JICA

JICA folks jepta joy

JICA folks jepta joy

A group of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers, who dubbed themselves the “Apakaaj in Majel Jepta,” have been spending three nights a week since early November practicing their piit dance and singing. While nine-year-old Marshallese Tine Mook sang the story of Tobolar and gathering coconuts, the dancers showed a polished performance of their piit […]

Woja Elementary’s new library

Woja Elementary’s new library

The very first library for Woja Elementary School (WES) is underway, thanks to 87 Japanese donors. Project coordinator Junko Shindo, former Japan International Cooperation Agency volunteer teacher for WES (July 2013 – August 2015), said a library is a must for every school. Books are on their way from Japan as well, she said. Shindo […]

Marshallese-English Dictionary app now available

Marshallese-English Dictionary app now available

Two Japan volunteers have created an “app” that puts the Marshallese-English dictionary literally at the fingertips of anyone who has a computer, tablet or smart phone. Japan International Cooperation Volunteers Tadashi Takaya, who is departing CMI later this month after two years in the IT department, and Taro Ogura, who recently returned to Japan after […]

JICA plan could save Ebeye millions

JICA plan could save Ebeye millions

A proposed solar project for Ebeye could save the utility company anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars a year, depending on the scale of the plan that is under discussion now. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and RMI officials reviewed the project following a second survey visit to Ebeye and Majuro by […]

Japanese gift of water

Japanese gift of water

Japan Ambassador to Marshall Islands Hideyuki Mistuoka and Japan International Cooperation Agency Acting Resident Representative Hironobu Esaki presided over the handover of 15 seawater desalination machines to the Chief Secretary’s office last Friday. Public Works Minister Tony Muller received the donation on behalf of the Marshall Islands government. In his remarks, Ambassador Mistuoka said he […]

Where there’s JICA, there’s hope

Where there’s JICA, there’s hope

HILARY HOSIA Last year, the Public School System adopted a revised math textbook created by a small contingent of Japan International Cooperation Agency volunteers in Majuro. Around the same time Majuro Atoll Waste Company gained new and sophisticated methods of consolidating waste, which includes a leachate treatment process similar to Japan’s. And, for a good […]

Tablets the talk at Ajeltake

Tablets the talk at Ajeltake

ISAAC MARTY A new way to improve overall mathematic skills and critical thinking for public elementary students is being undertaken by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer teachers. The pilot project is based on an electronic tablet device that engages students in virtual math practices, various game-like activities, and tests. According to project coordinators Hiroyuki […]

Majuro’s bridge still in good shape

Majuro’s bridge still in good shape

In response to a request from the Marshall Islands government, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) flew in bridge expert Kashiwamura Tomohiko and Project Coordintaor from JICA headquarters Furuhashi Momoko for a four-day assessment on the Majuro bridge last week. Aside from a minor 0.65-millimeter crack on the abutment under the bridge, the 30.8-meter bridge is […]

JICA teaches about fish

JICA teaches about fish

Mone (Bluespine unicornfish), Mera (Parrotfish), Jera (Sabre squirrelfish), and other local fishes were jotted down in notebooks of Ajeltake Elementary School (AES) sixth graders as they learned about the benefits of the local resource. They visited the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority’s Fish Market in Uliga late last month. The event was an activity put […]