BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) remains committed to supporting the Solomon Islands government through its ongoing volunteer programme.
This initiative is part of Japan’s broader international cooperation efforts, with the goal to assist countries in areas such as public services, economic development, and more.
JICA’s volunteers play a key role in delivering these services in designated countries, including Solomon Islands.
The country has been benefiting from this programme for decades, with volunteers supporting various government services across the nation.
In an interview during a Japanese cultural festival held at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum campus on Saturday, JICA’s Resident Representative in Solomon Islands, Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, highlighted the continued importance of the volunteer program.
He shared that, at present, there are 27 Japanese volunteers in the country: 18 based in Honiara and nine stationed in provincial centres such as Munda, Gizo, Noro, Kirakira, Buala, and other urban areas.
Mitsuyoshi explained that the volunteers’ areas of expertise include health, education, economic development (such as marketing and tourism), and environmental management.
He also noted that JICA is exploring new areas of cooperation based on the needs of Solomon Islands.
For example, recognising the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and extreme weather, JICA is considering expanding its support in disaster risk management.
“We’ve already had one volunteer assisting with national disaster management,” Mitsuyoshi said, emphasising JICA’s flexibility and readiness to respond to the country’s evolving needs.
Looking ahead, he mentioned that JICA is set to welcome more volunteers this year to replace those whose service tenures have concluded.
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