Two Days of Engagement, Sharing, and Cooperation: May 13-14, 2026
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the Korea Alumni Association in Tunisia (KAAT) and the World Friends Korea (WFK) program, organized two cooperation initiatives in Sfax on May 13-14, 2026. These activities combined a knowledge-sharing session on an environmental issue and a support action based on the needs expressed by the healthcare sector, illustrating a cooperation that aims to better understand the realities on the ground and identify concrete responses together.
About KAAT and WFK
- KAAT: A network of Tunisian alumni who have participated in KOICA training programs, active in knowledge sharing, exchange activities, and cooperation promotion.
- WFK (World Friends Korea): A national brand that federates international volunteer work in the Republic of Korea, with several institutions participating, including KOICA. During this event, KOICA volunteers (WFK program) conducted activities on the ground.
May 13, 2026: Knowledge-Sharing Session for Young People (Solid Waste Management)
On May 13, KAAT, in collaboration with the Ifrikya Association, designed and facilitated a knowledge-sharing session on solid waste management for young people. The goal was to help participants better understand local environmental issues, expand their ideas for solutions, and foster exchanges between actors from different backgrounds.
The session was facilitated by Mr. Radhouan Chamroukhi, a CIAT (Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow) program alumnus. Through thematic presentations, participatory workshops, and experience-sharing, participants analyzed the current situation and challenges related to waste management, then discussed concrete approaches, including citizen participation and the potential for youth-led initiatives.
This session provided an opportunity to link the experiences of different actors engaged in the environment, expand collaboration avenues, and highlight the participation of young people and the feasibility of sustainable actions at the local level.
May 14, 2026: Support for Medical Equipment and Creative Activities at CHU Hédi Chaker
On May 14, KOICA, in partnership with KAAT and WFK volunteers, implemented a support activity at the Hédi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax, benefiting the Hematology Clinic service.
This activity was part of a concrete approach: KAAT contributed to identifying priority needs on the ground in close collaboration with the hospital, while exchanges with hospital administrators, stakeholders, and KOICA allowed for a clear understanding of the issues and a pragmatic response. In a context of limited resources, the goal was to agree on a solution that could provide concrete support for improving the care environment, which was translated into support for medical equipment.
The service in question is a reference point for caring for patients with blood cancers from several regions in the center and south of the country, particularly for chemotherapy treatments and transfusions. This action aims to contribute to strengthening reception capacities and improving care conditions.
In addition, 8 KOICA volunteers from the WFK program led creative and artistic activities inspired by Korean culture for hospitalized children. Young patients participated in a colored paper workshop, inspired by traditional Korean colors, including folding and decoration activities. This activity was also complemented by a linguistic and cultural experience, where participants could write their name in Korean (hangul) and learn some simple expressions. Accessible to all, this cultural exchange program based on art and language offered children moments of comfort and relaxation, while illustrating the human dimension of cooperation.
The activity took place in the presence of the KOICA Country Director in Tunisia, the Sfax Regional Health Director, hospital administrators and service managers, and representatives from KOICA, KAAT, WFK, and hospital administrative and technical staff.
Attendees
- Ms. Nam Ilwoo, Country Director of KOICA in Tunisia
- Mr. Hatem Cherif, Regional Director of Health in Sfax
- Ms. Imen Chabchoub, Interim General Director of CHU Hédi Chaker in Sfax
- Prof. Moez Elloumi, Head of the Hematology Service at CHU Hédi Chaker in Sfax
- Dr. Sami Kamoun, President of the Medical Committee at CHU Hédi Chaker in Sfax
- Representatives from KOICA, KAAT, WFK, and hospital administrative and technical staff
Quote from Ms. Nam Ilwoo, Country Director of KOICA in Tunisia
"The Republic of Korea's engagement in Tunisia goes beyond knowledge transfer. It is also reflected in concrete actions on the ground, supporting local priorities."
A Cooperation that Connects People and Strengthens Partnerships
The two days organized in Sfax allowed for the articulation of knowledge sharing, community participation, and sectoral support within a cooperation implemented in close collaboration with partners. KOICA will continue to work with KAAT, WFK, and partner institutions to support sustainable and inclusive initiatives and to promote cooperation that yields concrete results on the ground.
Media Contact
Intissar Hafsi – Deputy Press Officer (WFK) – 58645383
