Reception in honour of JICA Volunteers

 

　

　

On 14th December 2012, a Reception was held in honour of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in Zambia to share experiences and exchange ideas, as well as to interact with Zambian officials from related ministries.

 

A total of about 100 people were gathered at the Ambassador’s Residence, and these included officials of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, volunteer agencies from other countries, and all JICA volunteers. In his opening remarks, Japanese Ambassador H.E. Akio Egawa praised the activities of JICA volunteers who were living and working in the rural areas and encouraged them to promote friendship and transfer of technology at the grassroots level.

 

The Guest of Honour, Honourable Nicholas Banda, M.P., Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, expressed appreciation for Japan's development assistance through Volunteer work to the Republic of Zambia. He further applauded the Volunteers for the good work they are doing in Zambia and encouraged them to consider Zambia to be as their second home, while exchanging cultural values, which, he said, is a key factor in fostering world peace.

 

JOCV started their activities in Zambia in 1970. Since then, Zambia has become one of the top four among the more than 50 countries in Africa where JOCV operate, with a cumulative total of 1271 young Japanese volunteers having served in this country. A total of 55 Senior Volunteers (SV), who are retirees with wide expertise and experience in their fields of specialisation, have also served in Zambia since 2001. As of now, there are 63 Japanese volunteers, comprising both JOCV and SV, active all around Zambia.

 

To read the Ambassador's speech at the Reception, please click here.

 

Back to top page