A group of nine volunteers, the fourth group of Japanese volunteers for Tonga this year, started working yesterday, October 26.

The volunteers are Mr Atsuhiko Tonohira Civil Engineering Implementation for the Ministry of Works; Mr Hiromichi Suzuki, ICT Policy Promotion for the Ministry of Information; Ms Junko Shirasaka, Nursing for Vaiola Hospital; Ms Shoko Kamata Early, Childhood Education for Tonga Pre School Association; Ms Ai Ito, Dental Hygiene for Ngu Hospital; Mr Toru Yamaguchi, Abacus for the Ministry of Education; Mr Tadaaki Yabukane, Electric and Electronic Apparatus for Tupou College; Mr Yasuaki Shikinami, PC Instructor for ST Joseph Business College; and Mr Fuyuhiko Matsuo, Tonga National Youth Congress.

Fuyuhiko Matsuo 26, a graduate of Tokyo's University of Agriculture and Technology, where he has been studying tropical agriculture will be working with Tongan youths on organic vegetable farming.

"After working in farms in Japan and in the United States I will use my knowledge and experience, to teach youths and other related groups how to grow organic vegetables, how to make compost and to protect vegetables from insects, because in developing countries it is difficult to do this without chemicals," said Fuyuhiko.

Fuyuhiko believes that organic farming will give Tonga an opportunity to export some of its vegetables to Japan and to Europe, "and at the same time keep a healthy diet for Tongan people."

Learning Tongan

Weeks before the volunteers took up their jobs they underwent a familiarization program, and learned about the Tongan culture and language. They also participated in a one-week home stay program with families in Nukunuku village and experienced the Tongan lifestyle and food.

This is the fourth group of Japanese volunteers for Tonga this year, in addition to the 32 volunteers who are currently working in Tongatapu, Vava'u, Haapai and 'Eua.

The Japanese volunteer service for Tonga started in 1972.