JICA Volunteer to assist Waste Management Division in awareness and capacity building

The Port Vila Municipal Waste Management Department has sought assistance from multiple partners and has received support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This week, JICA will dispatch a volunteer to the department to begin work, assisting in improving the current state of waste management.

Jason Andrews, Manager of the Port Vila Municipal Waste Management Department, confirmed this news. He stated that the focus of this work will be on schools, through conducting awareness and education campaigns to popularize the importance of proper waste disposal and reducing littering among children.

Mr. Andrews explained, "Past education efforts targeting adults in the community have not been ideal, because real change requires transforming ingrained ways of thinking." He added, "However, young people's minds are more easily shaped, ensuring good habits are cultivated from an early age and carried into adulthood."

In addition to the school project, the JICA volunteer will also be responsible for training new staff and contributing to capacity building within the department, thereby comprehensively strengthening waste management efforts.