Network Magazine
Alumni News
The 100th Alumni Association - JICA Alumni Association of Iraq - Marks a Strong Start
Members of the JICA Alumni Association of Iraq had a chance to exchange views with the representatives from the neighboring Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian and Egyptian JICA Alumni Associations.
As Iraq makes steady steps toward its political and social reconstruction, a strong driving force on the country's way forward was established on 16 December 2004. Sixty-five Iraqi JICA alumni gathered in Amman, the capital city of neighboring Jordan, in order to celebrate the inauguration of the JICA Alumni Association for Iraq (JAAI), the 100th JICA Alumni Association in the world.
In addition to the Iraqi alumni who had to endure many difficulties to get to Amman given the severe security condition, more than 100 people gathered to celebrate the launch of JAAI. Guests included Japanese Ambassador to Iraq Mr. Toshiro Suzuki and Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan Mr. Ata Abdul Wahab. Also present were the representatives from the neighboring Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian and Egyptian JICA Alumni Associations. Prior to the inauguration ceremony, the representatives met with JAAI board members to share their experiences in running the association.
Relations between Iraq and Japan go back a long way, and as of December 2004 there were more than 1,500 Iraqis who had participated in training courses offered by JICA. This includes some 1,000 Iraqis who visited Japan as trainees before 1990 and an additional 500 or more who participated in JICA training programs offered since 2004 as part of Japan's assistance effort for Iraq's reconstruction.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by more than 100 people gathered to celebrate the launch of the 100th alumni association.
However, bringing together JICA alumni in Iraq was a difficult task: some of them had retired, contact addresses were lost, and their political background was different. Despite these difficulties, JICA, with its strong belief in the power of ownership for reconstruction, appealed to Iraqi alumni through newspaper and radio ads. Among those who responded to these ads were Mr. Ammar El-Saffar, who is the founding president of JAAI, as well as eight other alumni who serve as board members.
Ambassador Suzuki expressed his high hopes in a speech saying, "I hope that today's meeting will inspire and encourage the participants to create a better future for Iraq." JICA also hopes that in working with JAAI, it can contribute to accelerate Iraq's reconstruction efforts.
JICA Network is waiting to hear about the activities of your alumni. Please send your news to us.
Email: jicagap-opinion@jica.go.jp
