Press Tour for Local Media (February 27, 2025)
2025/3/3
Local media covering math classes by JICA volunteers
JICA Volunteer Working at the Animal Protection Society
Local Media at the Landfill Site
On February 27, the Embassy of Japan in Samoa, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Samoa Office, organized a press tour for local media. This was the first development cooperation press tour co-hosted by both organizations, with eight journalists from eight different media outlets, including newspapers, television, radio, and online media, participating. The purpose of the press tour was to increase media coverage of Japan’s development cooperation in Samoa while also enhancing communication with government officials, intellectuals, and the general public.
The press delegation visited and reported on Japan’s grassroots-level support and projects that directly impact daily life in the Apia region. These included initiatives in primary education, veterinary and medical services, and waste management.
【Primary Education】
To improve the educational environment, the Government of Japan supported the construction of a new school building for Fagalii Primary School, which was completed in September 2020. Since 2011, a total of five JICA volunteers have been engaged in mathematics and science education at this school. The current volunteer, Ms. Okamoto, was observed conducting interactive and practical lessons in collaboration with local teachers.
【Veterinary and Medical Services】
To enhance animal welfare, a mobile veterinary clinic was provided to the Animal Protection Society in July 2023. Additionally, since 1997, a total of 21 JICA veterinary volunteers have continuously supported animal health services in Samoa. The current volunteer, Mr. Yamaguchi, is actively involved in pet health management, infectious disease prevention, and providing animal care guidance to local residents.
【Waste Management】
The press group visited the Tafaigata Landfill, a pioneering project in waste management for Pacific island nations, which began in 2002 with Samoa at its center. The visit provided an opportunity for the local media to witness and report on the dedicated and systematic efforts of the landfill staff.
Following the press tour, several articles and TV reports featured Japan’s development cooperation efforts. The following day, a three-page newspaper spread highlighted Japan’s commitment to community-based development cooperation, further strengthening public understanding of Japan’s contributions to Samoa’s development.
The press delegation visited and reported on Japan’s grassroots-level support and projects that directly impact daily life in the Apia region. These included initiatives in primary education, veterinary and medical services, and waste management.
【Primary Education】
To improve the educational environment, the Government of Japan supported the construction of a new school building for Fagalii Primary School, which was completed in September 2020. Since 2011, a total of five JICA volunteers have been engaged in mathematics and science education at this school. The current volunteer, Ms. Okamoto, was observed conducting interactive and practical lessons in collaboration with local teachers.
【Veterinary and Medical Services】
To enhance animal welfare, a mobile veterinary clinic was provided to the Animal Protection Society in July 2023. Additionally, since 1997, a total of 21 JICA veterinary volunteers have continuously supported animal health services in Samoa. The current volunteer, Mr. Yamaguchi, is actively involved in pet health management, infectious disease prevention, and providing animal care guidance to local residents.
【Waste Management】
The press group visited the Tafaigata Landfill, a pioneering project in waste management for Pacific island nations, which began in 2002 with Samoa at its center. The visit provided an opportunity for the local media to witness and report on the dedicated and systematic efforts of the landfill staff.
Following the press tour, several articles and TV reports featured Japan’s development cooperation efforts. The following day, a three-page newspaper spread highlighted Japan’s commitment to community-based development cooperation, further strengthening public understanding of Japan’s contributions to Samoa’s development.