Personalities with direct working links with the JICA Volunteers during the 50 years of service for the programme in Samoa.
By Staff Writer
Heartwarming reflections were felt very strongly in Apia today in the commemoration of 50 years of Japanese volunteer service in Samoa.
Recorded video linkups of Samoan families and friends with former volunteers who are back in Japan provided several emotional highlights of the occasion.
Most of the Japanese volunteers were on 2-year assignments in Samoa in many sectors of national development.
Working closely with Samoan counterparts developed into close friendships for many of the volunteers, in many cases they were ‘adopted’ as members of Samoan families.
The assistance programme is officially referred to as the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, JICA, volunteers programme.
The half century landmark of Japan’s assistance to Samoa was marked in a formal ceremony, highlighted by reflections by former volunteers of their experience.
Local benefactors from the volunteers and other added Japanese support spoke in gratitude for the help.
The Japanese Ambassador to Samoa spoke on the close relationship between Japan and Samoa during today’s formalities
Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Ponifasio expressed official appreciation Government to the help from Japan to the national development of Samoa.
The JICA volunteer program was founded in 1965, and Samoa became the 15th country in the world and the first country in the Oceania region to receive JICA volunteers in 1972.
In December of the same year, the first volunteer was assigned to the Ministry of Public Works to cooperate for the construction project of a power station utilizing his Civil engineering knowledge.
JICA has dispatched volunteers yearly since 1972, and the number of volunteers has now reached 676.
They are assigned to various fields such as Education, Health care, Construction, Environment, IT, Sports, etc.
“Throughout this country, JICA volunteers have been working hard and steadily for a long time,” JICA Resident Representative, Akihiko Hoshino, spoken on the commemoration.
“As a result, their activities have been highly evaluated and have earned trust of the people and the government of Samoa.
“Their activities have been well accepted in Samoa and contributed to today’s development of Samoa with mutual trust and bonds.
“This is the fruit of their hard work having the same viewpoint as the local people in the field. “
The JICA boss said the volunteers will give back through their valuable experiences in Samoa to society in Japan when they return home.
He also highlighted the benefits of working and learning together for the future developments in both countries.
“We will make every effort to make Samoa, Japan, and the world better through JICA volunteer program.
‘I’m confident that we will be able to keep thinking and working together with the people of Samoa for future challenges and generations to come.”