- LG Electronics and KOICA celebrate ninth graduation ceremony of LG-KOICA Hope Vocational Training School in Ethiopia, producing 70 new graduates
- School offers free training in electrical, electronic, and IT fields, achieving a 100% employment and start-up rate since 2014
- Part of LG’s broader global CSR efforts, including similar schools in Cambodia and community projects in nine countries through the LG Ambassador Challenge
LG Electronics announced on August 11 that it had held the ninth graduation ceremony of the LG-KOICA Hope Vocational Training School in Ethiopia, an institution jointly managed with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Ethiopian government. This year, 70 students successfully completed their courses, bringing the total number of graduates since the school’s opening in 2014 to 611. The initiative was established as a gesture of gratitude to Ethiopia for its participation in the Korean War, aiming to provide practical skills and employment opportunities to local youth.
The vocational school offers free training in electrical, electronic, and IT fields, with students selected through a competitive process involving written examinations and interviews. In addition to tuition-free education, the school provides lunch and transportation, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without financial strain. The program has achieved remarkable results, boasting a 100 percent employment and entrepreneurship rate among its graduates. Many have gone on to work in LG Electronics’ overseas subsidiaries and with prominent local and regional companies in markets such as Dubai, Kenya, and South Africa.
Among the graduates this year was Mahlett Grmai, whose grandmother, Yelma Tegenya, served as a veteran in the Korean War. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Mahlett said they planned to build a career in the IT field using the knowledge and skills gained at the school.
Also Read: MBRF and UNDP to Host 3rd Edition of Youth Knowledge Forum in Morocco
LG Electronics has expanded the Hope Vocational Training School model beyond Ethiopia. Since 2021, three such institutions have been operating in Cambodia, offering courses in electronics, electricity, and ICT. The company has also committed to upgrading facilities, supplying modern teaching equipment, providing scholarships, and enhancing teacher training to improve the quality of education and keep pace with industry needs.
In addition to its vocational training programs, LG Electronics has been running the LG Ambassador Challenge since 2017. This initiative supports local, resident-proposed problem-solving projects across nine countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Peru, the Philippines, and Bangladesh. So far, 94 projects have been implemented, addressing community needs and fostering sustainable development. Through these combined efforts, LG Electronics continues to strengthen its role in global social contribution, creating lasting impacts in education, skills development, and community empowerment.
