In late July 2024, 6 JICA volunteers are completing their assignment in Palau and returning to Japan.
Itabashi Naomi, Yamahata Rika, Dodo Maiko and Hasewaga Tsuyoshi contributed to the improvement of math education at Maris Stella school, Airai Elementary School, Melekeok Elementary School and Bureau of Curriculum and Instruction/Palau High school respectively. Support for mathematics education continues to be the largest cooperation in the 27-year history of JICA volunteer program. The 4 volunteers greatly contributed to the capacity development of not only their students but also their colleagues in their 2-year assignment. Many of the students taught by JICA volunteers have clearly improved their math skills.
Dodo also engaged in music education in Melekeok Elementary School. Her music classes have sparked an interest in music in many children.
Ms. TSUBURA Chiako supported Food Service Program of Ministry of Education as nutritionist. She not only supported the students’ daily school lunches as a nutritionist, but also worked on nutrition education for the students. She created a handbook for school lunch cooks and a nutrition education workbook for students, which will continue to be used in the future.
Aizawa Miki, an experienced nurse in ICU management, worked to support the effective use of the ICU facility introduced by JICA as a measure against COVID19. It is expected that Aizawa’s contributions will lead to more active use of the facility in the future.
The total number of JICA volunteers who have completed their term of service in Palau is approaching 300. Of these nearly 300 returned volunteers, 9 are currently back in Palau, continuing to contribute to the development of Palau after their term of service. JICA Volunteer Program continues to be a key program for deepening mutual understanding between Palau and Japan.
To learn more about this and other JICA Programs, please contact the Ministry of State or JICA Palau Office, or visit https://www.jica.go.jp/english or Facebook, JICA Palau Office.