Discussion on cooperation of Korean language education for Kyrgyz workers at KSI Sokuluk, Kyrgyz Republic

> KSIF and Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration discuss Korean language education for Kyrgyz workers
> Expected to strengthen cooperation through developing textbooks and opening classes for workers

On September 15, at KSI Sokuluk, Kyrgyz Republic, KSI officials including KSIF Director Park Chung-sik and Deputy Minister Nurdoolot Bazarbaev of the Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration met to discuss the cooperation of Korean language education for Kyrgyz citizens to help them find employment in Korea.

Deputy Minister Nurdoolot Bazarbaev remarked, “For 16 years since we approved the export of labor to Korea, Kyrgyz citizens have successfully been employed by Korean companies. More than 5,000 labor contracts have been concluded so far.”

Kyrgyz Republic sends a large number of people to Korea, ranking 15th in the number of foreigners residing in Korea. The number continues to increase. Accordingly, the capacity of Kyrgyz workers has also increased significantly. However, due to the lack of Korean-language skills of Kyrgyz workers, the increased number of employees is not filled. Therefore, they proposed that KSIF expand the Korean language education, for Korean ability is the most important employment requirement.

KSIF officials said that they will actively collect opinions from the local KSI, including development for learning materials, etc., to support Korean education for workers to meet Korean demands.

On the next day, September 16, they continued to provide information on future programs such as “Korean language demonstration class for foreign workers” that will open at KSI Sokuluk, Kyrgyz Republic. People who attended this event hoped that cooperation between Korea and Kyrgyz Republic will become stronger.

Written by Song Kwon-suk (KSI Reporter, President of KSI Sokuluk, Kyrgyz Republic)