KOREA-AFRICA SUMMIT: As part of her working visit to the Republic of South Korea, Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo met with Rev. Dr. Oct Soo Park, with whom they discussed the National Mindset Education Program in Uganda and the establishment of a Centre in Uganda.
South Korea has over the years invested in mindset change programs which have turned the country into a large economy. It gained prominence in the 1970s as part of their National Development Plan.
Vice President Alupo welcomed the idea, saying mindset change is one of the pillars enhancing the Parish Development Model.
The Parish Development Model is a government strategy for organizing and delivering public and private sector interventions for wealth creation and employment generation at the parish level as the lowest economic planning unit.
According to Dr. Park, mindset change has enabled citizens of Korea to make informed decisions. “It has led to a better connection and healthy society and formation of a strong heart,” Park said.
He emphasized that having the right mindset among the youth can lead to growth and development because they provide a strong labor force for increased production.
During the same event, Vice President Alupo engaged in symbolic cultural diplomacy by handing over a signed, matted, and framed print reproduced from an original batik by Owek. Nuwa Wamala Nnyanzi in 2010.
It depicts one of Uganda’s prized cultural and natural heritages, portraying the grandeur and magnificence of the long-horned Ankole cattle.
This exhibition showcases a source of wealth, health, and status symbol for the culturally affluent.
Visitors encountering the detached horns turned into trophies or ornaments have understandably mistaken them for elephant tusks, also known as ivory. They are one of the reasons Uganda is described as the Pearl of Africa.
