Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has contributed hygiene items to Maradhoo School in Addu City.
The hygiene items were donated by Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) Ai Hattori who worked as a teacher in Maradhoo School. The items were handed over during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Education on November 5. State Ministers of Education Fathimath Naseer and Ahmed Riyaz took part in this ceremony, along with the Resident Representative of JICA Maldives Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi.
During this ceremony, JICA Representative Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi mentioned this project might be rather small but holds significant meaning. He noted the masks donated to the school are washable and reusable, noting it is more environment friendly, as well as family budget friendly. He added JOCV, Ms. Hattori has facilitated through a guidance sheet, the effective way of washing and utilizing the mask.
Due to the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives, JICA has repatriated all its JOCVs working in the Maldives. At the time of repatriation, majority of the JOCVs working in the Maldives consisted of teachers, especially in background of Physical Education. JICA stated even though the JOCVs are now in Japan, they are still maintaining a good relationship with their host islands and schools.