The Elim Hlanganani Society for the Care of the Aged at Waterval and the national and provincial departments of social development and the premier’s office welcomed a recruit volunteer from Japan a fortnight ago.

The society and stakeholders gave Mr Itaru Igarashi a fitting welcome during an event at the society's hall. Igarashi has been recruited to assist the Elim Hlanganani Society for the Care of the Aged on matters of information technology (IT).

“I have been at the centre since April and will be volunteering for the next six months to train local youths and the elderly in information technology,” he said.

The 69-year-old Igarashi is a retired IT specialist who worked for different companies and the government in his home country. He has been stationed in the society as part of his volunteership at the Japan International Co-operation Association (JICA).

He indicated that he was happy to have been sent to South Africa for volunteer work. “I believe that it's my duty to share my knowledge with people who needs it most,” he said. “I will make it my priority to make sure that I contribute positively to the centre in the time that I will be spending here.”

The society's deputy director, Ms Molly Maswanganyi, said that they were pleased to have Igarashi in the centre. “He will also be doing organisational development and we are pleased to have such a volunteer among us,” she said. “We are confident that we will learn a lot from him.”

Apart from assisting in computer-related issues in the society, Igarashi enjoys cooking for people as well. “I am also enjoying learning XiTsonga,” he said.