May 2008 DILI: Education is a vital tool to a country’s development, and it lies in the hands of Timor Leste’s youth.
Japan Foreign Affairs vice minister, Uno Osamu said this when visiting Science of Life Systems 24/7 (SOLS 24/7) centre in Dili, recently.

Speaking to an estimated crowd of 300 full-time boarding and 400 part-time morning students, Uno said the opportunity to study English, business and other skills in SOLS 24/7 was the key to developing the country.
He then visited the centre’s computer lab, which is the largest ICT lab in Timor Leste, and was highly impressed that education was provided free by SOLS 24/7 as well as the amount of students studying.
As he was taken on a 15minute site tour, Uno expressed surprise at the large number of foreign volunteers, particularly Japanese volunteers, who were based in SOLS 24/7.

At the time of visit there were eight Japanese, — Cambodians, one Singaporean and one English volunteer.Moved at the dedication shown by the Japanese volunteers despite the political turmoil and instability in the country, he gave his encouragement to the foreign volunteers and applauded their spirit of volunteerism.

Uno said he highly encouraged young Japanese to volunteer in developing countries as it allowed for a cultural exchange and the opportunity to assist in progress of the country.
He said SOLS 24/7 had the largest number of Japanese volunteers in Timor Leste after the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a program which sends Japanese youths to developing countries to help support development, but it was discontinued in Timor Leste after the political instability sparked riots in 2006.
Uno, who owns and updates his website daily, said he hoped to revive the program to give Japanese youths the chance to give back to society and expand their horizons.

To view more photos of Uno’s recent visit to Timor Leste please view his web diary / blog which is updated daily http://www.unosamu.com/photo/200504.html