The Korea International Cooperation Agency, Koica, was founded as a government agency on April 1, 1991, with the promulgation of the Korea International Cooperation Agency Act, having as main objective to maximize the effectiveness of Korea''s contribution programs for developing countries by implementing the government''s grant aid and technical cooperation programs. Koica''s training program supports the Human Resources Development (HRD) of partner countries and focuses its efforts to reduce the knowledge gap between developed and developing countries. This program aims to share important technical skills and knowledge as well as to build capacities for sustainable development. To meet this goal, KOICA invites technicians, researchers, and policy makers for training and education in Korea, and shares Korea''s development experience and knowledge. The training program strives to help developing countries design their own effective development policies and use suitable technologies. Since 1991, KOICA has offered 1,482 courses on sectors such as education, governance, rural development, industry & energy, and information & communication technology. Thus far, 24,727 participants from 163 countries have participated in training courses offered by KOICA.

This year, 20 international MPP KDI School students received the Koica scholarship. There are two students each from Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Cambodia, and Kazakhstan, and one each from Pakistan, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, Mongolia and Guatemala. Since their arrival in Seoul in mid- January, the participants received orientation from the Koica staff at the International Cooperation Training Center (ICTC), where they stayed for 2 to 5 nights before they reach their final destination, the KDI School. As part of the orientation, the students enjoyed a one day excursion around Seoul, including visits to Namsan Tower, Gyeongbok Palace, Insa Dong and Namdaemun Market. 

By Andrea Bono (2008 MPP, Guatamela)