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This July, the Japanese Overseas Volunteer (JOCV) /JICA volunteer program in Uganda marks 20 years.

Remarkably, the JICA Volunteer program started in July 2001 with Volunteer Coordinator (at the time) Mr. Tomoaki Tsugawa, and Ms. Resty Nabakka, the first National staff who doubles as Personal Assistant to the Chief Representative and Program Officer in charge of Training.

Ms. Resty Nabakka, the first National Staff and Program Officer in charge of the JOCV and Training Programs

Ms. Nabakka recounts that JICA Uganda started as a volunteer coordinating office (JOCV Uganda) and in 2001, by request from the government of Uganda, started receiving volunteers from Japan to work in different organisations such as hospitals, schools and district offices with the aim of utilising their skills, knowledge and experiences. These volunteers were indoctrinated into the Ugandan culture by staying with local families so as to get acquainted with the way of life.

The 1st batch on 13th July 2001 had one volunteer; Ms. Ritsuko Najima, a nurse who was dispatched to Mulago hospital to support the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She was followed by other volunteers, posted in the same year.

Ms. Ritsuko Najima, First Volunteer (Left) and Mr. Tomoaki Tsugawa, the first Volunteer Coordinator (Centre).

Between 2001 and 2010, JICA received 454 volunteers, with the highest number dispatched in 2005. JICA has so far received a total of 760 volunteers and to date, the program continues to benefit Ugandans since they learn a lot from the volunteers. In return, the volunteers also pick lessons from their counterparts to take back to Japan.

Together with the communities!