KOICA, SKICAN empower vulnerable pupils in Plateau through education, climate action

In a strong display 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 Villages Nigeria, has successfully implemented its 2025 Annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outreach in Plateau State.

The initiative, themed “Empowering Young Lives Through Knowledge, Care, and Climate Action,” was held at St. Jarlath Pilot Nursery and Primary School, Bukuru, and benefited over 170 pupils supported by SOS Children’s Village in the state. The programme delivered educational materials and promoted climate awareness among the children, reflecting KOICA’s dual focus on inclusive education and environmental sustainability.

Addressing the gathering, KOICA Nigeria Country Director, Mr Kim Eunsub, reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to improving basic education and child welfare 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,” Mr Kim stated. He emphasised that the initiative was not just about material support but also a celebration of shared values and a reaffirmation of KOICA’s development cooperation ideals.

SKICAN President, Barr. Joseph Oboh, also highlighted the transformative role of education, stating, “No meaningful development can occur without education. It is the foundation upon which nations are built.” He encouraged the pupils to stay focused and embrace the learning opportunities available to them.

The outreach witnessed enthusiastic participation from key education stakeholders, including officials from the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board, Jos South Local Government Education Authority, UNICEF, and several community-based organisations. The National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria also joined in commending the initiative, describing it as a model for sustainable community engagement.

Beneficiary pupils expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support received, vowing to make good use of the materials provided. Highlights of the event included the distribution of school bags, writing materials, textbooks, and other learning resources to support the pupils’ academic growth. A symbolic tree-planting activity was also conducted to promote environmental consciousness and reinforce the importance of climate action.

This intervention is part of KOICA’s broader development cooperation strategy in Nigeria, which focuses on human capital development, good governance, health, and humanitarian assistance. Through strategic partnerships with alumni groups like SKICAN and close collaboration with local institutions, KOICA continues to foster positive change and build community resilience.

The 2025 CSR initiative stands as a beacon of hope for a more educated, equitable, and environmentally responsible future for Nigeria’s most vulnerable children.