Outline of JOCV in Zimbabwe

• JICA Volunteer Program
• Japanese volunteer request form (Word/40.5KB)
• Procedure of Making an Official Request for Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) (PDF/61.7KB)

What is the JICA Volunteer Program?

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Volunteer Program involves Japanese citizens in supporting socio-economic development in Japan's partner countries. Its mission is to contribute to inclusive development and to promote good will, and international understanding.

Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, Japanese Volunteers are dispatched based on the "chose and concentrate" concept which focuses on humanitarian support, to the social and economic development of the country, and promote understanding between Japan and Zimbabwe supporting the new political and economic dispensation. Young Japanese professionals are assigned to Zimbabwe for two years to live with local communities in various technical fields.

Focus Areas are

• Vocational Training Centers
• Teachers Colleges
• Sports, Art and Music and Special Education

History of the JICA Volunteer Program

The Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers was established in 1965 to provide official Japanese technical assistance programmers abroad. JOCV has since dispatched about 50,000 volunteers globally in more than 160 technical fields. In Zimbabwe, the program was established in 1989, and more than 500 JOCVs dispatched since inception. JOCV activities have made a big difference in Zimbabwe‘s perception to practical subjects such as Physical Education (PE), Art and Music which can bring people together regardless of religious affiliation and language differences. In addition, they live and work together with communities, speak local languages and carry out activities with an emphasis on raising self-reliant efforts while fostering mutual understanding

JOCV (Ms. Mori) demonstrating Physical Education to the Hillside Teachers College students

JOCV (Mr Taniyama) developing baseball skills to the grassroots young Bulawayo Communities

JOCV (Mr. Nakajima) during PC training session at Belvedere Teachers College

JOCV (Mr. Yamamura) during athletics training session at Bindura University of Science Education