The Government of Sierra Leone Requests the Sharing of Saemaul Studies through Its Ambassador

Building a Sustainable Development Model Linking Education, Research, and Training

Two Ambassadorial Visits and In-Depth Discussions Lead to Institutional Cooperation

[December 16, 2025]

<From center left: Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Korea; CHOI Oe-chool, President of YU>

Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea, revisited Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) on December 12.

 On the same day, YU signed an agreement in the main conference room of the university headquarters to strengthen cooperation with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and to establish a collaborative framework for human resource development and community development in Sierra Leone. The signing ceremony was attended by CHOI Oe-chool, President of YU; LEE Kyung-soo, Vice President for External Affairs; LEE Chun-young, Director of International Affairs; and LEE Jeong-ju, Dean of the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS). Representatives from Sierra Leone included Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi; Agnes Mbayo, Acting First Secretary; Michaella Bonnie, Information Officer; and David Ceesay, an alumnus of PSPS.

 Through this agreement, the two parties agreed to pursue substantive cooperation linking higher education with community development. Key areas of cooperation include: ▲ collaboration to establish departments related to Saemaul economic development or Saemaul community development in Sierra Leone and identification of partner universities; ▲ cooperation in training faculty members and strengthening human resource capacity for operating such departments; ▲ establishment of Saemaul Movement research and training centers within Sierra Leonean universities to serve as hubs for education and research; and ▲ promotion of surveys, research, academic seminars, and joint research projects aimed at improving quality of life and fostering community development.

Ambassador Massaquoi stated, “I sincerely thank Yeungnam University and President CHOI Oe-chool for willingly joining hands with the Government of Sierra Leone,” adding, “YU’s open approach to sharing the experience of the Saemaul Movement and Saemaul Studies clearly demonstrates its commitment to cooperation for sustainable, community-driven development.” He continued, “This memorandum of understanding is particularly meaningful as it marks the starting point for officially introducing Saemaul Movement–based community programs into Sierra Leone’s education and governance systems.” He further expressed his expectation that “grounded in the core Saemaul values of diligence, self-help, and cooperation, together with the principles of sharing, service, and creativity, the Saemaul Movement will enhance community capacity, foster character development among youth, and improve the efficiency and transparency of local administration, ultimately leading to sustainable development and an improved quality of life.”

 In addition, Ambassador Massaquoi conveyed that, on behalf of the President of Sierra Leone, he intends to formally invite President CHOI Oe-chool to Sierra Leone to share Saemaul Studies.It was reported that the President of Sierra Leone hopes to meet President CHOI in person to review the outcomes of this cooperation on site and further strengthen bilateral cooperation in education and development.

 President CHOI Oe-chool of YU remarked, “The Saemaul Movement, which realized the spirit of Hongik Ingan (弘益人間, ‘benefiting all humankind’) through public policy, represents a crucial experience that enabled Korea to overcome poverty and achieve national development. Saemaul Studies, which systematizes this experience academically, has been recognized internationally for its value and effectiveness.” He added, “Yeungnam University will actively share the Saemaul development experience and research results accumulated to date for the national development of Sierra Leone.” President CHOI continued, “We will work closely to ensure that the establishment of Saemaul Studies programs and related education and research activities can be fully implemented in Sierra Leone, while gradually expanding training programs for public officials, community leaders, and future talents. We will engage responsibly to ensure that this cooperation leads to tangible change and meaningful outcomes on the ground.”

 Meanwhile, this agreement represents the culmination of ongoing exchanges and discussions between the two parties. During his first visit in December 2024, the Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Korea expressed strong interest in YU’s achievements in Saemaul Studies and community development and discussed the potential application of the Saemaul Movement and Saemaul Studies in Sierra Leone. During a subsequent visit in April 2025, more concrete discussions were held regarding the establishment of Saemaul Studies departments, the development of research and training systems, and strategies for human resource development. Building on these discussions, the present agreement was concluded, and YU and Sierra Leone are expected to continue expanding cooperation across education, research, and community development in the years ahead.