KOICA and SKICAN Empower Vulnerable Children Through Education and Climate Action Knowledge.
By Raymond Enoch
In a continued demonstration of international solidarity and commitment to sustainable development, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the South Korea International Cooperation Alumni in Nigeria (SKICAN) and SOS Children’s Village Nigeria, has successfully implemented its 2025 Annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outreach at St. Jarlath Pilot Nursery and Primary School in Bukuru, Plateau State.
Themed “Empowering Young Lives Through Knowledge, Care, and Climate Action,” the initiative impacted over 170 pupils supported by SOS Children’s Village in Plateau State. It delivered essential educational materials and promoted environmental sustainability—reinforcing KOICA’s dedication to inclusive quality education (SDG 4) and climate action (SDG 13).
KOICA’s Nigeria Country Director, Mr. Kim Eunsub, delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to child welfare and basic education in Nigeria.
“Investing in education is one of the most sustainable pathways to securing a brighter future. These children are full of potential, and KOICA’s role is to help nurture that potential,” he said.
“This initiative goes beyond material support—it’s a celebration of shared values, a call to action, and a reaffirmation of our commitment to development cooperation.”
President of SKICAN, Barr. Joseph Oboh, also spoke on the transformative power of education:
“No meaningful development can occur without education. It is the foundation upon which nations are built,” he stated, urging the children to stay focused and embrace the opportunities before them.
The outreach attracted key stakeholders, including representatives from the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board, Jos South Local Government Education Authority, UNICEF, community-based organizations, and the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria. In their goodwill messages, they hailed the program as a model for sustainable community engagement.
The beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude, pledging to make the most of the learning materials provided.
Highlights of the 2025 CSR outreach included the distribution of school bags, writing materials, textbooks, and other learning resources to support the pupils’ academic journey. A symbolic tree-planting exercise also took place, emphasizing the program’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
This intervention forms part of KOICA’s broader development cooperation strategy in Nigeria, which focuses on human capital development and community resilience. Through partnerships with alumni networks like SKICAN and collaboration with local institutions, KOICA continues to make lasting impacts across Nigeria’s education, governance, health, and humanitarian sectors.
The 2025 CSR initiative by KOICA and SKICAN further strengthens the foundation for a more equitable, educated, and environmentally conscious future.
