The KOICA Alumni Association of Liberia (KAAL) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Korea–Liberia relations through humanitarian service, donating essential food and non-food items to several institutions in Montserrado County as part of activities marking the Republic of Korea’s Independence Day.
Over the weekend, KAAL members presented rice, cooking oil, detergent, toiletries, and baby Pampers to key institutions including the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center, Redemption Hospital, Monrovia Central Prison, the Benson Street Mosque, and the Oscar and Violet Stewart School of the Deaf and Dumb in Barnesville Kebbah Township.
Speaking during the presentations, KAAL Team Leader Amadu V.S. Kpan, who represented the association’s President Frederick Bobby Krah, said the gesture was part of the alumni group’s tradition of giving back while also showcasing the enduring ties between Liberia and South Korea.
“As alumni of South Korean programs, we believe it is our duty to not only share the knowledge and experiences we gained in Korea, but also to stand with our communities in times of need,” Kpan said. “This donation is symbolic of the friendship between our two countries, and a demonstration that Korea’s support to Liberia continues to live through its people.”
KAAL is made up of Liberians who studied in South Korea through scholarships and training programs offered by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and other educational and cultural exchange initiatives. Beyond humanitarian outreach, the association also serves as a bridge to strengthen bilateral ties, promote cultural exchange, and share knowledge gained from Korea.
At the Oscar and Violet Stewart School of the Deaf and Dumb, Administrator Marie Stewart expressed deep gratitude for the donation, revealing that the school had recently been burglarized, with several student chairs stolen.
“This support is very timely because we are still recovering from the burglary incident,” she said. “As the September semester approaches, we are in dire need of additional support, and we are appealing to KAAL and other partners to stand with us so our students can learn in dignity.”
At Redemption Hospital, the institution’s Chief Administrator Stephenie C. Gbanya welcomed the donation and assured that the supplies would be put to proper use for the benefit of patients.
“These items will go directly toward the well-being of those we serve,” she said. “We appreciate KAAL for remembering Redemption Hospital and for continuing to stand with our health sector.”
Similar words of appreciation were echoed by Kolako Jackson K., Superintendent for Operations at the Monrovia Central Prison, who emphasized that the donation would help improve conditions for inmates.
The Benson Street Mosque’s Chief Imam and a representative from JFK Medical Center also extended thanks on behalf of their institutions, stressing that the gesture reflected true humanitarian partnership.
Kpan assured the institutions that KAAL remains committed to supporting critical social service providers and communities in need, while continuing to champion stronger people-to-people relations between Liberia and Korea.
“Our activities are not just about donating items,” he explained. “They are about reinforcing the bonds between Liberia and Korea, bonds that are built on solidarity, friendship, and a shared vision for progress.”
The donation comes as part of KAAL’s annual outreach tradition in celebration of Korea Day, highlighting the alumni group’s dual mission of humanitarian service and diplomatic goodwill.
Korea’s Independence Day, observed on August 15, commemorates the country’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. Each year, KAAL marks the occasion with activities that combine cultural celebration with social responsibility.
