6. Dispatch of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers

Outline

    The Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program is an overseas volunteer program for young people who wish to play a role in the nation-building process in developing countries, where they live amongst the local populace while they pass on their relevant knowledge and skills. Thus, for these young Japanese volunteers, who work toward enhancing bilateral friendly relations at the grassroots level by becoming directly immersed in the local lifestyle and culture, the program allows them to naturally cultivate a broad international perspective and sensitivity. Celebrating its 33rd year in April 1998 after being launched in 1965, the JOCV program has now seen more than 17,000 volunteers experience life in developing countries.

Mechanism of Dispatch of Volunteers from the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers

History

    As early as the late 1950s, Japanese youth organizations were active in the field of international solidarity. The Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program was initiated in April 1965, with the establishment of its secretariat as part of the then Overseas Technical Cooperation Agency (JICA's predecessor). A few years earlier, in 1961, the US Peace Corps program advocated by the late President John F. Kennedy was launched.
    The initial budget for the JOCV was approximately ¥70 million. The first volunteers, numbering 40 in total, were sent to Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Kenya. Subsequently, the numbers of both host countries and volunteers have gradually increased, bringing the cumulative totals as of the end of March 1998 to 67 countries and 17,735 volunteers. At present, 2,374 volunteers are working in 59 countries, financed by a JOCV budget of some ¥18.7 billion for FY1998.
    A geographical analysis of volunteer destinations to date shows that most volunteers have been dispatched to Africa and Asia, accounting for 32.6% and 32.1% of the total respectively, followed by Latin America, Oceania, the Middle East, and Europe. Analyzed by field of activity, the largest numbers of volunteers have worked in education and culture, followed by agriculture, forestry and fisheries, maintenance and operation of machinery, and public health and hygiene.

Dispatch of Volunteers

(1) Agreement for the Dispatch of Volunteers
    Volunteers are dispatched to developing countries under the terms of bilateral agreements (Exchange of Notes) concluded between the Japanese government and that of the host country. Beginning with an informal approach from the host country, the procedure adopted from the presentation of the request to the conclusion of the agreement is as follows.

(i) The host country presents a request to the Government of Japan via diplomatic channels, setting out appropriate information that includes the specific reasons for seeking the volunteers and the specialist fields concerned.

(ii) The Japanese government makes its decision on the request, taking into consideration such factors as the contribution the dispatch of the volunteers will make to the promotion of friendly relations with the recipient country, the possibility of finding qualified volunteers to meet the specialization requirements of the host country, and the possibility of continuing to dispatch a substantial number of volunteers in the future.

(iii) Japan presents a draft agreement for the dispatch of volunteers to the government of the host country and negotiations begin. When agreement is reached, the Exchange of Notes is signed, usually by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the host country and the Ambassador of Japan.
   The agreement normally stipulates the following matters: a) volunteers are to be dispatched under the terms of an agreement between the two countries, b) Japan is to shoulder the responsibility for return-trip air fares and accommodation expenses for the period of stay in the recipient country, and provide some equipment, materials and medicines required to carry out the volunteer activities, c) the host country is to exempt volunteers from customs duties and income taxes, and provide accommodation quarters and medical care.

(2) Dispatch Procedure
    Volunteers are recruited in a twice-yearly public advertising campaign in Japan, in accordance with specific requests made by prospective host countries. Successful applicants undergo a training program of about two and a half month's duration, focusing on subjects such as foreign language studies, international cooperation and development, cross-cultural understanding, and conditions in the host country, after which they are sent out to their destinations. In the following sections, we outline the recruitment, selection, and training processes, and the field activities of volunteers.

(i) Recruitment and Selection
    Volunteers are recruited twice a year, in spring and autumn. Application forms are accepted throughout the recruitment period at the JOCV Secretariat (6F Shinjuku Maynds Tower, 2-2-1, Yoyogi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Tel: 03-5352-7261) or any JICA branch office. Inquiries about the JOCV program are handled by the JOCV Secretariat, prefectural liaison offices, and JICA branch offices in Japan.
    Given that the intention of the recruitment process is to attract outstanding young people from all areas, cooperation is sought from various industry bodies, prefectural governments, universities, and youth organizations. Briefing sessions are also held at 250 locations throughout Japan during the recruitment period.
    The major selection criteria are as follows: a) candidates should be Japanese men and women at least 20 years of age and in principle less than 39 years old at the time of application, b) in general, academic background is not taken into consideration, c) candidates should have specialist technical skills and knowledge sufficient to meet the requirements of the host country, d) candidates should be capable of adjusting to the local social environment, and to live in harmony with the people of the host country.
    Candidates must pass two hurdles to be considered for selection as a volunteer: a written examination (comprising tests of aptitude, English and specific technical knowledge), and an interview (comprising an assessment of character, health checkup, and a test of specific technical knowledge). The written examination is held at the regional level by prefectural authorities, and the interview is conducted in Tokyo.

(ii) Training
Successful candidates undergo a residential group training course of about two and a half month's duration before being dispatched overseas. Depending on the need for specialist technical training and the relationship with the employer, training courses may be held three times a year (April, September, and January).
    The intensive training program covers a variety of topics, including the nature of JOCV, conditions in the host country, foreign language study, physical education, health and hygiene studies, and transport safety. After completion of the training course, volunteers undergo a final qualification examination, then after obtaining confirmation of their acceptance by host countries, are sent overseas.
    During the training period, JOCV is responsible for volunteers' food and lodging, study materials, and a training allowance. Other benefits such as an installment-payment plan and mutual aid benefit are also provided.

(iii) Activities in the Host Country
After arrival in the host country, the volunteer undergoes a local training program of four to six weeks' duration. Training is offered either at a school where language studies can be undertaken, or by lodging the volunteer with a family to provide opportunities to become accustomed to local customs and language. Upon completion of local training, the volunteer is assigned to a ministry, agency, or regional government body, where he or she begins activities in earnest.
    The cooperation activities undertaken by volunteers differ according to the host country, but broadly speaking can be classified as follows.

(a) Village activities, where the volunteer participates in rural society as a member of the local community, and works to disseminate and popularize new techniques and knowledge (e.g., rice cultivation, animal husbandry).

(b) Classroom activities, which involve the volunteer providing training activities and educational opportunities in areas such as vocational training and the teaching of mathematics and science (e.g., Japanese language studies, vocational training in radio and TV broadcasting).

(c) Site activities, where the volunteer participates in civil engineering, construction, or communications-related duties (e.g., civil engineering, design, surveying, telephone installation).

(d) Office or laboratory activities, where the volunteer takes part in design, testing, or research activities (e.g., cultivation trials, urban planning).

    In general, volunteers are posted overseas for two-year assignments. However, if their work is not completed within the initially-scheduled period and an extension is sought by the host country, the posting can be extended for anywhere from a few months to about one year. On the other hand, if activities cannot be continued before completion of the two-year assignment as a result of injury or similar problems, a volunteer may return to Japan at that time. To ensure the volunteers' good health, medical check-ups are conducted twice a year and common medicines are supplied to volunteers while on assignment. Other measures taken to provide a high standard of medical care include the JOCV Secretariat's permanent team of advisory physicians, stationing of medical coordinators in host countries, and a system of local consultant physicians.

(iv) Activities after Return to Japan
After their return to Japan, volunteers must be reoriented into Japanese society, either by returning to their former jobs or by finding new employment opportunities. Finding employment is of absolute importance to returning volunteers. Career guidance that is carefully tailored to each volunteer's circumstances is offered by the Secretariat, with guidance counselors available at each JICA branch in Japan. Indirect support activities for volunteers are also offered by private sector bodies such as the The Supporting Organization of JOCV.
    Volunteers without jobs awaiting them in Japan receive a lump-sum payment comprising the installments paid before leaving Japan, funds that are intended to be used to assist volunteers while they find new employment. Some returning volunteers join the association of former volunteers in their particular prefecture, through which they contribute to the local community by using the experience and knowledge gained abroad, and participate in the orientation of new volunteers

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