Overview:
Japanese volunteers with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are making a meaningful impact in Palau’s schools, improving student nutrition and strengthening physical education programs despite logistical and language challenges.
From introducing daily milk to school meals to coaching teachers in unfamiliar sports, the volunteers’ work within Palau’s Ministry of Education highlights both dedication and cultural exchange. Their experiences reflect resilience, collaboration and deep appreciation for Palauan hospitality.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau — Japanese volunteers are leaving a lasting mark on Palau’s schools, from daily milk for kids to coaching teachers in sports they barely knew — all while navigating kitchen puzzles and language hurdles in this Pacific island nation.
Japan volunteers leave lasting impact on Palau schools. Febuary 2026 (Photo credit: Japan Embassy in Palau)
Setsuko, a JICA volunteer in the Ministry of Education’s food service program, beamed about her top achievement. “Until last December, we served milk only three times a week, but from this January, we offer milk every day with school meals,” she said. “It’s a big accomplishment.”
Designing menus for 18 public schools proved her toughest test. “The most challenging part for me is creating a menu for 18 public schools, but they all have different conditions,” Setsuko explained. “For example, Koror Middle School’s kitchen has no oven, and Palau High School lacks deep-fry equipment. There are rules too, like no bread two days in a row and no same meat on consecutive days. So, it feels like solving a puzzle.”
What captivated her most about Palauan life? The cooks’ relentless drive. “I love the Palauan cooks — they work very hard every day. Their workload is very long and very hard,” she said. “They dedicate their whole life to their job. That’s Palauan culture — their hospitality.”
Harumi, a PE teacher at the Ministry of Education, echoed the spirit of contribution. “My work is coaching the teachers and the PE classes. And I had a sports event, et cetera,” she said.
Her biggest hurdle? Stepping into unfamiliar sports. “My big challenge is communicating in English, and I’m teaching PE — basketball, volleyball, baseball, et cetera,” Harumi shared. “I’m not good at volleyball, basketball, baseball. But I have to teach, so I have to study every day.”
Palau’s community won her heart. “Around people, I think they are similar to Japanese — they respect each other,” she said. “Many people are very kind to me, so I’m very grateful every day. I like how to live a happy life here because of the kind people around me.”
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