Ms. Asako Solis
The Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in Belize will celebrate its 20th Anniversary in December 2020. To commemorate the anniversary "Ex-JOCV Now" series will be started. As the first ex-JOCV, Ms. Asako Solis shares her experience and thoughts on Belize. Ms. Asako Solis was assigned at "Youth for the Future" a Youth Enterprise that has helped many young people to get started in business; between August 2004 and July 2006 as a volunteer in youth activity based in Belize City. She wrote, and we quote:
" I thought Belize is a bright and free country with a lot of possibilities. I remember that the then Prime Minister visited our office every week and anyone could come to see him. My impression of Belize was what a wonderful and friendly country! I was engaged in entrepreneurship program for the youth without jobs. I implemented business plan contest to create job opportunities. I explored sales channels for the products we made together. For example, we produced pineapple jam and sold it at supermarkets. I managed and sold BBQ , and created donuts workshop and sold them to gas stations. To raise morale of the youth, I implemented relay marathons. We really ran a lot! I taught music and marketing at 4H Center in Belmopan in the development of young people, mainly teenagers.I challenged many things and learnt how to live in Belize. I participated in many events such as carnival parades, La Ruta Maya canoe race river challenge, BDF marathon and triathlon. I also climbed Victoria Peak (the second highest Maya mountain in Belize). I was always touched by the warm hearts of Belizeans when I participated in anything. Attracted so much, I came back to Belize after my volunteer term was over. I started my own company "Belize Public Relation Production" in 2007. I wrote a guidebook on Belize to introduce the country to Japanese people. I also coordinated over forty Japanese television crews in Belize. In 2018, I set up and registered a new company "Belize Concierge Excellent" and work as tour guide operator presently. I continue connecting Belize and Japan!
What I have done in Belize was made possible with the support from JOCV members through various exchanges. Please come back to Belize soon and let us work for Belize together.
Thanks to the support of people in Belize, I can live, work and enjoy Belize. I feel privileged that I did my volunteer activities in Belize. I am very happy to be in such a beautiful country.
Beauty stays not only in its nature but also in Belizean people's heart!"
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