KOICA recruits global supporters to promote Korea’s aid efforts

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is accepting applications for the seventh round of its global supporters group, WeKO. Courtesy of KOICA

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has opened applications for the seventh round of its WeKO global supporters group, inviting both Korean and international participants to apply, the state-run development agency said Wednesday.

WeKO, which stands for "We are KOICA," was launched in 2019 to help promote Korea’s official development assistance (ODA) efforts to a broader audience.

Supporters are tasked with sharing KOICA’s development achievements through creative campaigns and storytelling, both in Korea and abroad. This year’s program runs under the slogan "Grow as you are, Cooperate as we are," which underscores a message of personal creativity, global solidarity and collective growth with developing nations.

The supporters group is divided into two parts: domestic and global.

Members of the domestic division will plan and execute their own public relations projects to boost awareness of KOICA's work. The global division will act as correspondents, keeping people up to date on how Korea’s ODA programs impact local communities around the globe. They will share stories on beneficiaries of ODA in recipient nations and also provide on-site coverage of KOICA's projects.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and may apply regardless of nationality, gender or ethnicity. KOICA plans to recruit 40 domestic and 60 global supporters.

The domestic division welcomes individuals or teams with skills in public relations, marketing or communications. For the global division, preference will be given to those with ODA-related experience or strong social media skills.

KOICA noted that the global division is open to foreign nationals living in Korea, and both Koreans and non-Koreans living overseas.

Selected participants will receive monthly stipends, transportation support, networking opportunities and certificates at the end of their term. Outstanding members each month will be eligible for prize money, with the top performer at the end of the term receiving a special award presented by the KOICA president.

Applications are open until July 21. Visit koicaweko.com to apply.