The funds generated by Ediya Coffee will assist the widows of Ethiopian war veterans and various projects aimed at promoting veterans’ culture. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 17 (Korea Bizwire) – The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with Ediya Coffee, has initiated a fundraising campaign to provide support to the families of Ethiopian veterans who played a crucial role during the Korean War in 1950.
This conflict marked a significant historical moment as Ethiopia was the sole African nation to dispatch ground troops. Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, Ediya Coffee has garnered attention for its responsible management, active global expansion, and innovative projects like revenue diversification.
At the Seoul VA Regional Office on Thursday, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced a strategic partnership with Ediya Coffee to aid the self-sufficiency of Ethiopian war veterans’ bereaved families, including financial support for vocational skills training programs.
According to the agreement, Ediya Coffee will conduct a public participation donation event through the Ediya Members app until the end of December. All proceeds raised will be contributed to the Korean War Widows’ Association, which operates under the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, dedicated to supporting its members and fostering their self-sufficiency.
The funds generated by Ediya Coffee will assist the widows of Ethiopian war veterans and various projects aimed at promoting veterans’ culture. The ceremony, graced by Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-sik, Ediya Coffee Chairman Moon Chang-ki, Ethiopian Ambassador to Korea Desi Dalki Dukamo, and Korean War Widows’ Association Chairwoman Kang Gil-ja, will underscore the importance of this collaborative effort.
During the Korean War, Ethiopia deployed 3518 soldiers to Korea as part of the United Nations Participating Countries. The Ethiopian army played a pivotal role in the Battle of Hwacheon District and the Battle of Samgakgoji, with casualties amounting to 122 killed in action and 536 wounded.
Since 2015, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs has been awarding honor grants to surviving veterans from Ethiopia (currently 66), and since 2010, 350 descendants of veterans have been receiving monthly overseas scholarships.
In recognition of the sacrifices made by Ethiopian veterans and with the aim of enhancing the Korean War’s understanding among the Ethiopian people, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has invested 390 million won in government funding since July of this year. This funding is directed towards the renovation of local war memorials and other facilities, along with improvements to the surrounding environment.
“On the 70th anniversary of the Korean War ceasefire and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Ethiopia, I express my profound respect and gratitude for the sacrifices and dedication of Ethiopian veterans,” stated Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-sik. “I hope this agreement will serve as an opportunity for the descendants of these heroes to lead a more stable life.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
