What are they doing?

Since 1954, when Japan began the training programme, Japan has received more than 130,000 participants in Japan. All of these former participants have been active in a variety of fields upon return to their home countries.

The first JICA alumni association was organized in the Philippines in 1976. This association was formed to work at keeping closer contact with Japan, to get to know Japan better and to build a link between former participants after returning to their home country. Since the formation of this pioneer alumni association, several others have been formed several other countries. As of November 1996, the total reached 73 associations in 67 different countries. Efforts are underway to former similar organizations in other countries as well.

The alumni associations also offer input to JICA, which enables the implementation of more effective cooperation programmes including the training programme for overseas participants.