December 21: Japan Overseas Co-operation Volunteers (JOCV) celebrated its 20th anniversary in Bhutan yesterday. Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck was the guest of honour at the function held at the clock tower square in the capital.

As part of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of JOCV in Bhutan, the clock tower square was the venue of several activities.

The JOCV members presented a cultural programme that featured volunteers dancing to a popular Bhutanese rigsar number.

After the cultural programme, Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck inaugurated the exhibition.

As part of the anniversary, the celebrations at the clock tower square included dance performances, physical fitness test and advice where visitors could get medical check and physical fitness test.

At the function there were displays of various aspects of Japanese culture including Japanese tea ceremony and children’s games. JOCV members also demonstrated making of compost. Doll making, Japanese cooking and a photo exhibition were also featured at the 20th anniversary celebrations.

Currently 49 JOCV Volunteers including 13 senior volunteers serve in different parts of Bhutan in areas ranging from education to the renewable natural resources.

The 20th anniversary celebrations of JOCV was attended by senior Bhutanese officials.