Korean Saemaul volunteers and residents in Kibokwa village, Tanzania

Oct. 27, 2011

Right before we started a meeting with Kobokwa residents, a village head, members from Women's Association and Youth Association, and Korean volunteers (Saemaul Leaders) gathered. Especially, I was so impressed with Korean alphabet on the wall. :)

Villagers said they wanted to visit Korea to learn Saemaul Undong, and the team manager from Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea (Department of Saemaul Undong) stressed Saemaul Undong is different from other aids of advanced countries and it's not just about giving a bucket of fish but teaching how to fish.

We shared a lot of opinions on results of Saemaul Undong, what they like or dislike about Saemaul Undong, or improvements they wanna suggest.

But I felt a bit sad because I thought, according to what they said, they were already used to support from other advanced countries, they didn't really realized why they have to be awakended and change their mindset. But it's just begining stage of Saemaul Undong, so I'm pretty sure they're gonna understand the basic concept of Saemaul Undong soon.

General meeting in Pangawe village, Tanzania

Oct. 29, 2011



Letter from Ethiopia

Special lunch

We were invited to the head's house of Olunu village. I was so impressed with well-prepared traditional Cameroonian food and the graduation picture taken after completion of Saemaul training in Korea. I enjoyed food a lot, particularly the sauted banana! Merci :)

Olunu villagers, Cameroon

They welcomed us with great and amazing dancing and songs. They're so nice and kind. I still doubt they really want Saemaul Undong and if so, im not sure how we can make their own Saemaul model respecting their culture and society.

The special baobab tree

Baobab tree in Pangawe village, Tanzania. I still miss there, the peaceful n quite but amazing place I've ever visited in the world.

Special Lecture by Jeffrey Sachs