Pukyong National University

Pukyong National University Carries Out a 10-Day “Global Social Contribution” Program in Sri Lanka

- Delivers tailored volunteer services in education, healthcare, and the environment; strengthens international cooperation based on the UN SDGs

The PKNU Student Volunteer Corps of Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) has returned after carrying out a 10-day winter special overseas volunteer program in Sri Lanka, putting global social contribution into practice.

The volunteer team, consisting of 41 members―36 students and 5 supervisors―conducted eight nights and ten days of activities from February 2 to 11 in Colombo, Kandy, and Kalutara, where they engaged in education, cultural exchange, and community service initiatives.

The volunteer program was operated as a locally tailored initiative across the fields of education, healthcare, and the environment, based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

At the University of Kelaniya in Colombo, the student volunteers carried out a wide range of intercultural exchange activities through a university-to-university exchange event, including Korean language classes, a UN SDGs Golden Bell quiz program, traditional accessory-making workshops, a sports festival, K-pop performances, a taekwondo demonstration, and a Korean food experience.

The team then visited Kandy National Hospital in Kandy, where they contributed to improving the healthcare environment by painting ward walls and carrying out cleaning services, as part of efforts aligned with SDG Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). At the Visakha Children’s Home in the Kalutara region, the volunteers engaged with children through activities such as health and hygiene education, hands-on science kit sessions, a sports day, K-pop performances and a taekwondo board-breaking demonstration, and meal support. At Kalido Beach, the team also took part in tree planting and plogging activities, joining efforts to promote marine environmental protection and climate change action.

Kim Geun-Hee, a second-year nursing student who served as the team representative, shared her reflections, saying, “By volunteering at a variety of institutions such as a local university, hospital, and children’s home, I truly felt the responsibility of being a global citizen. Although it was a small effort, it was meaningful to be able to deliver warm-hearted support to Sri Lanka.”

Kim Cheol-Su, Dean of Student Affairs at Pukyong National University, stated, “Through the operation of student-led overseas volunteer programs, we will further strengthen global leadership and social engagement competencies. Going forward, we will continue to build a sustainable international cooperation volunteer model and expand the public role of our national university.” <Pukyong Today>