Working Together in Education, Environment, and Local Governance　-JICA Volunteers Featured on PNG Television-

Three JICA Volunteers—Mr. Shota Uchiyama, Mr. Yu Suzuki, and Mr. Kento Mochizuki—currently serving in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Mr. Hideaki Matsuoka, Chief Representative of JICA PNG Office were featured on a local television program. The segment showcased their volunteer activities and the longstanding friendship between Japan and PNG.

You can see the Interview at the following link　JICA's Volunteer Program in PNG

Since the launch of the JICA Volunteer Program in PNG in 1980, more than 800 Japanese volunteers have been dispatched to the country. These volunteers have contributed across various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and information technology, working closely with local communities and government organizations to address development challenges. As of August 2025, 17 JICA Volunteers are active in PNG. Although the program was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since resumed and continues to support grassroots development in key areas such as education, healthcare, environmental protection, and public administration.

■ Education and International Exchange　-　Connecting Children in Japan and PNG
Mr. Suzuki (Assign at Popondetta Primary school) and Mr. Uchiyama (Assign at Sogeri Primary School) have led online exchange programs between Primary schools in Japan and PNG. Through approximately 20 interactive sessions, students have shared aspects of their cultures, including traditional dance and daily life, fostering mutual understanding. In July 2025, Mr. Uchiyama and his students participated in Papua New Guinea National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, where PNG students proudly sang their national anthem on stage—an inspiring outcome of these exchange efforts.

■ Environmental Awareness - Fostering Eco-Consciousness through Art and Dialogue
In communities facing challenges in waste management, JICA Volunteers have worked to raise public awareness by installing rubbish bins and organizing clean-up activities. They also promote environmental education through creative approaches, such as transforming waste into artwork and facilitating discussions between PNG and Japanese students. These efforts aim to cultivate sustainable habits and environmental responsibility among younger generations.

■ Community Development and Local Governance - Digitalizing Data for Better Public Services
At the Milne Bay Provincial Office, Mr. Kento Mochizuki is working with local colleagues to develop a digital system for managing and reporting client data related to gender-based violence (GBV) and youth welfare. This initiative aims to improve administrative efficiency and enable more effective, data-driven policymaking at the local level.

The JICA Volunteer Program continues to serve as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between Japan and Papua New Guinea. In 2025, the program marks its 60th anniversary globally. The work of these three volunteers—as featured on PNG television—demonstrates the enduring value of people-to-people connections and the vital role of hands-on, community-based cooperation in advancing sustainable development.