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JICA Volunteers in Palau

◆Alii from Palau!

Toshio Watanabe
JICA Senior Volunteer
Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industries & Commerce

　　　It has been my long time dream to become a JICA senior volunteer. My dream finally came true in September 2010, when I was dispatched to Palau with my wife. 10 months have past and I am getting more and more used to the strong sunshine, different culture and daily life in my new home.

(A colleague working on a transistor oscillator circuit)

　　　My volunteer activity takes place at the Division of Communication under the Bureau of Commercial Development, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industries & Commerce in Melekeok. Our office is responsible for managing radio channels for broadcasters and private companies such as mobile phone carriers.

　　　I work with two colleagues and a chief. Our job includes investigating efficient allocation of radio channels, distributing licenses for use of channels, and pursuing regular inspection of the radio stations. In addition, an important part of my job is to provide technical training for my colleagues to improve their skills by giving lectures in basic radio engineering and sharing the electric communication situation in Japan. Besides, in order to realize smoother daily operation, we are currently creating a database for all radio stations. I always look for areas that could be improved in our office, while also appreciating the difference between Palau and Japan and looking for the best solution for Palau.

(Commuting with colleagues)

　　　My daily routine starts at 5 a.m., getting up, carrying a bento and leave before 7. I share a car with my colleagues from Koror to Melekeok. In the car, everyone speaks Palauan and unfortunately, I cannot understand at the moment. After working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., I return home around 6. After dinner, I enjoy watching NHK, then prepare for the day after, and go to bed around 10. My hobby has always been amateur radio communication. From Palau as well, I communicate with people from over 70 countries around the world through amateur radio. Our neighbors are very nice to us and my wife and I are enjoying our life in Palau.

　　　Since I used to work for a telephone company in Japan, I always wished to utilize my experience to support people in developing countries. I am very grateful that I can work with the people of Palau, dealing with radio communication and contributing to human security and convenience of the people.

Radio Communication