JICA volunteers are celebrating 50th anniversary

On Friday 4th March 2022, Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers held 50th anniversary event at Sheraton Hotel to introduce volunteer's grass roots level activities and achievements with some introductions of Japan's upcoming projects and programs. In this occasion, JICA is also celebrating the numbers of volunteers that has been reached 676 since first dispatch ..

Japan Volunteers program was established in 1972. Almost 700 volunteers were dispatched to various Governmental ministries and corporations, while others disbursed amongst Sports Associations and bodies, Special Need institutions and Non Government Organisations.

Volunteers serve in Samoa for a term of two years. In special cases, a short term volunteer is requested. They can serve for up to one year. Local organisations and JICA volunteers equally benefits from this partnership, with JICA volunteers learning additional life experiences as well as the unique culture and traditions of Samoa. The host organisations and local counterparts also gain extra skills in their chosen fields. Some counterparts were fortunately granted training opportunities in Japan, further enhancing their knowledge.

JICA have been contributing to the human resources development in Samoa in the fields of HEALTH/ SOCIAL WALFARE (Nutrition, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Public Health, Public Health Nurse, Information Communication Technology), TOURISM (Marketing, Handicraft, Photography, Dressmaking, Ceramics, Museology, Tourism, TV Program Production), AGRICULTURE, YOUTH & SPORT and EDUCATION.

JICA's motto is "Together with Local Community", indicating that they are eager to work together with local people and contribute to the socio economic development of Samoa.

Because of their expertise, locally committed activities and fluency in Tetum, their performances are highly appreciated by a number of institutions and people of Samoa, and the requests for the dispatch of Japan Volunteers are continuing to increase.