President Kyung Eui Yoo describes the difference between kerosene lamps and the solar-powered lamps. Credit: NewsIs.

Early in September, President of Global Peace Foundation-Korea, Kyung Eui Yoo, sat down with NewsIs, a major Korean news outlet. He spoke about his numerous responsibilities as president of GPF-Korea, the International Boxing Federation and KISSA. And recounted how he began the All-Lights Village Project that has now reached Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Below is the unofficial translation.

[NewsIs Interview] GPF Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo “Solar-powered light is bringing a ‘light of hope’ to remote villages.”

GPF-Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo describes the “All-lights Village Project” as a movement to bring a “light of hope” through solar-powered, eco-friendly lanterns. NewsIs interviewed him at the GPF-Korea headquarters in Seoul. He told NewsIs people living in remote areas without access to electricity are being given vision and the confidence to dream again with these lights.

09.09.2013. dasee@NewsIs.com

All-Lights Village Project Delivers Solar Powered Lanterns and Streetlights

“Children’s grades have improved. Entire villages have changed with evening light.”

【Seoul=NewsIs】By Jae Gop Han = The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) states that proper lighting at night can increase productivity and household income by 30~50%. In 2007, the Millennium Development Goals reported that 15 million lives are lost to suffocation, burns and fires that result from the use of kerosene lamps.

1.9 million people in the global community currently do not have access to power at night. Global Peace Foundation Korea’s President Kyung Eui Yoo says, “The All-Lights Village Project’s eco-friendly, solar-powered lanterns  are allowing children to talk about their dreams and aspirations. The lanterns are a ‘light of hope’.”

For the duration of the 2 hour interview, President Kyung Eui Yoo spoke passionately about the ‘All-lights Village Project.’ He explained that the initiative services remote areas in the Philippine and other developing countries throughout the world.  It provides solar powered lanterns and solar powered streetlights. President Kyung Eui Yoo’s enthusiasm shows. It’s as if he lives for each moment when a light is delivered.

President Kyung Eui Yoo is also president of International Boxing Federation and KISSA (Korean International Student Services Association).  When we asked him which one is more important, he responded, “both.” In addition to describing the critical work of the Global Peace Foundation, President Yoo addressed the importance of sports such as boxing and the continued support of foreign students in Korea and the spread of Hanryu (Korean wave) phenomenon.

At GPF Korea’s office in Seoul, President Kyung Eui Yoo talked about the ‘All-lights Village Project’ and other GPF Korea programs that he is coordinating to distribute ‘lights of hope.’

-Please describe what GPF Korea is.

“Global Peace Foundation is a U.S.-based NGO chartered in 9 countries including Korea, the Philippines, Mongolia, and Paraguay. GPF Korea was founded in 2011. The GPF chapters across the world work organically to implement the projects of the Global Peace Foundation. GPF promotes the vision of ‘One family under God’ through three pillars of interreligious cooperation, strengthening families, and service for peace initiatives. We’ve proposed and implemented a wide range of innovative projects in consultation with experts in the fields that address the multiple challenges of our world.”

-What is GPF Korea’s main focus?

President Kyung Eui Yoo presents solar-powered lamps to a school in Kairobangi, Nairobi, Kenya. Credit: GPF-Korea

“Delivering lights through the ‘All-lights Village Project’.  We have other projects. For example, we helped establish a bakery plant in Hwanghae Province, North Korea to supply baked goods to school children. We kicked off the ‘Unification Donation Pledge,’ which is part of the Daily Unification Movement. The ‘Miracle of 1000 Won‘ is garnering attention, too. We also provide assistance and support to the wave of foreign students. We also are working on social development project that involve sports.”

– What is the ‘All-lights Village Project’?

“1.9 people in our global village spend their nights in darkness. By providing communities with eco-friendly solar powered lanterns and solar powered streetlights, we are brightening up their nights, enabling them to live better lives, and gain self-reliance.”

– What made you start ‘All-lights Village Project’?

“I visited Nairobi, Kenya in 2010. By 7 pm,  it was pitch black. I saw a young girl walking by herself down a dark street. The thought crossed my mind, ‘What if my sister was in that situation?’ And it saddened me. Soon after, I was introduced to the solar powered lanterns. I want to brighten up villages that don’t have access to electricity.

Our first project was in 2011. We sent 50 lanterns to Korean-Japanese schools that were hit by the tsunami and earthquake in Japan. It grew from there. We started sending lanterns to the villages in Kenya, Philippines, and Mongolia.”

-Where have the solar lanterns been most widely distributed?

“Recently I visited the Philippines for the fifteenth time. We are trying to deliver lights of hope to Bongabon in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, and other remote villages.   At my first visit, the local residents and the governor thought we were there for a one-time event. They didn’t give us any feedback. But we continued to visit and distribute solar powered lanterns and streetlights. Then, we started building community centers and chicken farms to help the residents become self-reliant. I think we made a positive impression. We’ve build up trust between us.”

-Can you describe what it’s like at one of these villages in the Philippines that have no power?

“They rely on kerosene lamps, but these lamps emit a lot of soot and are a fire risk, and you can’t read a book by the light of a kerosene lamp. Kerosene lamps illuminate an area of roughly less than 1 meter in diameter. Even so, the kerosene lamp emits a lot of carbon dioxide, which is bad for the environment and can cause asthma. Statistics say that a kerosene lamp emits 1 ton of carbon dioxide over 5 years. Filipino residents spend 30% of their income on kerosene. I If they use solar powered lanterns for 5 years, they can save a year and a half worth of living costs.”

– I’m sure its difficult to promote children’s education without power.

“Lack of access to electricity is associated with many problems, high illiteracy rate and birth rate, and low productivity. It also has implications with education. Without light, even if the children want to study, they can’t. The kerosene lamps are dim, and the gas emission from the burning kerosene makes it hard to learn. The results are pretty obvious. Social mobility through education is hampered, and people are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty. When we distributed the solar powered lanterns, children were able to hit the books even after dark. They’re talking now about their dreams and aspirations. I have experienced what it feels like to present ‘lights of hope’ to them.”

– Can you quantify the  impact the lamps have had on education?

“The test scores show proof. In the assessment administered by the Filipino authority, scores of All-Lights Village students have jumped 25%. Chris is a girl who lives in Luzon Island of the Philippines, where the 3^rd All-lights Village is located. She wrote to us and said that she dreams of ranking first in the nation and become a doctor. A practicing doctor just became her mentor and is helping her achieve that dream. Chris says Salamat Po! (‘Thank you’ in Tagalog).  She thinks the solar powered lanterns are the greatest gift.

The Philippine state government has promised to dispatch teachers to All-lights Villages on a regular basis. Cardinal Rosales, emeritus Archbishop of Manila has endorsed All-Lights Village. The solar powered lanterns have had a positive impact on the local residents. It’s increase their quality of life.”

– Is there anything else that ‘All-lights Village Project’ is addressing?

“Once, I met a resident who walked 8 hours from the mountains to receive a solar powered lantern.   I felt, “We have to work on improving the quality of the lamps.” I realized that residents in these remote areas do not have TVs or radios. They do not have access to any form of technological communication, whatsoever. For that reason, we ask that the company develop lanterns with radios. The locals love it.

Our intention is to have residents use their solar-powered lanterns every day for a long time. I want to point out that we are not simply giving them the lanterns. When they are interested, we help them become self-reliant. Many underdeveloped countries, despite continuous support, lack the ability and determination to stand on their feet. They are trapped in poverty. The ‘All-lights Village Project’ looks for villages that are determined to become self-reliant. We want to join forces and support such people to create new families, new villages, and new communities.”

– Lack of power may not be the only problem.

“That is right. There are many challenges to living in these remote areas. Lack of power is just one. Another problem is access to clean water. In most of these villages, their only source of water is contaminated. Hankyung University has recently created and started installing water purifiers that dispense clean and clear water without fancy mechanisms.  These water purifiers are cost-efficient.  We also are working with partners to establish models of economic independence. Recently we set up chicken farms and opened a water buffalo rental center. ”

– Are Koreans interested in the ‘All-lights Village Project’?

“Not only individuals, agencies and corporations are taking a greater interest. In fact, the number of institutions taking part in these service projects is increasing. Last May, seven employees from the Korea Securities Depository volunteered in Tamale Village, the 11^th All-lights Village in the Philippines. They distributed solar powered lanterns and installed streetlights in the village. We also built community centers. We thought an assembly hall would support village development. The employees of Korea Securities Depository who participated in the project said they were happier seeing the solar powered streetlights installed than they were seeing the Naroho satellite launched. For them, it was more than just volunteering, it was felt like a real humanitarian deed. I hope more individuals and institutions get engaged.”

– You must be busy as IBF Asia President and KISSA President.

“I am interested in sports. That includes boxing, especially North Korean boxing. I hope boxing can help achieve peace and reunification. To me, boxing is a sport played under fair conditions in a four cornered ring. I think it’s an excellent place for youth education. I wish more schools would open  after-school boxing programs. The IBF World Assembly will be held in Wonju, Kangwon Province in 2015. 400 boxing educators from 50 nations will attend. I hope this can promote boxing in Korea.

KISSA was inaugurated in 2005. It has given foreign students in Korea a place to belong and has advocated for their rights. The number of foreign students is rising, but there are a lot of problems because of the universities’ lack of stewardship.  I’ve seen students end up as illegal residents; other students have developed anti-Korea sentiments. There is a lack of management and support to help these students acclimate to Korean culture. KISSA plans to operate an online information center, host regular sports festivals for foreign students, and hold hearings to further awareness and advocacy for the rights and interests of foreign students.”

-What is your dream President Kyung Eui Yoo?

“It is so rewarding and wonderful to be able to give eco-friendly lanterns to the dark villages, help them drink clean water, and create an economic development models to give them self-determination and self-reliance. But that shouldn’t be the end of it. As I witness the changes in these villages, I have realized that reconstructing developing nations can only happen when national leaders take part in initiatives like the All-Lights Village Project. I want to create and spread models of global peace initiatives that are undertaken with moral authority. I want to show the motto, “A global village is one family”. . Such peace movements and grassroots national movements for unification will  contribute to the eventual reunification of Korean people.”

President of GPF-Korea, IBF and KISSA. credit: NewsIs

◇  Profile of GPF Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo

▲   Graduated from Yonsei University majoring in Political Science

▲   Graduated from Columbia University with MBA

▲   Completed SEIT of Stanford University

▲   Received an honorary doctorate from Jose Rizal Memorial State University

▲   Jinhaksa Vice President and Jinhak Consulting CEO

▲   Secretary General of Peace Cup Organizing Committee

▲   Director of Central City and JW Marriott Hotel

▲   Secretary General of International Peace Sports Federation

▲   Member of FIFA Special Projects Bureau

▲   Currently President of GPF Korea, President of KISSA, All-lights Village Project President, President of International Boxing Federation Asia, Co-Director of Korea United, and Head of Civil Society Coalition

▲   Received Medal of Merit of Malaysia

eduNewsIs@NewsIs.com

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GPF received special recognition as a nominee for the UN Awards this year.

This year, the Global Peace Foundation was among organizations nominated for the UN Award for its significant contribution in sustainable development and peace for youth. They will receive a certificate on UN Day later in October.

Global Peace Foundation has been on the ground in Kenya since 2008 engaging local residents in community driven development.  Dr. Moon has emphasized that community driven development should be collaborative efforts with the local population that “taps into their creativity” and “empowers them to be owners of the solution rather than participants of a process.”

Through other initiatives like the Character and Creativity Initiative, U-Gen, and the National Youth Summit, GPF has taken on the issue of youth empowerment. Avenues have been opened for youth participation in government, community engagement, and entrepreneurship, as well as cultivating 21^st century job market skills.

A recent highlight of GPF’s ongoing investment into Kenya is Mutate Village in Molo of the Rift Valley.

Molo was at the heart of the post-election violence in Kenya in 2008. The violence burned down the village primary school and many homes. The village became deeply divided amongst tribes. Today, Mutate the Village is a hub of community driven development and reconciliation.

The primary school was rebuilt through the sponsorship of Global Peace Foundation Senior Advisor, and CEO of Comcraft Group, Manu Chandaria. His one condition was that the school teach members from all tribes. Mutate Village has also been the center of the Rift Valley Peace Initiative.

Last year, Mutate became the first All Lights Village in Africa.  100 solar-powered lamps were distributed to families of children attending Mutate Primary School, and solar powered street lamps were installed on the village streets. Service for Peace and Global Peace Foundation-Korea revisited the village in July to assess progress and map out the next stages of community development.

Timothy Gachucha of the Global Peace Foundation Kenya marveled, “I can’t believe how much change has occurred in the Mutate Village over the last year because of the solar lamps. It is encouraging to see how much the community has been able to accomplish.”

Health has markedly improved, especially for the children of the village. The fumes from the traditional kerosene lamps are particularly harmful for children, and caused causing asthma and lung disease.  A year later, many of these symptoms have decreased.

The All Lights Village in Mutate Village has shown remarkable developments in just one year.

Additionally the lamps have promoted education and literacy. Mr. Joseph Kimani, the Deputy Head teacher at Mutate Primary School told GPF,  “For the first time our school produced six students with over 300 marks in their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams while there was only one last year.” Teachers are now able to assign students homework which students can complete by the light of their solar-powered lamps.

Moreover, money formerly used to purchase kerosene can now be invested into other things that improve the quality of villager’s lives.

Furthermore, the solar-powered lights have brought the community closer together. Families with lights have shared their small blessing with other families from other tribes. And the community street lights have reduced theft and other crimes.

The solar-powered lights are only the first stage of development for the village. The essential point is that the villagers are the ones who are driving it. The next phases include improving access to education, developing livelihood, and cultivating community ownership.

Service for Peace and Global Peace Foundation expressed their long-term commitment in creating a model All Lights Village in Mutate.

Such ongoing efforts are empowering the people of Kenya to secure stability and development for their country, as well as rise to become a model nation in East Africa.

The original report appears on www.globalpeace.org.

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Dr. Moon and Mrs. Moon with children spend time with the children of Maiti Nepal in 2010.

The closest relationships in our lives are understood in familial terms. A close friend is like a brother or a sister. An elder mentor is like a parent. Our elderly neighbor is like our grandparent. The family is the school of love, where the virtues that underlie all positive social relations are learned.

During 2010, Dr. Moon described his family in the following way, “My wife and I have nine children, and we marvel at how unique each and every one of them is. Sometimes we ask ourselves, ‘How is it that this child has this kind of personality? Because it doesn’t seem like it represents your personality or my personality.’ We can only be thankful to God that He has presented us with this unique bit of humanity that we can cherish, love and adore. We believe that each of our children reflects a unique dimension of God’s character, and the unique dimension of humanity that we should be able to embrace. Such lessons from our family experience are what cultivate real leadership needed in the work for peace.”

Our innate love for our brothers and sisters, our parents, our grandparents, and relatives can be extended to include the people of society and the world. The natural conclusion is that humanity is one family. More fundamentally, we are bound together as family through our common spiritual origin, God. It is through recognizing God as the thread that ties us together that our fragmented human family can come together and recognize the fundamental rights and freedoms of every member.

Thus, the second pillar of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) is strengthening families. GPF affirms that the family is not only vital to the well-being of the individual, but is also the foundation for global peace. Global Peace Foundation has strived to support the traditional institutions of marriage and family, both in public policy and through practical initiatives.

In the United States, the Strengthening Marriage and Family Coalition has organized multiple workshops and symposiums to draw together faith leaders, community and social workers and educators throughout the United States to form solutions to pressing issues like responsible fatherhood, healthy marriages and parenting support. In other nations, development projects like the Alllights Villages are economically empowering families and enabling them to become the centers for combating illiteracy.

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Korean businesses have partnered with Global Peace Foundation to implement social and economic development projects around the world.(top) Korean Security Depository employees before volunteering at the company sponsored Alllights Village in the Philippines. (middle) Korean and Latin American businessmen meet during the international conference on governance, ethics and development in Paraguay. (bottom) Kangwon Land Co. Executive Vice President Mr. Kimseo Seoung Won greets residents of the first High 1 Hope Village.

Over the past year, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has formed numerous partnerships with Korean corporations to spearhead social responsibility projects. In neighboring South East Asian countries and Africa they have established Alllights Villages and the Love in Lights Foundation. This month, Kangwon Land Co. Ltd, and Global Peace Association-Nepal launched the High 1 Hope Village initiative. In June a delegation of Korean businessmen attended an international conference in Paraguay to explore prospects of investing in Latin American development.

In his article, “Business and third sector have much to learn from each other”, Mark Makepeace, CEO of FTSE writes, “An Alliance based on a core set of shared objectives can have a very tangible impact on the business itself.”

The same concept is operational in the United Nations Global Compact, a strategic policy initiative that fosters business partnerships with the United Nations. It states, “Business practices rooted in universal values can bring social and economic gains.”

If core principles are the glue that holds multiple sectors together, what core principles are bonding Korean corporations and GPF?

In an interview with Daily DongA, Global Peace Foundation Chairman, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon observed that social responsibility is an intrinsic part of Korea’s heritage. “The Korean founding mythology of Dangun and the philosophy of Hongik-ingan assert that Koreans are endowed by Heaven with responsibility to live for humanity.” He has encouraged Korea to step forward to mentor developing nations.

The 2008 global financial crisis left the world wanting new more sustainable and ethical models of development. Korea’s story has something to offer.

More than 60 years ago, the Korean War left the peninsula devastated. Social and spiritual reforms like the New Village Movement united the South Korean people.  Divisions of an aging feudal system came down and the Korean people worked together to build their nation. This transformation coupled with foreign investment and aid boosted Korea’s GDP per capital from $91 in 1961 to $1,746 in 1971. Today, Korea ranks 15th in the world’s economies and stands head to head with western nations as a member of the G-20.

In the same interview, Dr. Moon states that Korea stands in a rare position of opportunity to set a precedent of moral leadership in the world. If it revives these founding principles, starting with reaching out to its global community.

And the economic and social gains that Ban Ki-moon speaks of? Mr. Markpeace lists higher employee moral, better potential hires, and higher brand appeal. Dr. Moon has predicted that Korea can become a top 5 if not 3 economy in the world if it earns its a moral authority.

GPF Korea and its Korean business partners could be starting a new economic and social development trend based on the universal principles that are embedded in Korea’s founding philosophy that acknowledge fundamental human rights and dignity and the sanctity of the natural world.

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January 31, 2013

Nairobi, Kenya

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon Founder and Chairman Global Peace Foundation

It is a special honor to address you here at the opening of this historical and unprecedented National Youth Summit. In 2008, I was pleased to stand together with Prime Minister Raila Odinga on the stage outside this international convention center at the first Global Peace Festival, held in the wake of the tragic post-election violence. There we pledged, with all those present, that such a thing would never happen in Kenya again. And together we declared a profound and powerful vision that can unify Kenya, Africa, and the world, the vision that we are One Family under God, regardless of race, tribe, nationality or religion.

We declared a profound and powerful vision that can unify Kenya, Africa, and the world, the vision that we are One Family under God, regardless of race, tribe, nationality or religion.Since that time the Global Peace Foundation has been engaged in a dynamic partnership with both the leaders and the youth of Kenya as the country experiences a new birth and revival under the new Constitution. In 2010, the 2nd annual Global Peace Convention and International Young Leaders Assembly was held here at the KICC in partnership with the Kenyan government under the patronage of His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki.

At that time, I said that we were entering an era when Africans could lead in ways unimagined before; that this could be a new decade of African leadership, from local communities, to the national halls of government and on to the four regional corners of Africa. The time is ripe for a new breed of leaders to emerge, practicing moral and innovative leadership that is motivated by a common vision rooted in universal principles and shared moral values. If you and other young people like you can become such leaders, you will shape the future of Kenya and of this great continent of Africa in productive and inspiring ways.

This is a time of great opportunity for Africa, and for all the developing countries of the southern hemisphere. Today the developed nations of the northern hemisphere are facing serious economic, social, and political challenges in the wake of the global financial crisis, which has left the countries of the South, such as Kenya, relatively untouched.To a great extent, these problems arose from the erosion of the principles and values that underpin democracy and the free market system and make them work. For example, most people now recognize the role in the financial crisis of large financial institutions whose leaders often pursued profits selfishly, without any regard for the damaging consequences they inflicted on the wider society.Kenya and the nations of Africa can learn from these mistakes and take a different path, one that will guarantee future peace and prosperity.

The key to grasping this opportunity is leadership that understands the central importance of universal principles, and that practices the moral values that flow from them.Already Kenya is leading the way here, through your historic new Constitution that recognizes the sovereignty of God as the source of all fundamental human rights, freedoms, and responsibilities. This provides the foundation and framework for the character and enterprise of the Kenyan people to flourish in building peace and prosperity, while setting a precedent for the rest of Africa.

Africa is rich in both material and human resources. Up to now, the exploitation of the material resources has held center stage, often at the expense of the African people as a result of conflict and corruption. Now is the time for Africans to take charge of their own destiny by cultivating your human resources, and in particular the qualities of moral and innovative leadership at every level of society.

Let me explain what I mean by moral and innovative leadership. Moral leadership provides the roadmap for nation building by outlining a vision rooted in universal aspirations, principles and values that have the breadth and depth to encompass the diversity of the human family. That vision, that we are all members of One Family under God, has the power to transcend the tribal animosities that spawned the 2008 post-election violence, as well as national, cultural and religious differences.

Reconciliation after Post-election Violence 2008

Thus, the moral leader is one who serves a greater good, putting the nation before tribe or selfish interests. Such leadership is the key to the good governance needed for African enterprise to flourish and create prosperity. It is also the antidote to the corruption that has so often plagued development.

Innovative leadership means harnessing our God-given creativity and ingenuity through projects great and small at every level of society to advance this vision. It means encouraging a culture of enterprise and self-reliance, ownership and responsibility. Through this the people of Africa can pioneer their own destiny, avoiding a culture of dependence which is sometimes the unintended result of large-scale aid programs.

You young leaders here today have already shown your determination to pull yourselves up by your own bootstraps through encouraging social entrepreneurship, volunteerism and community-based development, and programs that cultivate the character, creativity, and leadership of young Kenyans. GPF has been pleased to support these programs with tireless young leaders together with the Brand Kenya Board, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Education.

As a spiritual peace movement, GPF is unique in highlighting the fundamental importance of principles and values for peace and development. Through our projects and partnerships, we are leading the way in promoting the qualities of character that form moral and innovative leaders, especially among young people such as you, the leaders of tomorrow. All the initiatives we are engaged in empower the spirit of altruistic responsibility and sense of ownership for the nation.

For example, the GPF Character and Creativity Initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, is engaging students with teachers, parents, and community leaders, in a program that develops good character, creativity and leadership qualities, in schools across the nation. The research institute KIPPRA has found in those schools both academics and discipline improved, lifting the whole school culture.

Earlier this year the Ministry of Education announced that henceforward schools would be evaluated not only on academic performance but also on the character and creativity of its students. This makes Kenya a pioneer in recognizing that the moral qualities of students are as important for the country’s future as their intellectual abilities.

In the Rift Valley, GPF worked in partnership with Peace Cops, Brand Kenya and MOYAS after the post-election violence, to support young people from different tribes who took the responsibility to cooperate together to prevent future violence in places like Molo and Kuresoi. Our regional chairman Dr. Manu Chandaria also rebuilt Rift Valley schools—Mutate and Sasamua—that were burnt after the post-election violence, working with Kenyans and international volunteers.

Cooperation on a regional, and ultimately Pan African scale, is essential for peace and development in this age of globalization. Cooperation on a regional, and ultimately Pan African scale, is essential for peace and development in this age of globalization. GPF has long promoted youth volunteer projects across Kenya, and in the Nairobi Declaration of 2010 called for the establishment of volunteer service on a regional scale through the establishment of the East Africa Peace Service Corps. That was realized last year at the African Conference on Volunteer Action for Peace and Development, held at the UN in Nairobi, with 25 partner organizations and 400 youth taking part in the launch.

International cooperation at a grassroots and community level is also important in expanding horizons and possibilities in the minds of young people in Africa. The All Lights Village Project from Korea is providing solar-powered lamps to villages in Molo and parts of Nairobi that are off the electrical grid. As a result, children in those villages can now study safely after dark. The lamps are delivered by Korean students who work together with the local youths on projects the community needs, uniting hands and hearts across continents.

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon and Prime Minister Raila Odinga GPF Kenya 2008

You young leaders are gathered here with high ideals and hope in your hearts. Are you ready to take up the challenge of becoming the moral and innovative leaders in your communities and counties, who develop a new culture of self-reliance, shared prosperity and national leadership?

The task is great but the future is bright. Africa is poised on the threshold of new possibilities and Kenya can shine a light that shows the way forward. Since the post-election violence of 2008, Kenya has made great strides forward. Now you face a new test of that progress in the March elections. If you can spread the vision of a Kenya that can live harmoniously as One Family under God, when you return to your counties, then the country can move forward to still greater heights.

The heart of responsibility for your communities and country that you patriotic young men and women display today will determine the face that Kenya shows to Africa and the world in the future. The task is great but the future is bright. Africa is poised on the threshold of new possibilities and Kenya can shine a light that shows the way forward. It is your commitment and example that will make it happen.
Thank you, and may God bless Kenya.

 

Watch an excerpt from the GPF 2008

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Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of Global Peace Convention Atlanta 2012 in its New Years edition. The third segment of the article highlights The All Lights Village Movement. To date, the project has donated over 3,000 solar lamps to rural villages in developing nations. The project recently expanded its donor base to the United States and Japan.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation.

All Lights Village Movement Most Popular in GPC 2012

By Young Chul Choi ftdog@donga.com
Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Solar Lamps bring Peace and Love 

Mr. Kyoung Eui Yoo, president of GPFF Korea explains about solar lamps which were donated to the remote villages of the developing nations.

The Global Peace Foundation’s (GPF) Alllights Village was the most popular booth at GPC Atlanta 2012. Solar-powered lanterns afforded to remote villages in developing countries are saving lives that could be lost from smoke and soot inhalation, giving light for better education, and raising people out of poverty.

GPF Korea chairman, Mr. Kyung Eui Yoo, initiated the solar lantern project that has donated these environment-friendly lights to some of the 1.9 billion people who live without electricity.  The lamps have improved education, reduced illiteracy, reinforced sexual ethics, cut kerosene expenses, and increased household income. The campaign kicked off in March 2011, and by close of 2012, reports to have donated 3,000 solar powered lanterns and streetlights to 50 towns and villages in the Philippines, Malaysia, Mongolia, Kenya, and Indonesia.

The solar-powered lanterns need only a few hours to be fully charged for both indoor and outdoor use. GPF Korea has raised funds to procure the lanterns from the manufacturer who specially offers them at cost value.

Leaders from emerging countries who attended the GPC witnessed the power of these lanterns and invited GPF to bring the lights to their own countries. Leaders from developed countries expressed interest in joining the campaign.

GPF Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo said, “The Alllights Project is one of the substantive peace activities that GPF is carrying out in order to build model communities from these villages in developing countries.” He added, “During GPC 2012, leaders from several countries got together to discuss how to expand this campaign.”

President Yoo recently received an honorary doctorate degree from José Rizal University, Philippines, in recognition of his efforts with the Alllights Village Project.

Read the 1st segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-covers-global-peace-convention-2012/

Read the 2nd segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/christianity-and-islam-join-hands-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-gpc-2012-feature-part-2-2/

Read the 4th segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/unification-north-south-korea-key-world-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-dongas-gpc-2012-report-part-3-2/

See also Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon’s speech at the Opening Plenary of the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta.

Visit the Alllights Village site.

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