Kia Motors of Hyundai Motor Group has built schools, public health centers and car maintenance centers under the “Green Light Project” the company’s global volunteer social contribution initiative in Africa. (Photos: Kia Motors)

Kia Motors of Hyundai Motor Group is shinning a ray of hope by building five schools and a public health center. Under the “Green Light Project” Kia Motors’ global volunteer social contribution initiative, such programs as the establishment of maintenance service training centers and educational projects in Africa are being implemented.

Kia Motors has been building a maintenance service training center in Lideta, Ethiopia, since May. The center, to be opened by year-end, will be managed by World Vision, one of the world’s largest relief non-government organizations. 

The car maintenance education center is designed to promote self-sufficient, social contribution activities. 

Via the center, Kia Motors is committed not just to easing poverty through human resources development, the creation of jobs and the provision of an environment for start-ups, but also to rejuvenating the regional economy. 

The center operates such programs car education and maintenance as well as the creation of sewing and beauty treatment, as well as other jobs and start-ups. The center also offers theatrical shows and mobile multimedia education programs designed to promote social awareness toward sexual abuses and sexual inequalities. 

A car maintenance center whose dedication is slated for the first half of next year, will be established in Dandora, Kenya. The center will be operated by Good Neighbors, Korea’s first NGO, which is recognized by the United Nations Social and Economic Council. Kia Motors expects the operation of the centers in Kenya and Ethiopia to lower jobless rates and prevent juvenile crimes and derailments in both countries.

The carmaker plans to offer mobile maintenance vehicles and cars for logistics as well as support for the development of business models so they can be sustained on their own without outside support. 

The Green Light Project made its debut in 2012. Under the project, five schools and a public health center have been established in Africa. The project has expanded to the establishment of car maintenance centers this year. Kia Motors expects the project to spread to South America. 

The project involves not just monetary and material support, but it also focuses on the development of capabilities so they can stand on their own. 

The carmaker operates or builds six schools, car maintenance centers and public health centers in six countries, including Malawi, Mozambique and Uganda. The company offers diverse education programs and medical benefits. 

Kia Motors executives and staff members have been conducting volunteer activities in connection with the Green Light Project. Last summer, 25 executives and staff members from Korean and overseas operations volunteered to participate in social activities and spend their summer vacation in Malawi. 

The team carried out activities to support education for youth, offering medical support using Bongo trucks and improving the living conditions in Salima and Lilongwe, both in Malawi. 

The first commencement ceremony for the graduates of the first school built under the Green Light Project took place in Lilongwe. About 100 neighborhood residents also participated in the event. 

The project was dubbed “green light” to denote active efforts being taken to give hope to the underprivileged.