Strengthening Friendship and Cooperation between South Korea and Tunisia
In the framework of reinforcing the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Republic of South Korea and Tunisia, the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the Tunisian Association of KOICA Alumni (KAAT) and the World Friends Korea (WFK) program, organized two major events in Sfax on April 28 and 29, 2025, showcasing their shared commitment to sustainable development, knowledge exchange, and support for the healthcare sector.
Cultural Exchange and Education
The Sfax Youth Complex hosted a federative activity on April 28, bringing together children, families, educational supervisors, and local officials around a series of fun, cultural, and educational workshops led by KOICA alumni in Tunisia (KAAT). Through educational games, quizzes on Korean culture, Hangul writing, and participatory animations, this day allowed for the weaving of strong intercultural bonds between young Tunisian and Korean generations. It also opened up new perspectives for decentralized cooperation, particularly in the areas of educational and cultural volunteering.
Testimonials and Capacity Building
The testimonials of former beneficiaries of the Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) program, funded by KOICA, captivated the audience. These alumni shared their experiences in South Korea, explaining how these specialized training programs enabled them to improve the performance of their original institutions, modernize their professional practices, and strengthen their leadership in public administrations and key sectors.
"The CIAT program is more than just training; it's a transformative human and professional experience that nurtures a new vision of governance and public innovation," declared one of the Tunisian speakers.
Medical Equipment Donation
In the framework of strengthening bilateral cooperation between South Korea and Tunisia, KOICA, in partnership with KAAT, organized an official ceremony at the Hédi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax on April 29, 2025, marking the handover of 22 essential medical equipment worth $10.3 million to improve the quality of care in pediatric hematology.
This donation is part of a structuring solidarity project aimed at supporting the care of children with thalassemia major. Thanks to this initiative led by KOICA alumni, in coordination with WFK volunteers, a dedicated hospital unit for polytransfused children was established within the pediatric department A, allowing them to receive care outside of the hospital's day-to-day operations, in a more calm, secure, and adapted environment.
The ceremony was attended by:
- Ms. Namsoon Lee, KOICA Country Director in Tunisia
- Mr. Hatem Cherif, Regional Director of Health in Sfax
- Mr. Mondher El Abed, General Director of the Hédi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax
- Hospital department heads, including pediatrics A and hematology
- Representatives from KOICA, KAAT, and hospital administrative and technical staff
In her speech, Lee emphasized: "South Korea's commitment in Tunisia goes beyond knowledge transfer. It is also reflected in concrete actions on the ground, serving the most vulnerable populations."
Educational and Recreational Workshops
Parallel educational and recreational workshops were organized at the hospital for hospitalized children, bringing joy, comfort, and smiles, and illustrating the deeply human and intercultural dimension of Korean cooperation in Tunisia.
Local authorities warmly welcomed this initiative, highlighting its real impact on patients' quality of life, while reaffirming their gratitude towards KOICA, KAAT, and the involved volunteers.
These two days in Sfax testify to the shared will of South Korea and Tunisia to build together a future of progress, founded on values of solidarity, innovation, and mutual respect.
By combining training, community engagement, and sectoral support, KOICA, KAAT, and WFK assert their role as key actors in the service of inclusive, modern, and human-centered South-South cooperation.
