Billy G. Kuartei, former Minister of State, was praised with the 13th JICA President Award reflecting his dedication to JICA activities for twenty-year service, especially with the volunteer program introduction in 1997. Resident Representative Nobuaki Miyata handed the award issued by the JICA President Dr. Shinichi Kitaoka and a memento for supplementary prize.
[restrict]
On the opening of JICA Palau Office in 1997 as a Volunteer Coordinator’s Office for the Japan Overseas Cooperation, Kuartei initiated that volunteers would stay at civil Palauan’s home in order to contribute to deepen the relationship and friendship between Japan and Palau at grassroots level. The home stay framework for JOCVs remained for twenty years until today and all JOCV will stay with Palauan host family as if they were its member. Provision of accommodation for volunteers’ stay in Palau shall be responsible for the recipient government in principle.
Kuartei had full attendance at Volunteer’s Activity Presentation held twice a year except when he was unavailable for other duties as a Minister. This fact showed his interest or instinct on the younger generation’s growth, perhaps from his view point of educator. Kuartei was also dedicated to have visit by Japanese Emperor and Empress to Palau and he was one of the chief hosts of Japanese imperial visit realized in April 2015.
For more information regarding this and other JICA Programs, you may contact the Ministry of State or call JICA Palau Office. [/restrict]