Kia Motors to build auto mechanic training centers in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, May 30, 2016 (FBC) – Kia Motors will build training centers for mechanics in Ethiopia and Kenya in a bid to contribute to their economies by providing education for young people.

A Kia Motors official said Sunday that the company held a groundbreaking ceremony for the center in Ethiopia on Friday and is expected to have another in Kenya today.

Chung Jin-haeng, president of Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors, participated in the ceremony held in the Ethiopian capital city of Addis Ababa with First Lady Roman Tesfaye, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) President Kim In-shik and Ethiopia World Vision President Edward Brown.

An official said that building the training centers in the two countries is a part of the company’s charity Green Light Project (GLP). The GLP is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity run by Kia Motors to support developing countries by providing education and opportunities.

KOICA, a governmental organization that has vast experience offering grant aid programs to developing countries, will help build the training centers and manage the education program after completion.

The two training centers in Ethiopia and Kenya are expected to contribute to job creation as well as boost their economies.

The training centers will teach not only automotive engineering but also other vocational skills, including sewing, beauty and hairdressing, to boost jobseekers’ capabilities. An official said it will also work closely with local companies to develop other employment programs to help young jobseekers.

The training center in Kenya is expected to be built in the capital city of Nairobi by the first half of next year, and Good Neighbors International, one of Korea’s largest NGOs with more than 2,000 professional staff and 20,000 volunteers, will also help manage the training operations after completion.

“Kia Motors will support developing countries’ economies through education and job creation,” said a Kia official. “The company will extend the GLP into other developing countries, helping young people’s education.”