Three newly arrived  Japanese volunteers recently visited the Papaigalagala Campus of the National University of Samoa as part of their orientation programme.

 

They were: Mr Sugimura Toshiyasu, Japanese language teacher; Mr Irie Katsuhiko, motor mechanic; and Ms Higa Natsuyo, a fine arts teacher.

 

Mr Toshiyasu has been assiged to the National University of Samoa to replace the current Japanese lecturer, Ms Sakuma Makiko; Mr Katsuhiko has beeen assigned as a teacher to Don Bosco Technical Institute, Alafua; and Ms Natsuyo will help out at the Penehuro School of Fine Arts, Letava.

 

All are currently receiving Samoan language and cultural training under Tonuu F. Amituanai Misi, Samoan Language and Culture Teacher for JICA.

 

The model village used for the training programme is Tufuiopa but other aspects of the training are also taking place in other parts of Apia, said Tonuu.

 

This is the first time in Samoa for all three volunteers.

 

They all find the wealther hot and humid but otherwise glad to contribute to the development of the people of Samoa.

 

They will serve for two years, in accordance with JICA guidelines for its volunteers.