▲ I Love Africa / President Lee Chang-ok

We are living in a world where trade is made by a few clicks thanks to highly advanced technologies that humans have ever experienced. A twelve hour flight takes us to anywhere in the world and products produced in certain areas are sold almost everywhere on earth. 'Global' is the word often used among the wise and in the media and we feel like to be forced to act accordingly. However, we must admit that there are still many people on earth who are far from these benefits especially in Africa. 

I Love Africa

I Love Africa is the first NGO (Non-Government Organization) specialized in Africa established by Lee Chang-ok.

In 1977, Lee moved to Africa following her husband assigned as the head of continent from his company. During the stay in Liberia, she suffered from malaria, endemic and eye disease. The condition worsened as time went by and she near died when blessed by God who cured the diseases. She took it as a God's message to help people in need in return of saving her life.

In 2002, she joined the KBS Africa Expedition 30,000km and observed with her own eyes local people in Africa suffering from poverty, AIDS, drought and diseases. Back home, she established the World Multimedia Mission Center May 11, 2004, and it was renamed to the current I Love Africa, approved by the Korean Foreign Ministry February 23, 2011. 

Everything from support to development

Now focusing strength to Kibera, Kenya, one of the three slums in the world, I Love Africa is running various support and development programs from child welfare and single mom care to opening business incubations and startup centers. 

For this, I Love Africa joined hands with the Korean Environment Ministry, Export-Import Bank of Korea, Korea Securities Depository and NH as well as local governments, organizations and NGO affiliates.

Digging wells especially is one of the core projects of I Love Africa. 73 wells have been successfully dug and used so far. Digging a well alongside installing necessary equipment costs around 12 million won ($10,000). A well supplies freshwater to 10,000 children and 30,000 residents of a village in Africa. 

I Love Africa has set up a goal to dig a total of 20,000 wells in Africa and the president Lee Chang-ok and her team are firmly determined to make it happen. 

"I feel overwhelmed by children who rush to me with happy smiles and innocent giggles and warm hugs whenever I visited the areas we provided support. They call me 'mama Africa' and it makes me feel proud and thankful" said Lee.

Four messages

Lee sends four messages to young Koreans. 1) love your country 2) engage with people on earth 3) read books 4) work diligently and honestly. 

"Love your country means to create virtuous influence, engage with people on earth means learning something new, read books makes you strong even in times of despair, and work diligently and honestly means because the heaven helps those who work hard."

Giving what is precious to others

'Giving what is precious for me to others' has served Lee for many years as a driving force.

"What is the use of the word 'global' if it lacks humanity? It is nothing but a shell. In my experience, sharing something with others touch our hearts bigger than word like 'global'. And this feeling of happiness is the bliss given to us by God. This is the future we all have to walk toward, I dare say."

Korean Women Leaders Awards

In recognition of her passion and contribution, Lee received the 3rd Korean Women Leaders Awards 2019 from the World Korean Women Association. 

"Action speaks louder than words. Action makes the world better and action enriches us all in sharing and love of others. There are many people still suffering from the things we don't suffer anymore. At the end, we are all human beings living on planet earth and we had better work together, share together and grow together to create a better world."

한정찬 기자  chan5150@naver.com