JICA ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION (JAA) conducts a waste survey and VAPE presentation with Educational Talent Search Students, and celebrates its 17th Year Anniversary

On March 4, 2023, the JAA led by Acting President Justino Helgen conducted a waste survey and VAPE presentation to Educational Talent Search Students at the Small Business Building at CTECH. The purpose of the survey and presentation is to inform and encourage the high school seniors to manage their waste on a daily basis and to learn about the hidden effects of VAPE. The survey was conducted by JAA-Pohnpei representatives which included Ms. Patti Pedrus and Mr. Alfred David from the Environment and Health Sectors, while the VAPE presentation was conducted by Mr. Sebastian Tairupewiy from the Sports Division of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs. Mr. Kazuhiko ISHIJIMA, Volunteer Coordinator gave the opening remarks and thanked everyone for coming, while the Educational Talent Search Program Director Rita Hadley expressed ETS’ gratitude to JICA for engaging the students in such activities, and encouraged the students to participate actively as mindful citizens. JAA Acting President Justino Helgen thanked JICA and ETS for the collaboration.

During the 17th JAA/JICA Anniversary on March 16, 2023 event at H.E Hisashi Michigami, Ambassador of Japan’ s residence, JAA and JICA members and guests gathered to celebrate their achievements and express gratitude to the Japan Government. Mr. Keiichi MURAOKA, Resident Representative of JICA Micronesia Office delivered his welcoming remarks and acknowledged all distinguished guests including Honorable Dahker Daniel, Senator of Pohnpei State Legislature, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, Public Affairs Officers, representative from the Office of Pohnpei State Governor, Mr. Tos Nakayama, Director of Department of Public Works & Transportation in Chuuk and all JAA members. High Level speeches were delivered by His Excellency Ambassador Michigami and JAA Acting President Helgen followed by a presentation by Mr. Dayn Darin Iehsi, who recently completed his

Masters Program from the University of Hokkaido in Japan. An election of JAA officers was held and new officers for 2023-2025 have been elected. The newly elected officers include -President Justino Helgen, Vice President Dayn Darin Iehsi, Treasurer Desiree Mori, and Secretary Joyce Roby. *JAA consists of members who have been trained in Japan made possible through the relationship between Japan and FSM to build capacity. Members return to their states and are expected to apply what they have learned through activities that engage the general public. JAA wishes to thank H.E Ambassador Hisashi Michigami, JICA Resident Representative Keiichi Muraoka for supporting the activities.