10/2023-2024

A meeting was held between representatives of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) regarding JOCV (Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer Programme), Mizoram Foundation Movement(MFM) andofficials fromLESDE Department headed by the Secretary Pu Lalramsanga Sailo IRS on 12th April 2023. JICA (JOCV) Programme Coordinator Mr Kuniaki Yazawa and Senior Project Officer Mr Joyanta Rabha informed that the JOCV Programme started in 1966 and there are 92 available Volunteer expert sectors, in which skilled  Japanese volunteers are placed in various countries in sectors ranging from Education, Health, Sports, etc. Currently, JOCV is run in 96 countries and there are 13 volunteers across India. Mizoram is a focus State amongst the North-Eastern states due to peace and security. The JICA representatives pointed out the sectors in which Japanese volunteers are placed in the host countries, most notably in teaching Japanese language so that youths from these countries can seek employment opportunities in Japan. The possibility of training Mizo youth to have the ability to acquire jobs in Japan after learning Japanese language and training of Mizo youths by Japanese experts based on Japan Skill proficiency requirement levels was discussed.

Pi Angela Zothanpuii, Director,LESDE informed about the ongoing training of 20 Mizo Nurses in Japanese language by NSDC International at Delhi so as to enable them to seek job opportunities as Caregivers in Japan, under the bilateral MoU signed by both countries.

Under JOCV programme, inspection has been carried out for 2 Japanese language expert volunteers to be placed in Mizoram as applied by MFM (Mission Foundation Movement) , a training provider under LESDE Department with existing ties to Japan. The volunteers will be provided a subsistence allowance from JICA, but the host organization has to provide local accommodation and  domestic travel expenses.

JICA has undertaken various construction works in Mizoram like roads, hospital buildings,and it has supported various agriculture and Minor irrigation projects. The officials of LESDE and MFM were apprised on how to seek volunteers under the JICA-JOCV Programme and assured of assistance in all future endeavors.