KSD Nanum Foundation supports education improvements at Ethiopian village of Korean War veterans' descendants

The Korea Securities Depository's KSD Nanum Foundation announced Thursday that it donated 70 million won ($45,500) through Green Umbrella Children Foundation in September 2025 to improve educational facilities in the Yeka district of Ethiopia, with the related construction completed in May.

Located northeast of the capital Addis Ababa, the Yeka district was granted by a former Ethiopian emperor to Korean War veterans to support their resettlement. The area, known as "Korea Village," is now home to more than 5,000 veterans and their descendants.

The foundation said it decided to provide support after learning that Tigil Lenetsanet School — attended by children of veterans' descendants — was operating in conditions unsuitable for children.

The uneven, poorly drained school playground was leveled and fitted with proper drainage, while a deteriorating perimeter wall and spectator stands were also repaired, giving children a safe and comfortable space for physical activities and play.

The foundation also donated sports equipment including balls, soccer goals and jump ropes, and held awareness sessions for teachers, parents and community members on children's right to play and the importance of play-based learning.

The project marks the foundation's second round of support for Tigil Lenetsanet, following the construction of a new early childhood education classroom there in 2023. Beyond promoting the rights of children overseas, the initiative also honors the Ethiopian veterans who fought in the Korean War.

"We hope the children of Korea Village in Ethiopia can run and play freely in a safe environment, and that they will continue to build a positive image of South Korea," said Lee Yun-su, chairman of the KSD Nanum Foundation.

The KSD Nanum Foundation is a nonprofit public-interest foundation established in 2009 by the Korea Securities Depository to give back to society the support it has received from its customers. The foundation focuses on spreading the social value of capital markets and fostering a culture of sharing through what it calls "warm capitalism." Its core programs include scholarship support, assistance for vulnerable groups, public-interest projects, financial education, overseas aid and the operation of a securities museum.