcrafts, gourmet chocolate, coin bags, pens and stickers.

Also a little yellow donation box was placed in the table for those people who wanted to voluntarily contribute.