Can you start by telling us about yourself, your role as a Sejong Friend, and your motivation for taking on this responsibility?

My name is Abena Manso-Howard, and I’m a 2022 KOICA student from Ghana. Sejong Friends are a group of foreigners living in Sejong who have been appointed by the mayor to promote the city's infrastructure, events, and lifestyle. First and foremost, my main motivation was the city's infrastructure. Who wouldn’t want to promote it? Additionally, one of my friends noticed how much I loved taking pictures, and he told me that the responsibilities directly aligned with my personality. So, I applied through KDI School in November 2022 and was accepted.

Can you describe the goals and objectives of the Sejong Friend program?

The goal of the Sejong Friends program is to promote the city's citizens, events, and infrastructure of this smart city. Recruiting foreigners to promote the city is a way of fostering international relations. The city has also involved foreign citizens in its activities, including a foreigner monitoring and administration team, of which I am a part.

In the recent 2023 Sejong Festival, for example, ten foreigners, including myself, were given roles to promote our culture and language to the people of Sejong through the event "Sejong Friends Around the World." A whole committee of foreigners was established to plan special activities to foster international relations and cultural exchange.

As an organizer of the event "Sejong Friends Around the World," can you share some insights into the event's planning, activities, and highlight the impact they had on participants?

The planning of Sejong Friends Around the World took about four months. The criteria for joining the planning committee was to have students who speak the most internationally recognized languages of the UN. The committee prepared all promotional activities and materials for the event, such as flyers, banners, backdrops, passports, stamps, and souvenirs. We even filmed and edited the promotional videos ourselves and designed our costumes. Although it was challenging and time-consuming, we were determined because this was part of a major event held by Sejong Metropolitan City to commemorate Hangeul Day, celebrated every year on October 9th.

Every activity of the festival focused on language, including "Sejong Friends Around the World," where foreigners could share their language and culture with the citizens of Sejong. We spent two days with children and their mothers, engaging in activities related to our languages and cultural exchange. For participants, it felt as if they had traveled to ten countries of the ambassadors.

As an initiative of the foreigners' planning committee, there was also a singing competition where foreigners could showcase their talents and win rewards. This initiative, though sung in Korean, highlighted the cultural exchange phenomenon and made foreigners feel at home.

What were the most memorable moments or experiences you had while working as a Sejong Friend and organizing the event, and how have they influenced your personal and professional growth?

My most memorable experience would be attending the 577th Hangeul Day with the Prime Minister of South Korea and the Mayor of Sejong City. It was my first time wearing a hanbok and representing foreigners at such a high-level delegation event. Likewise, I was interviewed by the Sejong Newsletter as a representative of the foreigners' planning committee and for foreigners living in Sejong City. The Sejong Newsletter is a monthly publication that updates citizens on significant events in the city. Another memorable moment was when I delivered a speech at Sejong City's press briefing on the 2023 Sejong Festival. It was an honorable moment, and it meant a lot to me to represent foreigners living in Sejong City in my traditional attire from my home country.

Personally, this role has not only allowed me to showcase the city's progress but has also enhanced my skills in communication, confidence, and public relations. Additionally, as a public servant and a member of the Sejong Administration and Monitoring team, it has provided me with hands-on training and valuable insights into monitoring and evaluating a city's activities. It has allowed me to understand the intricacies of effective governance and has equipped me with the necessary tools to contribute meaningfully in this field.

Furthermore, the Sejong City Festival Planning Committee has allowed me to actively participate in the planning and execution of various events aimed at promoting the city's cultural heritage and attracting tourists. It has not only broadened my understanding of event management but has also enhanced my ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, especially in international fields beyond language barriers.

What advice would you give to other KDI students interested in becoming Sejong Friends, or what message or insights would you like to share with those interested in promoting cultural exchange and diplomacy in their communities or institutions?

I would say, go for it! You will get the chance to work with policymakers of Sejong Metropolitan City, which will broaden your scope as a student and provide you with real-life experience in implementing the policy strategies we learn at KDI School.