DILI, 14 April 2026 (TATOLI) – Four Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) presented the results of their two-year assignments in Timor-Leste during a “Final Presentation” event organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Tuesday at Timor Plaza, Dili.
The event highlighted the volunteers’ activities as they prepared to conclude their service. It also showcased the work of three thematic groups: Mathematics, Japanese Language, and Quality Control, all conducted in Tetum to engage local participants.
Eri Wakamori, a volunteer stationed at the Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV), said she was pleased to contribute through the JICA program, particularly in strengthening hygiene and infection control practices within the hospital.
She focused on improving cleanliness standards and raising awareness among cleaning staff about the importance of infection prevention.
“We also posted various important notes about hygiene and infection prevention. This education should start in elementary school, including hygiene, sexual health, and infections,” Wakamori said.
In the education sector, volunteers Fumiko Yanagisawa and Ayuna Sugiyama, members of the Mathematics Group at Santa Madalena de Canossa School, reported that they conducted teacher training sessions, developed learning materials, and organized classroom activities.
“During our time in Timor-Leste, we provided training to teachers, created learning materials, and held various activities at the school. We hope to continue working together to improve the quality of mathematics education,” Fumiko said.
She noted that differences between the Japanese and Timorese curricula highlight the need for closer collaboration with the Ministry of Education to improve teaching approaches.
The volunteers also observed strong student motivation in Timor-Leste, while stressing the need for continued efforts to improve overall learning quality.
Another volunteer, Ryuto Tokuda, presented activities from the Japanese Language Group, which works to introduce Japanese language and culture to local communities.
Former Timor-Leste Ambassador to Japan, Ilidio Ximenes da Costa, also attended the event, expressing appreciation for the contributions of JICA volunteers, particularly in education and health.
He noted that mathematics performance in Timor-Leste still requires improvement, based on his experience during his diplomatic posting in Japan, and encouraged continued support in the sector.
“I hope JICA volunteers can continue to support improving the quality of education, particularly in mathematics. In the health sector, Japan has also made a real contribution,” he said.
He added that the volunteer program not only provides technical assistance but also strengthens bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Japan.
The JOCV program in Timor-Leste, implemented by JICA, dispatches Japanese volunteers to support socio-economic development in areas such as education, health, and youth development. Since 2010, volunteers have worked closely with local communities and institutions, focusing on capacity building, skills transfer, and fostering long-term cooperation between the two countries.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
