First Lady Sajidha Mohamed met with volunteers from the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) programme, the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), at the Official Residence of the President, Mulee’aage, this morning.
Her Excellency Ishigami Rumiko, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Maldives, and the Director of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) accompanied the JOCV delegation to the meeting.
During the meeting, the JOCV volunteers shared their unique experiences working across various islands, where they teach in local schools and collaborate closely with communities. They highlighted their contributions to health and physical education, including handball, baseball, and athletics. JOCV also teaches music and vocational skills such as handicrafts and culinary arts, supporting cultural exchange and capacity-building on the islands.
The First Lady expressed her sincere gratitude for the continuous support extended by the Government of Japan. She conveyed her deep appreciation for the JOCV’s dedication, noting that their service brings meaningful benefits to local communities and strengthens the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
The JOCV have been working in the Maldives since 1982 and have deployed more than 350 volunteers across the country.