Japan's volunteer projects in Laos bear fruitーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts:

• Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV)
• 60th Anniversary of JOCV
• International Cooperation and Foreign Aid
• People-to-People Exchange
• Agricultural Development (Rice Cultivation)
• Sports Development (Judo)
• Capacity Building
• Trust Building

60th Anniversary of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in Laos

Japan is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program. This milestone occurs amidst global strains on international cooperation, including reviews of foreign aid by administrations like the US. NHK World's Kim Jong reports on the JOCV's projects in Laos, the first country to receive this assistance.

Ceremony and Historical Significance

A ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary brought together current and former JOCV volunteers and Lao government officials. Since the program's inception, Japan's aid agency, JICA (and its predecessor), has dispatched over 1,100 individuals to Laos. These volunteers have been instrumental in fostering knowledge and people-to-people exchanges across various sectors, including education, sports, agriculture, forestry, tourism, and trade.

Pioneering Volunteer: Oni Rio's Agricultural Contribution

84-year-old Oni Rio, one of the first JOCV members dispatched to Laos 58 years ago, revisited the country. He expressed deep emotion at the significant changes and the transformation of the landscape. After studying agriculture in the US, Onishi was inspired by youth activities there and applied to become a volunteer.

• Specific Agricultural Challenge: Upon his arrival, Lao farmers practiced selling paddy rice by measuring it with rice grains. This method was inefficient and prone to loss, as grains could be washed away during rainstorms.
• Onishi's Solution: Onishi introduced the Japanese technique of germinating seeds separately and then transplanting the seedlings.
• Impact: This agricultural innovation significantly boosted local rice production.
• Continuing Connection: During his recent visit, Onishi shared his experiences from his first deployment, highlighting the enduring value of communication. He noted, "We had a long talk in the candlelight and it remains an unforgettable memory." He emphasized, "After listening to Onishi's speech, I realized that the most important thing is to keep communicating."

Sports Development: Kikuchi Tomoki's Judo Coaching

Another crucial area of Japanese support is sports coaching. Kikuchi Tomoki is currently teaching judo in Laos. The country faces financial constraints, leading to limited budgets for sports programs.

• Current Role: Kikuchi is training athletes for Laos' national judo team in a martial arts hall in Vientiane, which was constructed with financial aid from Japan.
• Athlete's Progress: One athlete shared, "I've improved physically. At first, I didn't have the strength to fight properly, but now I'm looking forward to performing new techniques in the matches."
• Kikuchi's Aspirations: Kikuchi aims to contribute to the advancement of judo in Laos. He stated, "I think it's important to continue coaching and passing on the techniques and history of judo to others. One day, I hope people will know that it was me who brought Lao Judo to this level."

Conclusion: Volunteers as Ambassadors of Trust

In an era where international aid faces increasing pressure, Japanese volunteers continue to serve as the "face of Japan." They play a vital role in building trust and fostering strong relationships with local communities in Laos.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The 60th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers program in Laos underscores the long-standing and impactful contributions of Japanese volunteers. Through practical interventions in agriculture, exemplified by Oni Rio's rice cultivation techniques, and capacity building in sports, such as Kikuchi Tomoki's judo coaching, JOCV has facilitated knowledge transfer and people-to-people exchange. These efforts are crucial for Laos' development and demonstrate the enduring value of direct, on-the-ground cooperation in building trust and fostering mutual understanding, even amidst evolving global aid landscapes. The program's success lies in its ability to empower local communities and create lasting connections.