Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi of Sierra Leone Visits YU Again to Strengthen Saemaul Cooperation

Detailed Discussions Held on Establishing a Department of Saemaul Studies in Sierra Leone

YU Aims to Expand Sustainable Development Cooperation with Sierra Leone

[April 3, 2025]

<From left, Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi and YU President CHOI Oe-chool>

 Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea revisited Yeungnam University (YU) on April 1. His return visit, just a few months after his initial visit in December last year, aimed to engage in detailed discussions on establishing a Department of Saemaul Studies at universities in Sierra Leone and applying the principles of the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement).

 During the visit, Ambassador Paul once again expressed deep interest in YU’s theoretical and practical expertise in Saemaul development. In a meeting with YU President CHOI Oe-chool, he stated, “Following my visit to Yeungnam University last year, the government of Sierra Leone and major universities have shown growing interest in the Saemaul Undong and Saemaul Studies. We are seeking to promote sustainable development in Sierra Leone through the establishment of a Department of Saemaul Studies and a research institute, and collaboration with YU is essential in this process.” 

 In response, President CHOI said, “The Saemaul Undong is a successful model that led Korea’s economic development and has been internationally recognized for its value. Yeungnam University will actively share its experience in Saemaul development and academic research to support Sierra Leone’s national progress.  If Sierra Leone moves forward with establishing a Department of Saemaul Studies and related educational and research programs, we will provide full support.”  President CHOI also noted, “Given Ambassador Paul’s expressed willingness to donate land for a university site in Sierra Leone, we expect even closer cooperation going forward.”

 During the visit, various discussions were held to develop concrete plans for collaboration between the Sierra Leonean government and universities and YU. These included not only the potential establishment of a Department of Saemaul Studies at Sierra Leonean universities but also the development of training programs for Saemaul leaders, civil servants, and community leaders. President CHOI, expressing his deep trust in Ambassador Paul’s patriotism and passion, introduced YU’s regional development strategies  and emphasized that the success of the Saemaul Undong lies not only in policy-based approaches but also in its ability to transform people’s mindsets, as evidenced by comparative models of community development from around the world. 

 Meanwhile, President CHOI was recently appointed Policy Advisor to the Central Ethiopia Region and invited as a special lecturer for a training program for senior officials of the Ethiopian central government.  He has also received a request for cooperation from the Ministry of Education of Guinea for establishing a Department of Saemaul Studies at a local university. As such, YU continues to expand its global partnerships by promoting the Saemaul Undong in developing countries across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Through these efforts, the university fosters global talent to tackle shared challenges of the international community.  The collaboration with Sierra Leone is part of this broader initiative and is expected to contribute to mutual growth and strengthened exchanges between the two nations.