Varsity launches Korean Studies Programme

Abstract

As Kenya celebrates 50 years of mutual cooperation with Korea, the University of Nairobi joined the celebrations by launching the Korean Studies Programme to be offered by the University as a degree and certificate course and launching the Korean Studies website.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the first ten winners of the 2013 Essay Competition. The Essay Competition 2013, saw 162 students drawn from different colleges participate.

While presiding over the ceremony H.E. Chan-Woo Kim, the Korean Ambassador to Kenya, said that the launch of the Korean Studies Programme was a clear demonstration of the good relationship between Kenya and South Korea. He thanked the University management for their passionate support in making sure that the Korean programme is officially launched. The Ambassador said that as the two countries celebrate 50 years of mutual cooperation the people have been able to share their experiences and are willing to learn each other’s cultures.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha, Prof. Peter K’Obonyo, Deputy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), thanked the Korean High commission in Kenya and the entire Korean community for supporting the Korean programmes at the University. He noted that such initiatives are geared towards empowering young Kenyans and making them part of the journey towards realizing Vision 2030. Already, 15 students have been admitted to the Bachelor of Arts in Korean Studies and Certificate in Korean Studies.

Indeed, the University of Nairobi has in place mutual relationships with various Korean Institutions. In 2013 alone, the University of Nairobi signed MoUs with three Korean Institutions, namely: Korea University, Sookmyung Women’s University and Korea Foundation. Talks are underway to expand our network with premier universities in Korea.

Prof. Preston Chitere, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Dr. Jane Oduor, Department of Linguistics and Languages and representatives from the Korean Embassy are among those present during the ceremony.