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

The post Global Peace Foundation – Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo Interviewed by NewsIs appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

All-Lights Villages has been delivering solar-powered lamps to remote villages in the Philippines. The lights have instigated local and international partnerships for the development of the villages. At the end of last year, All-lights began building multi-purpose halls where alternative learning and adult education programs have been implemented. All-lights have also been supporting economic development. The latest news is a partnership with the Philippines Carabao Center. Here is the report from GPF-Korea.

 

While traveling around the country side of the Philippines, one can easily spot Carabaos, Filipino water buffalos, grazing in the pasture alongside the river. Unlike Korean bulls, Carabaos have dark skin with long horns and like to swim in the river.

We could easily find Carabaos swimming in the river in Nueva Ecija, where 10 All-lights Villages are set up. From now on, All-light Village residents will be able to use Carabaos.

 Carabao Institute joins All-lights Village Project

Dr. Cruz of the Philippine Carabao Center met with Global Peace Foundation-Korea President, Kyung Eui Yoo. He said, “The All-lights Village Project is a project that needs to be supported on a national level to foster development in the Philippines.” He will donate Carabaos raised at the Center to All-lights Villages in Nueva Ecija.

Dr. Cruz, also known as “the water buffalo doctor” in the Philippines, also teaches at Nueva Ecija State University. Since 2010, he has also lectured in Korea on dairy farming at a conference hosted by Soon Chun University and Imshil-goon of Cheonbuk Province, Korea. He is also working hard to develop the Filipino livestock industry and dairy farming . He has facilitated exchange between dairy farming experts from Korea and the Philippines to transfer technology.

Dr. Cruz of the Philippines Carabao Center met with GPF Korea, Kyung Eui Yoo.

Dr. Cruz proposed the following for the development of the All-lights Villages.

1.  All-lights Village residents donate proceeds from the sale of Carabao’s milk to expand the All-lights Village Projects.
2. All-lights Village residents donate 50% of the proceeds from the sale of Carabaos offspring to expand All-lights Village Projects.

Carabao water buffalos being raised at Philippine the Carabao Center will be delivered to All-lights Villages starting next month.

Cows have been a symbol of wealth in many cultures. Cows can perform difficult tasks and provide milk and meat. In Korea the national winner of the Korean traditional sports Ssireum gets a trophy of a golden cow.

The residents of agriculture-based All-lights Villages are happy to hear about the Carabaos just as much as solar power lanterns.

All-lights Village Projects in 2013 are being implemented in various ways to foster self-advancement of villages beyond the solar-powered lanterns.

It is a proud moment for GPF to see All-lights Villages in the Philippines grow and prosper starting with the power of solar-powered lanterns.

[Source] Carabao, Filipino water buffalo, Donated to All-lights Village |Written by Global Peace Foundation

All-lights Village / GPF Campaign Story 04/25/2013 14:05http://gpfkoreablog.org/130166949968

The post All-lights Village to Donate Carabaos for Village Development appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

The following feature article on Global Peace Foundation-Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo was originally published in the Weekly Donga, from Korea. It was reported on http://www.gpfkorea.org/. President Yoo talks about the All-Lights Village Project, Korean Reunification and his thoughts on the importance of sportsmanship for international civil diplomacy.

By Ji Eun Kim likepoolggot@empas.com

“Global Peace Foundation-Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo’s All-Lights Village Project Receives International Attention “

Global Peace Foundation-Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo is better known as a sportsman than a peace activist. He has been engaged in numerous athletic activities and programs: he founded several sports organizations, including the International Peace Cup, International Women’s Soccer Cup, and the Peace Star Cup Celebrity Soccer Tournament. He also organized a soccer training program in Spain for the Korea Football Association and was K-league director. In 2008, he worked as Deputy Chairman of the Asian Football Confederation Social Responsibility Committee and for FIFA’s Special Project Office.

His new role as Global Peace Foundation-Korea President triggered many people’s curiosity. At first glance it is not easy to find the relation between sports and peace initiatives, but President Yoo has a totally different perspective.

Kissa’s Sports and Cultural festival engaged foreign students in Korea and Korean students in sports and cultural exchange.

Sportsmanship connects people from around the world

In November of last year, President Yoo organized a Foreign Students Sports and Culture Festival on Incheon University’s Songdo Campus , hosted by KISSA (the Korean International Student Support Association), which he also runs. The Sports and Culture Festival was a great success, attracting 2,000 foreign students. KISSA has since become a major agency that is working with foreign students.

KISSA was founded to provide support for foreign students studying in Korea, but KISSA has also opened avenues for foreign students to get involved in different programs like sports matches, agricultural volunteering, environmental clean-ups and outreach to people who have been isolated in Korean society. The foreign students sometimes teach Koreans sports that they enjoyed in their home countries like basketball and croquet. President Yoo believes that getting an authentic experience helps the foreign students adjust to their lives in Korea and will leave a positive  impression of their time in Korea.

“We need to acknowledge that there are some foreign students who love Korea at first but end up really disliking Korea. The majority of foreign students who come to study in Korea are the cream of the crop that will in 10 or 20 years be defining the important policies of their home countries. If they have negative sentiments towards Korea, our future will be bleak. We have to engage their assets strategically. KISSA is a channel for civil diplomacy.

Sportsmanship is not something that only children in the 3^rd world countries need. Through sports, one learns how to create team work, be considerate of others, and boost self-esteem. Koreans and foreign students can both benefit from sportsmanship.

President Yoo sees sportsmanship like the fertilizer or soil for peace initiatives. To him, it is a central element.

“Most college students in Korea decide to go abroad to volunteer just to add something to their resume. They do not see the importance of living for others. But when they actually go abroad, even though it’s for a short period, they have a tremendous experience. They come back  much more mature. Some of them confess that the harsh reality of the developing world reminded them of their parents’ generation. This generation hasn’t experienced poverty the way their parents have. When they see the dire situation of some of these developing countries they realize Korea was not much different in the 1960s and the 70s.”

He knows that service is not effective when it is just a one way interaction.  He sees overseas service activity as ‘Global Exchange.’.

‘The All-Lights Village Project’ supplies solar-powered lanterns equipped with a radio to remote villages that do not have access to electric power.

The All-Lights Village Project is bringing solar powered lamps to remote villages in developing countries as a way to combat illiteracy and build self-reliance.

It also installs solar-powered streetlights for the community hall and streets. This project is moving into the level to build multi-purpose halls in the center of the villages and to eventually supply electricity to the entire village through developing the villages’ solar energy capacity. The All-Lights Village Project has brought the bright light of hope so far to 15 villages in the Philippines, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, and Kenya that used to be pitch-dark.

The All-Lights Village Project gets some of its inspiration from Korea’s ‘Saemaul Undong’ (New Village Movement). President Yoo added his  concern for the environment and peace to birth this 21^st century rendition of an eco-friendly Saemaul Undong.

President Yoo’s activities are unlike any other overseas service and peace building initiatives; and they are attracting the interest of government agencies in various countries, some which are now project partners. .

“If we give them food and clothing, will it impact their lives 50 years from now? We focus on giving them a foundation for self-reliance. We want them to feel that their lives are full of hope.  The All-Lights Village Project was first conceived as a way of reducing illiteracy.  For these people who had been living in darkness, the ‘lights’ brought more hope we ever imagined. The radio has also opened the world to them: they hear news and have a form of entertainment.”

The Final Destination of world peace is “Korean Reunification”

Last May, President Yoo received the ‘Medal of Merits’ from the Malaysia Awards Office in recognition of his efforts made for civil exchanges through the Global Peace Leadership Exchange. The Medal of Merits is one of the greatest honors in Malaysia. President Yoo is the first foreigner to ever receive a medal from the government of Malaysia. His enthusiastic partnership and civil diplomacy with Malaysia and the Philippines is bearing fruit.

What then is the final destination of world peace for President Yoo? Without hesitation, he utters, “The  ‘reunification of Korean peninsula.”

North Korean children are eating bread from a bread factory made from donations raised from the Miracle of 1000 Won.

“There are two major hot spots in the world. One is the Middle East, the other is North Korea. In other words, we cannot talk about world peace without talking about peace on Korean peninsula.”

President Yoo reminds us that there is a world without light not far from where we live. In North Korea there are countless people who are living in the dark without electricity. A part of President Yoo’s strategy for reunification is the “Everyday Reunification Movement”. It is seeking to bring reunification into the lives of every Korean by giving them simple ways to contribute. Campaigns like the All-Lights Village Project. and the “Miracle of 1000 Won” fundraising drive which has raised enough to  build a bakery in Sariwon, North Korea to provide bread for children of the city, are enabling Koreans to be a part of reunification in their everyday lives.

One of the programs he is promoting to bring reunification into our daily lives is the ‘Korea United Pledge Drive.’ The pledge asks a signer to pledge goods, money, time or talent to help North Korea. This is based on President Yoo’s belief that if every single Korean invests their whole heart into the reunification of the Korean peninsula, it will happen soon.

“Some might ask about the benefits of Korean reunification. We do not need flashy mottos to tell us that the reunification of the Korean peninsula will lead to world peace. Current data shows that the potential growth of Korea is only 3.3 %. This says something about our future. Reunification is the only way to increase Korea’s growth potential to make it one of the world’s top nations. The ‘Korean Dream’ of becoming a symbol of peace to the world signifies also our bright future.”

Just as President Yoo dreams of the day that an All-Lights Village will be built in North Korea, each of us can make efforts on a daily basis to bring reunification closer. This will become a great beacon of hope for those living in the dark as well as for us.

The post [Weekly Donga] Bringing on a 21st Century Eco-Friendly “New Village Movement” appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Global Peace Foundation Korea was selected from among thousands of NGOs in Korea to receive a special certificate of commendation from the Korean Ministry of Special Affairs.

This is what Financial News in Korea reported.

Minister for Special Affairs Ko Heung-Kil (right) takes a commemorative photo after presenting Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Korea president Yoo Kyung-Ei(left) with a Certificate of Commendation. (Credit: Financial News, Korea)

By Hyung Wook Yang hwyang@fnnews.com

Seoul, KOREA, February 15 (Financial News) –

Global Peace Foundation Korea (President Kyung Eui Yoo) was awarded a Certificate of Commendation   from the Minister for Special Affairs Ko Heung-Kil. GPF is being recognized for its charitable activities over the last year such as the Alllights Village Project and the Miracle of 1,000 Won.

Minister of Special Affairs Ko Heung-Kil remarked, “This extent of social volunteer work is unprecedented for a civil society organization. It has made notable contributions to developing South Korea’s national prestige .” He added that the new government will continue to provide active support and cooperation for civil society organizations.

President Kyung Eui Yoo said, “This Certificate of Commendation carries a special significance for the entire staff and members of Global Peace Foundation who have all been engaged in the peace initiative program together. We will continue to stand in the forefront of building world peace in 2013.”

The post Global Peace Foundation Given Special Recognition by Korean Ministry of Special Affairs appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

The following report was published in the Chosun Ilbo (Daily), a Korean newspaper on the launch of the Allights Village Project in Kenya.

[International] Kenya

Two Rays of Light in Kenya

By Byung Mook Choi

Nairobi, KENYA, February 1, (Cheoson Ilbo)

⊙ GPF has brought solar-powered lanterns and character education programs to Kenya.

⊙ GPF Korea Chairman Kyung Eui Yoo, “The Alllights Village Project is creating a brighter world.”

⊙ Principal of Moi Forces Academy in Kenya, “GPF’s character education program has changed everything about the school”

February 1, 4 pm, Chosun Daily sent our reporting crew to Kwa Ngure, a village in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, Africa. Kwa Ngure is a slum. Kibera is the biggest slum in Nairobi and the African continent, but we did not visit Kibera due to official advisories that warned against holding big events in Kibera.

Residents of Kwa Ngure in Nairobi, Kenya, put on a special performance prior to the presentation of solar-powered lanterns. /photo courtesy of GPF Kenya

Our reporting crew traveled to the opposite side of the globe to attend an Alllights Village Project event, organized by Hyun Jin Moon’s Global Peace Foundation. The Alllights Village Project supplies solar-powered lanterns and solar-powered streetlights to villages that do not have access to electricity. These solar-powered lanterns are easily charged: five hours of exposure to daylight provides power for 10 hours. In the remote areas of Kenya, people still use kerosene lamps that resemble lamps that we used to use decades ago in Korea .

Residents welcomed GPF with traditional dances

Our crew was welcomed by a delegation of ten well-dressed black African men and women  performing traditional dances. They waved their hands, shook their hips and shouted to the music. Although it was 22 degrees Celsius, the dancers had sweat beading on their foreheads. Members of the crew were pulled in to join the dance as they escorted us to the main venue. It was like a scene out of the movie Out of Africa.

About 100 people were gathered under a canopy set up in the middle of the slum. Many of them were Kenyan locals engaged in GPF programs. Prior to the opening plenary, a team of 4 athletes roused the crowd with a demonstration of acrobatics and even a few Taekwondo kicks.

The Kenya-styled event began with an address from each and every significant guest. One by one they stood and spoke in English and Swahili.  One female NGO activist who cares after abandoned children remarked, “This solar-powered lantern will be the miracle of light that will fundamentally change the lives of those who have had to inhale the fumes of kerosene lamps in dark night.” Kenyan government officials also attended the event, expressing words of gratitude to GPF for the solar-powered lantern project. In Kenya it is customary that every participant be given a chance to speak, no one was left out.

GPF Africa President In Soo Choi said, “We came here not as visitors but as brothers and sisters. We hope to build a happier village through the Alllights Village Project.”  GPF Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo said, “The Alllights Village Project is a movement to create a brighter world through giving light.” He added, “We invite everyone to be part of the Alllights Village Movement.”

Solar-powered lantern project expands from Mongolia to Kenya and beyond

GPF Korea Chairman Kyung Eui Yoo shakes hands after presenting a solar-powered lantern.

After the congratulatory address was delivered, President Kyung Eui Yoo and other GPF officials presented the solar-powered lanterns. As a launching event, 90 lanterns and 5 streetlights were given. One by one, each village household was presented a lantern; the residents were deeply moved. They finally found ‘light’ in the darkness. They will no longer have to use kerosene lamps in their closed living spaces — stinging their eyes and polluting their lungs, causing lung and eye disease.

Afterwards, our crew visited a family who is now using a solar-powered lantern, a single-mother and her seven children. Her husband had packed up and left one day, never to return. Their small home was about 50 ft². The door leading into the small space screeched open, it was a patchwork of galvanized steel and only big enough for one person to fit through at a time. It was only 6 pm, but it was completely dark inside. On one side was a bed loosely constructed of scrap wood and on the other side was a small couch they had found on the street. The table was slightly larger than a cutting board and the closet thinner than a hand. We could not imagine how all of them slept and lived in such a small space. They showed us how the solar-powered lantern enables them to study now. Their big smiles spoke loud enough of their happiness.

GPF first started the solar-powered lantern project in March of 2011. By the end of last year, more than 3,000 solar-powered lanterns and solar-powered streetlights have been distributed to villages throughout the Philippines, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, and Indonesia. This event marked the commencement of the project in Kenya.

President Kyung Eui Yoo, who initiated the Alllights Village Project explained:

“The Alllights Village Project does not seek to merely provide lanterns to those in need. This project seeks to help local leaders change the mindset of the residents and help them overcome poverty. We are working together to develop economic independence and community driven development to secure the happiness of all the residents. It is like the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) of Korea in the 1970s. In the future, it will expand into a Saenara Undong (New World Movement) that will secure peace that transcends race, religion, and nation.”

GPF is getting positive responses in other countries from the solar-powered lanterns and solar-powered streetlights. In 2012, the province of Nueva Ecija in the Philippines voted to endorse the Alllights Village Project and laid out a project plan that allocates local government resources. The first step Nueva Ecija has been to form a committee, chaired by Cardinal Rosales and composed of university presidents, vice minister of Education, Red Cross directors.

This year, the Kenya government will kick off the Kerosene Free Movement and GPF is a likely partner.  According to a GPF official,  GPF Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo has already discussed specifics with UN HABITAT, Kenya Ministry of Energy, UNIDO, and Light Africa officials during his recent visit to Kenya.

It seems it will be just a matter of time before GPF will be fully engaged in the Kerosene Free Program. The Kenya government is fully aware of GPF programs, especially the support and funding that these projects are attracting. If that happens, it will be a precedent for a Korean NGO to be a contributing member of ‘Nation Building Movement’ in an African country. For Kenya, it is a small cornerstone for progress..

GPF’s Character Education in Kenya transformed school culture

Kenyan youth attended the GPF’s National Youth Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, on February 1.

The solar-lantern project is not the only GPF program in Kenya. Moi Forces Academy, which we visited on January 30, is the flagship school for GPF’s character education. During our visit, the principal of Moi Forces Academy gave us a tour. He was full of praise for the school.

80% of the students at Moi Forces Academy are from military families. Moi Forces Academy is one of several schools in the pilot phase of implementing the Character and Creative Initiative (CCI), done in partnership with the Kenyan government and GPF since August 2010.

Rather than focusing on rote learning, CCI focusing on cultivating the school culture. A CCI school forms a School Character Competencies Committee that consists of principals, teachers, staff, and students. Unlike conventional education models where teachers teach students, at a CCI school, teachers and students collaborate to design, choose and implement project ideas.

The student body president at Moi Forces Academy explained a project called ‘Power of 1% for Peace and Change.’ Participating students are asked to share 1% of what they have with others in need: not just money, but time, talents, and skills. This project works with participating students who engage the entire school community in discussions to improve their school and surrounding neighborhoods. The Student body president stressed, “Students must make the change. We need to change our thoughts, to be confident that ‘I’ can change society. We are seeing students making this pledge.” He described some of the project’s specific activities. “We post famous sayings and maxims within the school building. Whenever we see one, we take a moment of self-reflection. Students are encouraged to live prudently, we save our coins and unused items for donations. We even started gardening for ourselves.”

Moi Forces Academy’s principal, who is also president of Kenya School Principals Association, explained the outcomes of CCI.

“As we integrated the CCI program into our school, we saw remarkable improvements in students’ attitudes and performance. This in turn had impact on the faculty’s satisfaction level and subsequently enhanced the quality of service provided to students. CCI has changed everything about this school. As students’ performance improved, the school’s reputation among parents soared. We have received a record number of applicants.”

Recently school officials were amazed to receive 400 applications for one available opening.

Kenyan Ministry of Education gives positive assessment of GPF’s character education program

Kenya government official delivers a congratulatory address in the solar-powered lantern presentation ceremony.

The seven schools in the pilot phase have adopted different models of the Character and Creativity Initiative. For example, students in lower grade schools have planted trees that symbolize a personal motto for their inner growth. They reflect on their growth as the tree grows. Other schools have run the Talk to Me program that teaches self-talk and dialogue with peers.

Every model of CCI has been deemed a success. KIPPRA, (the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis), published a report based on a two-year research study that concludes that CCI programs have generated outstanding results, encouraging the Kenya Ministry of Education and Kenya School Principals Association. In 2013, the Kenya Ministry of Education issued an education management policy regarding character and creativity that establishes guidelines that make character and creativity education a major standard for evaluating schools and teachers. The Kenya School Principals Association will hold CCI meeting in each school district to expand CCI to a nationwide level. These discussion forums on CCI’s best practices will be held in all 47 regions, hosted by each chapter of the Kenya School Principals Association. This is the impact that GPF has made thus far on Kenya’s public education.

Until now, Africa has evoked negative images: poverty, starvation, tribal disputes, malaria, HIV, corruption, and military dictatorships. There is a saying that used to fittingly describe Africa’s situation, “Yesterday was dark, today is dark, and tomorrow will be dark.”

Aid organizations from across the world have poured countless amounts of supplies and capital to build hospitals and schools in Africa, and the situation seems dire. The term ‘Aid Trap’ was created to raise concern that aid was resulting in laziness, idleness, and corruption. However, despite these negative perceptions, through the collective efforts of the global community, there have been marked improvements on the African continent.

GPF is among such contributors. It is bringing in the diligence and commitment of Koreans who’s nation endured decades of Japanese annexation and then war, but managed to become one of the top 10 economies in the world.  Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Chairman of GPF is encouraging Koreans to work with their Kenyan brethren to share its success with the African continent. The Korean Saemaul Undong  (New Village Movement) implemented during the Park Jung Hee presidency, is recognized  in most African countries as an exemplary model of social and economic development, making it easier for GPF to bring its programs to Kenya.

During our short, less-than-a-week stay, we were pleased to see that Koreans have something to offer to Kenya as it looks ahead. ⊙

The post Two Rays of Light in Kenya appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

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.

The post All Lights Village Movement Brings Light and Hope ~ Shin Dong-A special report appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.