Japanese volunteers offer helping hands [1]
Monday, October 25, 2010 - 22:00. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
EIGHT volunteers from Japan began a two year working experience in Tonga on Monday, October 25 and share their knowledge in fields such as early childhood education, electronic engineering and fine arts.
The volunteers included four Senior Volunteers aged between 40 and 69 years and four young JOCV volunteers aged 20-39 years old.
They are Mr Akio Kurihara, Television Program Production for Tonga Broadcasting Commission; Mr Ichizo Sakamoto Agricultural Products Processing for the Ministry of Agriculture; Mr Toshimi Doi Community Development Aid Management Unit of the Ministry of Finance; Mr Matazo Yamagata Electric and Electronic Engineering for Tonga Institute of Science and Technology; Mr Katsuya Terabayashi Rural Community Development for the Ministry of Works; Ms Kimika Odo Primary School Education for Ha'apai Education Office; Ms Miyuki Kobayashi Early Child Education for Petani Kindergarten; and Ms Yumi Sakamoto Fine Arts teacher for 'Ahopanilolo College.
Meeting the local media on October 22 at the JICA head office in Nuku'alofa, the volunteers expressed their enthusiasm to work in Tonga and contribute towards the country's socio-economic development.
On October 9-16 the volunteers took part in a home stay program where they stayed with Tongan families, and experienced the Tongan lifestyle at Nukunuku.
There are currently 42 Japanese volunteers serving in Tonga. This is the second group to come under Japan's current financial year that runs from April to March 2011.