The KDI School African Students Association (KDIS-ASA) is preparing to host their inaugural student conference on 29 November 2013. I had a tea moment with the current President of Association, Mr. Isaac Uduak, to get some insights into the preparations and the Association in general.

Good afternoon Mr. Uduak. Kindly introduce yourself.

My name is Isaac Uduak, and I hail from Nigeria.

I understand that African students have formed an Association. Would you kindly tell me about it? (Objectives, Mission and Vision).

Thank you very much and it is my pleasure to have this interview with you. I so much appreciate the privilege given me to share this vision with the Globe magazine:

Frirst, the Vision;

We want to be an agent towards the realization of a new, forward looking, dynamic and integrated Africa. 

Second, the Mission;

KKDIS-ASA is committed to fostering cultural, political, and social awareness about the African continent, promoting dialogue about pertinent issues affecting the continent, creating an intellectual and social space for Africans at KDI School, and fostering fellowship between KSAF and members of the KDI School and Korean community at large

Third, the Objectives;

• Share African Development experiences and challenges;
• Share lessons of Korean Development Experiences;
• Organize African Student’s Summit of Korea;
• Build a network of African Students in Korea and Asia at large with KDI School as the hub;
• Promote cultural exchanges, ethical values and norms between Africa and South Korea;
• Strengthen cooperation between Africa and South Korea;
• Seek cooperation on Joint Research and Development programs between Korean Research Institutes/Universities and African Universities;
• Be Ambassador of KDI School in our home countries.

How did this idea form and how did you so quickly manage to cause a strong rally behind it?

Concern about the challenges of development in Africa and the imperative for a united front to address the challenges. It was easy to rally support because the objectives are noble and the yeaning a better living condition in Africa. Besides most of us from Africa are confronted with these challenges in our daily lives.

The Association is set to hold its first ever student conference on 29 November 2013. What is in store for us and what can we expect on the day.

A whole lot my distinguished colleague, we want to showcase the rich potentials of Africa, provide intellectual and social space for Africans at KDI School and the Korean community to explore a mutual cooperation between Africa and Korea.

Primarily, what do you expect to be the outcome of this conference?

At the end we shall have a communiqué that will provide a framework for better cooperation between African countries and Korea especially in human capital development and knowledge sharing.

Apparently, the KDI School holds the highest concentration of African students in Seoul. Given the numbers advantage here what have you done and/or doing to capitalize on the opportunities in Korea.

KDI SCHOOL is the rallying point for all Africa students in Korea, we always support Africa event and students in other institution like Seoul National University, Korea University and Hanguk University of Foreign Studies, we are also inviting other African students from other institutions to our upcoming conference.

By Michael Moleleke