JICA’s JOCV program has been re-launched in the country

The Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) program has been relaunched in the country. The JOCV program was re-launched as an important milestone in the long-standing partnership between Japan and Bangladesh. It was launched this month by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The program was relaunched seven years later with the arrival of a physical therapy volunteer to commemorate 50 years of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Bangladesh, which began in 1973.

JOCV is a widely recognized cooperation project implemented as part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), implemented by JICA. Through this program, Japanese citizens volunteer in partner countries and apply their knowledge and skills to the country’s social and economic development.

JICA has sent 1284 volunteers to Bangladesh since 1973. Those who have consistently conducted various activities in sectors like rural development, education, health, information and communication technology (ICT), technical training, solid waste management and sports. Unfortunately in 2016 the program was suspended after the tragic incident at Holy Artisan.

Expressing his excitement, the physical therapy volunteer said, “I am very happy to be the first JICA volunteer to come to Bangladesh after the relaunch of JOCV program.” I would like to apply my knowledge and skills in serving specially abled people in hospital.

Sharifa Khan, Secretary of the Economic Relations Department, said, “We are very excited to welcome JOCV back to Bangladesh.” His knowledge and skills will be especially useful in the development of physical therapy in the country.

JICA Bangladesh Office Chief Representative Ichiguchi Tomohide said, Volunteers are an important part of our collaborative program. These volunteers are being brought back as part of our commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Bangladesh in the development of Bangladesh and to further the space of trust and confidence between the two countries.

This program will serve as a very important medium in sharing knowledge and skills to help the people of Bangladesh in building a prosperous future for the country.