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GRS StoriesCEO Reflections on the 2009 Spring Arts Festival in North Korea
The support and sacrifice of our underwriters, sponsors, staff, partners, Board KAPES and GRS:
The Korea America Private Exchange Society (KAPES) is the agency within the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) or North Korea, that works together with US non-government organizations (NGOs). KAPES was formed in 2006 as the agency which handles communications, preparations, follow-up, translation, liason, negotiations, and hospitality for Americans. KAPES is an important part of the success for development projects within the DPRK. The vision of KAPES is to be the first NGO for the DPRK and encourage more private exchange between US and Korean professionals and citizens for the purpose of working toward normal relations between our two countries. KAPES and GRS have developed a strategic partnership with common goals. GRS completes USAID Hospital Generator Installations GRS completes USAID Hospital Generator Installations
The governments of the USA and DPRK have agreed to install generator systems in hospitals within the DPRK to enhance the medical care by improving the electrical power to critical areas of local hospitals. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) are working together with four NGOs to complete the projects--GRS, Mercy Corp, Samaritan's Purse, and the Eugene Bell Foundation. GRS shipped generator systems and installation material to three hospitals within the DPRK in June 2008. Installation was completed and tested by GRS staff in July, 2008. DPRK workers and engineers renovated existing buildings to house the systems, and worked together with GRS engineers to complete the installation. Wonsan Provincial Hospital:
Wonsan Pediatric Hospital:
GRS partners with the Ministry of Public Health
The Korea America Private Exchange Society (KAPES) made arrangements for GRS staff to work directly with the Ministry of Public Health to install the generator systems. The Ministry of Public Health provided excellent help that was essential to the success of the project. Nyongbyun District Hospital
GRS goes "Beyond Charity" with USAID support
The Hospital Generator Project is a perfect match for GRS desire to go "Beyond Charity" in humanitarian efforts. At each step in the project, GRS team members consult with National and Local leaders to assess the situation and to develop a cooperative approach to issues facing the community. The installation of generator systems sponsored by USAID/OFDA in hospitals within the DPRK is part of the long term solution to enhance medical care and security within the DPRK. Planning, Delivery, and Installation
Links GRS Links: Donate Now US Government Links: USAID-Home Page Installation Visit
Generators, circuit breaker boxes, lots of various sizes of wire, voltage regulators, conduit, tools and all the hardware needed for the installation were shipped to DPRK for the summer installation. Future Plans:
GRS is planning a long term relationship with the three hospitals receiving the generator systems. The generator project sponsored by USAID/OFDA is a good fit with ongoing GRS and DPRK medical programs involving educational transfers, conferences, training, equipment installations, material donations and other types of support. This long term relationship is important to the local officials and doctors in the DPRK. DPRK Provincial Leadership Supports Generator Installation
The Kangwon Province leadership was closely involved in the generator installations within Wonsan city. The Executive Director and Assistant Director of the Province provided support, guidance, and enthusiasm throughout the installation. GRS staff is grateful for their support and hospitality. |
