Samoa J.I.C.A. Alumni reflects on successes

14 March 2017, 12:00AM

The Samoa J.I.C.A. Alumni Association (S.J.A.A.) held its first full-capacity Annual General Meeting with over 60 attendees on Saturday 11th March. 

Another first for the Association, was that the A.G.M. was held out of town, at Le Uaina Resort, Faleapuna.

Two Executive members were reappointed, Mr Mata’u Esau for a fourth term and Asuao Malaki Iakopo for a third term. “I congratulate them on being re-appointed and wish them every success in the coming year,” said Ms Fuiono of J.I.C.A.

In his address, the President of the Association, Mr Mata’u Esau underlined the remarkable operational and financial successes that the Alumni have achieved in the last three years. 

“The Alumni have shown extraordinary positive development. This is all the more encouraging given the fact that the Alumni has continuously improved in its proposed budget for its activities over the years.

The Executive is convinced that there is yet further potential for the Alumni.” 

The Acting Resident Representative of J.I.C.A., Mr Irei Eizen said: “The progress made by Alumni shows that sustainable success is possible by building on our own strengths.

It is very much based on your individual contribution and being a part of the J.I.C.A.

Training Programme in Japan that we have rigorously pursued over the past years. The current Alumni members have created a strong foundation for further profitable growth and will continue doing so during the current financial year.” 

Later in the program after the A.G.M., followed a Cultural Exchange Activities of Entertainment from both Samoan and Japanese people, and an Umu Demonstration which everyone enjoyed.  

H.E Ambassador of Japan, Tuimaugaoalii Kazumasa Shibuta addressed the gathering, “You can be considered as Japanese Grassroots level as ambassadors of Honori-causa in Samoan societies to keep close ties with Japan and its culture”. 

Others at the A.G.M. and Activities included members of Japan Overseas Volunteers Cooperation - Japanese Volunteers, Government Ministries’ representatives, JICA Staff and Alumni Active Members families and friends. 

The meeting also resolved to review Alumni’s constitution to allow the association to register under M.C.I.L.  “I’m confident the Alumni will continue to be effective, exciting and innovative, providing real value to our community and to our members,” a J.I.C.A. Staff and member of J.I.C.A. Alumni said.

A new Executive Committee was elected for 2017. It is with great pleasure and pride that we announce the new team;

 

President: Mata’u Esau Loto (Samoa Fire, Emergency and Services Authority)

 

Vice President: Asuao Malaki Iakopo (Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment)

 

Secretary: Sapeti Ti’iti’i (Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries)

 

Treasurer: Ana Schuster (Ministry of Finance)

 

Committee Members

Lisi Maranata Iosefa (Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour)

Ulu Shinn Ete (Electric Power Corporation)

Fata Lemauai (Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture - Associate Member)

Trina Gago (Ministry of Finance - Associate Member)

Through this new and astute line up of local volunteers, we are looking forward to kicking off 2017 with renewed enthusiasm, abundance of energy and bright ideas. The Executive Committee can’t wait to reach out to our Alumni members with relevant information, events and membership benefits.

We, both J.I.C.A. and S.J.A.A. would like to invite everyone who were tasked and travelled to Japan for capacity building via J.I.C.A.’s training programs to join or re-join our Alumni membership in 2017 and re-connect with your fellow community members.

14 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>