[Ivory Coast] “I am ready to work with you” Meeting with the Minister of Education (August 13, 2012

On the 30th of July at 5:00 P.M, the Minister of Education Kanoia Camara requested for a meeting at her office with Pastor Ock Soo Park through her representatives. The Minister of Education, who provided much help for the Ivory Coast World Camp, shook hands with each member of Pastor Ock Soo Park’s group and began the meeting by expressing her gratitude for their visit.

Kanoia Camara Minister of Education: I want to thank you for visiting Ivory Coast. I wanted to show the youth of Korea to the youth of Ivory Coast and the World Camp enabled me to do so, and furthermore they were able to experience Korean traditions and culture. For a couple of days Koreans and the youth of Ivory Coast were able to share with each other. If there is anything I can help with I will do so.

Pastor Ock Soo Park: I thank you for inviting us. The students were so pleased when the Minister of Education came to the Opening Ceremony.

Kanoia Camara Minister of Education: There is a hardship in Ivory Coast. There are many traumas. We need to heal peoples’ minds.

Pastor Ock Soo Park: We are planning to publish books and change many youths. We wish to create Korean courses in universities. Many former Korean university students who volunteered in Ivory Coast want to work in Ivory Coast once again. I hope that they will graduate and work as Korean Lecturers in Ivory Coast. If it is possible, I hope that Korean can be taught in middle and high schools.

Kanoia Camara Minister of Education: The President knows South Korea well. In the past, South Korea and Ivory Coast were in similar states, however now South Korea is a major country. I will carry your words to the President. I truly hope that the people of Ivory Coast learn the mindset of South Korea. If they learn the mindset of South Korea, then they too can develop like South Korea.

Pastor Ock Soo Park : It is true. I know that Ivory Coast will develop if they learn the mindset of Korea.

Kanoia Camara Minister of Education : How long will you stay here? I wish to report to the President with you.

Pastor Ock Soo Park: It’s fine. I want the Minister of Education to tell the President.

Kanoia Camara Minister of Education : I am fully ready to work with you.

Pastor Ock Soo Park: Korea will work for Ivory Coast.

Throughout the 30 minute meeting, the Minister of Education Kanoia Camara and Pastor Ock Soo Park discussed with one voice the future of Ivory Coast by speaking about an educational program Who are you that is dragging me?, Korean courses and exchange with Korea.