2023 World Friends Korea IT Volunteers Dispatched to 21 Countries

- Actively Leading the Reduction of the Global Digital Divide and Nurturing IT Youth Leaders-

The National Information Society Agency (NIA), led by President Hwang Jong-sung, announced that it held an orientation and launching ceremony for the 2023 World Friends Korea IT Volunteer Corps at Hongik University International Training Center on June 30th, with approximately 200 IT volunteers in attendance.

The World Friends Korea IT Volunteer Corps is committed to bridging the global digital divide and fostering youth talent by providing ICT education and ICT projects in developing countries. As the official overseas IT volunteer program of the government, it has dispatched 8,425 volunteers to eight countries since 2001.

This year, 209 volunteers will be deployed to 21 countries around the world, offering ICT education and projects to students, residents, and government officials in developing countries, both online and on-site. (On-site: 111 volunteers to 7 countries / Online: 98 volunteers to 17 countries).

With the end of the COVID-19 crisis, the number of overseas dispatches has increased compared to the previous year. A total of 111 volunteers will be sent to seven countries (Laos, Mongolia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Tanzania, Thailand). (2022: 83 volunteers to 4 countries / 2023: 111 volunteers to 7 countries).

This year's overseas dispatch includes participation from six partner universities from open competition(GIST, KAIST, Kyungpook National University, Sungkyunkwan University, Jeju National University, and Korea University of Technology and Education). University officials will accompany the volunteers as leaders to ensure their safety on-site.

Additionally, 25 teams selected through a competitive process will conduct volunteer activities online, supporting ICT education for residents and students in developing countries worldwide without constraints of time and place.

To address the growing demand for ICT education in developing countries, NIA has developed AI education content in English and Spanish, enabling volunteers to provide structured AI education services.

The orientation included training to foster the spirit of volunteerism as the official overseas volunteer group of the Korean government, along with basic education. To enhance the volunteers' capabilities, practical training on the use of AI education content and the latest ICT trends, including cloud and ChatGPT, were also provided.

NIA President Hwang Jong-sung stated, "As this is the first dispatch since the end of the COVID-19 crisis, we prioritize the health and safety of our volunteers. We hope this will be a significant opportunity for them to grow into global leaders driving the new digital order."