“The miracle of the Republic of Korea was made possible through an ideological reform driven by Saemaul education. We too can play a pivotal role in Rwanda's development through Saemaul education, and Rwanda can become a successful model in Africa similar to Korea.”
On October 17, President Choi Oechul of Yeungnam University visited the University of Rwanda to sign a memorandum of understanding for international academic exchange between universities. As he candidly introduced the background, principles, achievements, and success factors of the Saemaul Movement, as well as Yeungnam University's efforts to globally share the Saemaul Movement and his own growth process, KAYIHURA Muganga Didas, President of the University of Rwanda, repeatedly emphasized the importance of Saemaul education.
Choi Oechul, President of Yeungnam University (left), and Eun Sengimana, Minister of Education of Rwanda, are posing for a commemorative photo.
President Choi advised, “Rwanda already has an excellent community development experience called ‘Umuganda.’ The difference from the Saemaul Movement is somewhat lacking in terms of ideological reform and income increase. Therefore, it is necessary to complement these two aspects by training experts through Saemaul education,” and promised support for the introduction of Saemaul education.
Yeungnam University and the University of Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding for academic exchange that day and agreed to first focus on establishing a ‘Saemaul Research and Training Center’ at the University of Rwanda. This was in response to the University of Rwanda’s urgent demand for specialized research on the Saemaul Movement and education for local residents. Furthermore, the two universities agreed to promote the establishment of a Saemaul Studies department at the university to train local experts in the future.
Joseph Nsengimana, Minister of Education of Rwanda, invited President Choi Oechul of Yeungnam University to the Ministry of Education and requested a special lecture on the Saemaul Movement for the presidents and vice presidents of five major universities including the University of Rwanda, as well as senior officials of the Ministry of Education.
Minister Nsengimana said, “I have seen photos of students studying under trees after the Korean War, and it made me realize how important education is for national development. As the minister in charge of higher education innovation and investment, I emphasize the need for Yeungnam University’s cooperation in advancing Rwanda’s higher education.”
In response, President Choi said, “Based on the memorandum of understanding signed with the Ministry of Education of Rwanda in March 2021, we will do our best to contribute to Rwanda’s development by nurturing Saemaul development talents and sharing Saemaul Studies at Yeungnam University.” He also suggested, “Considering Rwanda’s historical and socio-environmental characteristics, the national sharing and practice of the Saemaul spirit, especially the movement to practice the values of diligence, self-help, cooperation, sharing, service, and creativity, will be highly effective for social integration.”
Meanwhile, the Rwandan government implements ‘Umuganda,’ a community service activity that all adults aged 18 to 65 are required to participate in on the last Saturday of every month. It is a volunteer culture traditionally practiced for community solidarity and welfare, legalized as a national development policy aimed at social reconstruction and harmony since 1994.
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