A Zambian delegation is taking part in the 2025 Saemaul Undong Invitational Training Programme for Ethiopia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, currently underway in the Republic of Korea.

The training, hosted by the Institute for International Development Cooperation (IIDC) at Yeungnam University in partnership with Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety, focuses on strengthening rural development through the Saemaul Undong “New Village Movement” ,a globally recognized model of community-driven transformation.

The delegation is led by Ms. Pumulo Mundale, Director for the Registrar of Non-Governmental Organizations under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.

It includes officers from the Ministries of Local Government and Rural Development, and Agriculture, as well as Council Secretaries from Kafue and Chikankata Districts and two community leaders from potential Saemaul Undong pilot villages.

The inclusion of officers from various ministries and grassroots representatives is designed to promote inter-sectoral collaboration, knowledge exchange, and coordinated planning for sustainable rural development in Zambia.

Ms. Mundale described the training as “enlightening and transformative,” noting that it provided valuable insights into Korea’s community development policy anchored on diligence, self-help, and cooperation.

She expressed confidence that adopting similar principles in Zambia could accelerate rural transformation and strengthen local participation in development programmes.

Meanwhile, Saemaul Undong Programme Coordinator, Ms. Musonda Chisanga, appreciated the ongoing support that has enabled the training of a total of 83 Zambians since the it’s inception.

The training program also features field visits and cultural exchange activities, allowing participants to experience Korea’s best practices in grassroots development and community empowerment firsthand.