"Global Hope Sharing" ... Changwon Special City Extends a Warm Helping Hand to Cambodia

Expanding International Cooperation and Cultural Exchange
Through Community and Organizational Collaboration

Changwon Special City in South Gyeongsang Province announced on August 29 that it has dispatched an overseas volunteer team to Samdat Poan Village in Takeo Province, Cambodia, where the Changwon International Education Cooperation Center is located, to carry out various volunteer activities for local residents and children.

Changwon Special City, Warm Hands Reaching Cambodia Through Global Hope Sharing.

This volunteer initiative, held under the slogan "2025 Beautiful Journey Together," involved a total of 26 members from the Global Sharing Community Gyeongnam Branch, an international development cooperation NGO, and the Changwon Saemaul Association.

Notably, for the first time this year, the Changwon Saemaul Association collaborated with the city to designate the center as an international exchange project site. The association undertook renovations of outdated facilities within the center, such as the school gate, restrooms, and washrooms, and provided educational supplies.

The volunteer team organized a bazaar using items donated by Changwon City’s municipal daycare centers and local children’s centers, as well as goods supported by the city. They also conducted educational volunteer activities and facility repair work.

In addition, in cooperation with a local medical volunteer team, they provided free medical check-ups and health and hygiene education. As part of a cultural exchange program, they spent time sharing Korean ramen and kimchi with local residents, fostering a sense of community.

The Changwon International Education Cooperation Center is a multi-purpose complex building equipped with facilities such as a kindergarten, library, health center, and restrooms. Built by Changwon City in 2013, the center has promoted local children’s education, healthcare support, and the strengthening of international education networks.

This project is organized annually by the Global Sharing Community and actively promotes activities aimed at eradicating poverty and supporting community self-reliance. This year, with the participation of the Changwon Saemaul Association as a partner organization, the scale of support has been expanded. Both organizations plan to continue their ongoing international volunteer and support activities in the future.

Jang Geumyong, Acting Mayor of Changwon Special City, stated, "It is very meaningful that, centered around the Changwon International Education Cooperation Center, the local community and organizations have been able to work closely together to provide more support and cooperation." He added, "We hope that, based on this cooperative system, we can further strengthen exchanges with the international community and contribute to both local community development and global coexistence."