By John Houaniahau
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Volunteer Program aims to increase its focus on the provinces, according to JICA Volunteer Coordinator Yoshu Ota.
Mr. Ota explained that all JICA volunteers returned to Japan in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the program resumed dispatching volunteers in October 2022.
“It has been two years and four months, I guess. Finally, the total number of volunteers has reached 21,” he said.
Mr. Ota expressed satisfaction with the progress of the program, noting that it is an encouraging development for JICA.
“This batch includes six volunteers. In April this year, six more volunteers will arrive, followed by another six in August. In total, the number of volunteers in the Solomon Islands will be around 27 or 28,” he stated.
He emphasized that the program’s commitment extends beyond Honiara to include provincial areas.
“Our commitment is not only focused on Honiara but also on the local provinces, such as Gizo, Munda, Noro, Taro, Auki, and Kirakira,” said Mr. Ota.
He added, “We aim to focus on the provinces to strengthen the capacity of various sectors in the Solomon Islands.”
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