Since March 2020, all JICA Volunteers serving in Samoa repatriated back to Japan due to the international border closures resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“Consequently, the Volunteer program for Samoa was suspended. It was the hope of all volunteers at that time that they would return soon to cooperate further development for Samoa. That optimism was almost three years ago.
Samoa re-opened its borders in August this year and there are now regular flights arriving in Samoa.
“Ultimately, JICA has decided to resume the Volunteer program in Samoa,” this was confirmed in a statement issued by JICA
JICA Samoa Office is now proceeding to ensure all coordination indicators are secure for volunteers’ safe arrival and smooth transition into their work placements.”
In 1972 the JICA volunteer program commenced in Samoa. Samoa became the 15th country in the world and the 1st country in the Oceania region to receive JICA volunteers in December 1972.
The first JICA volunteer sent to ‘Western Samoa’ (former name for Samoa) worked as a civil engineer for the construction project of a power station. His activity contributed to the stable electric power supply in the country.
At the start of the program in the 1970s, the number of JICA volunteers to Samoa was limited. However, activities were fully recognized by the Samoan government and to date a total of 676 JICA volunteers dispatched. Considering the population of Samoa is around 200,000, the number of JICA volunteers per population is quite large compared to other countries. This means there is a high demand for JICA volunteers to Samoa and their activities are well-received by government and the people of Samoa.
When the JICA volunteer program began in Samoa, volunteer placements were mainly in fields for example, infrastructure and agriculture. In recent years, various cooperation activities including training in education and industry, support for disabled people/ special needs and education for young people through sports is well underway. Envisioning the next 50 years, we will continue to create further cooperation programs together with the people of Samoa.
JICA volunteer program dispatches Japanese nationals who wish to assist developing countries. The volunteers live and work at the grassroots level, learning and speaking the same language.
The main objectives are cooperating in economic and social development, as well as the reconstruction of developing countries, deepening friendships and mutual understanding, co-existing in cross-cultural societies. Also sharing their volunteer experiences back into Japanese society.
