My name is Gwamaka Mlagila, working as a human resources officer at Mafia District Council, Tanzania. I attended one of the international programs of LOGODI, the Capacity Building on Local Government Administration and Leadership Management, held in Seoul from August 25th to September 7th, 2019.

After the outbreak of COVID-19, our lives have changed a lot. The Tanzanian government evaluated the danger of the COVID-19 and devised various measures to fight the coronavirus, such as health measures, face masks, and social distance. Tanzanian adhered to these measures and accepted that the pandemic prevailed in our very life. This acceptance helped people to keep their loved ones safe and fewer confirmed cases. The Mafia District Council took the same measures, and each employee had to take precautions and follow the prevention measures.

After the program in 2019, I brought with me valuable experiences and lessons, such as a deep understanding of Korean culture, daily operations and roles of Korean local governments, economic development, etc. Also, it was so amazing to exchange experiences and ideas with Korean elites and local government officials through lectures and study visits to different places such as K-water Centre, Samsung Shops, Jeonju Village, Seoul World Cup Museum. 

Visiting Jeonju Hanok Village, I learned how Jeonju city implemented its economic development strategy and how the public participated in the development process without destroying the cultural heritage and nature. From the visit, I understood that the key to achieving sustainable development goals is promoting and motivating public participation in economic development in local governments.  

Another wonderful experience was the tour at Suncheon Bay National Garden. I witnessed the revitalization of the local economy through the Suncheon Bay National Garden project and the restoration of culture with the harmonization of the ecosystem. I was impressed how Koreans were actively involved in utilizing the opportunities and resources to develop the national economic development. I also recognized that the transportation infrastructures in Korea were very advanced and worked as a linkage to connect between the urban areas and rural areas, enabling people and goods to move easier. 

Throughout my visit to Korea, I noticed that Koreans regarded the preservation of the infrastructures as their responsibility and did their utmost to fulfill this responsibility. The lesson from the program was that promoting devotion and hardworking was the key to achieving successful outcomes of the national development plan. Also, such experience and knowledge from the program helped me to improve my leadership.  After I came back, I have applied the lesson at my work. 

  They're so much to remember in Korea while attending the training program. My story is just a part of many things I learned and exposed to Korean culture, economic and social development experiences.I would like to express my thanks to the Korean government, LOGODI, KOICA, and everyone who made this possible.