J.I.C.A VOLUNTEERS ARE BACK IN SAMOA AFTER THREE YEARS
Dr. Ryohei Sato & Ms Nao Hara
Photo : JICA Samoa
Ms Nao Hara & Dr. Ryohei Sato have returned back to Samoa to continue volunteering through JICA after almost 3 years. The participants are the first two returning volunteers since their evacuation back in 2022 due to the pandemic.
“We never thought we would be back here in Samoa. We're delighted.” They said as they arrived at the airport. The returned volunteers were welcomed at the Faleolo Airport by JICA Samoa Resident Representative Ms. Yumiko Asakuma.
Ms Nao Hara who is assigned to work at Fagalii Primary School as a volunteer for Primary School Education. As for Dr. Ryohei Sato, he will continue in veterinary medicine with the Animal Production &
Health Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
“Welcome back to Samoa! Samoan people have been waiting the arrival of JICA volunteers and I am delighted to see you, Ms. Hara and Mr. Sato is back again in Samoa" stated Japan Embassy Ambassador Keisuke Senta.
"You two look very energetic and ready to resume your responsibilities in Samoa. I hope you renew friendships with your colleagues, friends and students. I also look forward to seeing many more volunteers to come”he added.
According to a Press Release by the JICA Samoa , the JICA volunteer program started in Samoa back in 1972 making Samoa the first country in the Oceania region to receive such assistance. Almost 700
volunteering members have traveled to Samoa for the past 5 decades according to the JICA Office records.
"I like to acknowledge the Government of Samoa and its people for their trust and partnership with JICA over the last 50 years" says Ms. Yumiko Asakuma.
Samoa and Japan this year will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic partnership between two nations. JICA is ambitious to strengthen its bondage with Samoa for further benefits and collaborations which will benefit both nations.