For the fifth year in a row, Salvadoran professionals will travel to Japan to pursue master’s degrees in key development areas through the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Program, a cooperation effort between El Salvador and Japan.

This year, five professionals will study topics such as transportation, industrial promotion, and economic revitalization, aiming to return with knowledge that strengthens institutions and benefits the Salvadoran population.

“The goal is for them to return with ideas and actions that transform institutions and improve lives,” said Hiromi Nai, JICA’s representative in El Salvador. She added that the program also offers “cultural and personal learning that enriches their vision as citizens.”

Luz Elena Núñez, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that each scholar was selected based on a research plan aligned with national priorities.

“I’ll study renewable energy at Hiroshima University, focusing on infrastructure and mobility projects,” said René Garay from the Ministry of Public Works. He also hopes to gain insights from Japanese culture.

Former scholar Atlacatl Fernández praised the program’s quality, stating, “It’s not just for you — it’s something that helps the future of our country.”

Since 2021, 28 Salvadorans have benefited from JDS, making El Salvador the only Latin American country in the program — a symbol of strong ties with Japan.