JICA Alumni Association of Kiribati

02/10/2025

JICA SDG Scholar from Kiribati 👏🏾😀

【Kiribati: JICA Scholarship 2025 Awardee’s Experience in Japan】

Ms. Nterei Bakoa from Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (Kiribati) was awarded JICA SDG-GLP Scholarship 2025 and the following statement is her experience as she embarks on an academic journey in Kyushu University undertaking Masters in Law:

Mauri & Hajimemash*te!
Watashi wa Nterei desu. Kiribati kara kimash*ta. Kyushu Daigaku no gakusei desu. Dozo yoroshiku onegai shimasu. Domo arigato gozaimasu.
Living in Japan is a dream come true; I’ve had the opportunity to explore the unique traditional culture of Japan, make new friends, and learn the language—words like Konnichiwa and Domo arigato gozaimasu!
I thank God for His continued blessings, and deeply grateful to JICA and the CSPA board members for selecting and supporting me to pursue a master’s degree in law at Kyushu University. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to my family for their unwavering love and guidance.
The knowledge and skills I will gain from this program will contribute to the initiatives and objectives of my country, Kiribati, especially through my role at Ministry of Fisheries. I believe this opportunity will greatly support not only my personal development but also the development of my nation.
Once again, thank you very much—Domo arigatou gozaimasu.
Nterei Bakoa

Embassy of Japan in Kiribati
JICA Alumni Association of Kiribati

01/04/2025

JAAK Annual Summary of the 8 Activities Implemented in JFY2024 funded under JICA:


1) ‘Community Awareness and Promotion of Kiribati Meteorology Services’ on 27 Sept 2024 at KMS office in Betio. This activity was implemented by JICA Ex-trainee, Ms Mwata Keariki, in which representatives from BTC communities participated (Refer to Picture 1).

2) ‘Starting Your Business and Financial Literacy’ Workshop on 22nd, 23rd & 29th Oct 2024 at the Commerce boardroom in Betio. This activity was implemented by JICA Ex-trainee, Ms Angoango Fakaua, and attended by women representatives from communities who are also members of the MOM Uprising Organization (Refer to Picture 2).

3) ‘Traffic Safety’ Consultation on 15 Nov 2024 at Maritime Police conference room. This activity was implemented by JICA Ex-trainee, Mr Kabuaua Uatao, in which around 20 drivers from Ministries and Communities were attentive on the amended Traffic Act lectures and participated in discussions within their groups (Refer to Picture 3).

4) ‘Mangrove Planting’ initiative - collecting seedlings on 29 Nov at Tanaea Causeway & plantation on 30 Nov at Bonriki Causeway. This event was a collaboration between JAAK & JOCV in honor of International Volunteer Day with participants including JAAK members, Volunteers, MELAD team, Tourism Authority, Embassy of Japan and Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Foundation. It was a success with 2000+ mangrove seedlings planted (Refer to Picture 4).

5) ‘Post-Xmas Membership’ Event on 28 Dec 2024 at JICA office in Teaoraereke.
Fundraising activities during the event included Raffle Tickets and Plus-Ones Fees with approximately 30 people in attendance, including the plus-ones of the JAAK members. Total income of the event was $165 (Refer to Picture 5).

6) ‘Clean-Up Campaign’ that focuses on surrounding areas of the Battlefield War-Relics on 19 Jan 2025 in Betio. This campaign was organized by JAAK members in Tourism Authority Kiribati in which over 30 people participated from communities in Betio and Mum Uprising Organization (Refer to Picture 6).

7) ‘Equipment Purchase for Agri-Tourism on Butaritari Island’ which is an ongoing product development initiative that began in 2023. One of the main challenges has been the lack of tools to support the mass production of the ‘te mwakemwake’ plant. Tourism have purchased approximate $1,000AUD worth of tools and equipment to be utilized by the Butaritari Community especially ‘te mwakemwake’ farmers (Refer to Picture 7).

8)Annual General Meeting on 30 Jan 2025 at Koakoa’s Restaurant in Antenon. The AGM consist of JAAK Activity & Financial reporting for the members and for the nomination of new JAAK Executive members. Another important part of this event is to discuss proposals of new activities for the new fiscal year. 20 participants confirmed their attendances but due to unforeseen circumstances, 12 attended the event (Refer to Picture 8.)

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