Message from Director General of the Secretariat of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers

The activities of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in Belize began with three members dispatched in December 2000. Since then, a total of 191 volunteers have worked with the people of Belize in wide range of fields such as education, youth development, sports and community development, environmental issues and social welfare. The basic concept of JOCV program is not to unilaterally transfer skills and knowledge, but to deepen mutual understanding and build relationships of trust while walking together. This trust-based approach not only contributed a lot to solutions of issues in recipient communities, but also provided diversity to the way of lives of many people of Belize and volunteers themselves. It expanded the possibilities of each and every one of them. Some of the former volunteers returned to Belize after their assignment period ended and have been working as local teachers for the future of children in Belize, and some of them started business in the tourism sector and played a role in connecting Belize with people in Japan. There is also a former volunteer who has set up a local NGO and is steadily working on environmental issues. In Japan, there are other former volunteers who have contributed to introduce Belize to the people of Japan in their communities through the education sector and other sectors. JOCVs play an important role, as a bridge between the two countries in both Japan and Belize even after their assignment period in Belize has concluded.

The fight between humanity and COVID-19 is still going on. We marked the 20th anniversary of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers program in Belize during this difficult time. Due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19, all JOCVs had to return to Japan from all countries in March/April 2020. And even now, the re-dispatch of volunteers has not been realized in many countries including Belize. We must say it is very unfortunate that we cannot celebrate this memorable year with JOCVs in Belize. Despite this difficult situation, we JICA, also would like to express our strong determination in moving forward with the steps toward the resumption of JOCV program in Belize.

Through the JOCV program, JICA will continue to assist to solve issues which Belize faces and will further strengthen the bond of friendship and trust between the two countries.

KOBAYASHI Hiroyuki
Director General of the Secretariat of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)