By Cynthia Talatu Batuta
In a continued demonstration of international solidarity and commitment to sustainable development, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the South Korea International Cooperation Alumni in Nigeria (SKICAN), and the SOS Children’s Village in Nigeria successfully implemented its 2025 Annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outreach at St. Jarlath Pilot Nursery and Primary School, Bukuru, Plateau State.
The initiative, themed “Empowering Young Lives Through Knowledge, Care, and Climate Action,” targeted over 170 pupils supported by the SOS Children’s Village in Plateaus State, Nigeria, delivering critical educational support and promoting environmental sustainability.
The CSR outreach aligns with KOICA’s broader mission of promoting inclusive and equitable quality education (SDG 4) and climate action (SDG 13), and underscores the agency’s people-centered development approach that prioritizes the welfare of vulnerable communities, particularly children.
Delivering the keynote address, KOICA Nigeria Country Director, Mr. Kim Eunsub, reiterated KOICA’s steadfast commitment to advancing basic education and child welfare in Nigeria.
He said,“Investing in education is one of the most sustainable pathways to securing a brighter future adding that the children are full of potential, and KOICA’s role is to help nurture that potential.
He explained that the initiative goes beyond material support .it is a celebration of shared values, a call to action, and a reaffirmation of our commitment to development cooperation.
In his remarks, President of SKICAN, Barr. Joseph Oboh, emphasized the transformative power of education, noting:
“No meaningful development can occur without education.
He noted that Education is the foundation upon which nations are built urging these young minds to remain focused and embrace the opportunities before them.
The well attended outreach drew participation and commendation from 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 various goodwill messages ,they lauded the collaboration as a model for sustainable community engagement.
The beneficiary students expressed joy and gratitude, promising to maximize the use of the learning materials provided.
The highlight of the 2025 CSR program is the distribution of school bags,writing materials, textbooks and other learning resources to support the pupils academic pursuit and a tree planting activity was also held to show commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable community development.
This intervention forms part of KOICA’s development cooperation strategy in Nigeria, aimed at promoting human capital development and community resilience. By fostering partnerships with alumni networks like SKICAN and engaging local institutions, KOICA continues to create lasting impact across the education, governance, health, and humanitarian sectors.
The 2025 CSR program initiative by KOICA and SKICAN will further strengthen the foundation for a more equitable, educated, and environmentally conscious future.