Just in time for the opening of the new school year, Ambassador Sadaoka, Japan’s First Resident Ambassador to Palau, handed over “The Project for Peleliu Elementary School Restroom Facilities” to Principal Ngerblunt Arurang and the students of Peleliu Elementary School on August 18, 2010.  The simple ceremony began with the students of Peleliu Elementary School singing “Belau er Kid”, Palau National Anthem which set a warm and peaceful atmosphere to the ceremony.  Attending the ceremony were Hon. Kangichi Uchau – Governor of Peleliu State, Obak Isao Singeo – High Chief of Peleliu State, Mr. Des Matsutaro – Speaker of Peleliu State Legislature, Mr. Emery Wenty – Director of Bureau of Education Administration and Mr. Sinton Soalablai – Chief of Division of School Management. 

 

　　　Valued at $ 29,776, the grant assistance is funded under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).  The grant funding was utilized to renovate the boys and girls restroom facilities (flush and non-flush toilets), construct boys and girls shower rooms, and the construction of a roofed walkway connecting the classrooms to the restrooms. These improvements will allow the students to use hygienic restrooms in times of water shortage, as well as prevent the students from getting wet in bad weather when walking to the restrooms from their classrooms.  The previous toilet facilities were over 10 years old and were un-usable at times due to periodic low water pressure of Peleliu.   At such times, classes were cancelled due to health concerns for the students.  With the renovation of the non-flush toilets, the students can look forward to uninterrupted studies in the new school year.   

 

(In front of the new toilet facilities:
Ambassador Sadaoka(left) and Principal Arurang )

　　　The Government of Japan has been offering financial assistance to developing countries through GGP schemes, by directly funding non-government organizations. GGP has been available in the Republic of Palau since 1999 and to date; numerous projects have been funded for the benefit of the locals. The focus areas of GGP in the Republic of Palau are primary education, primary health and environmental conservation.   

 

　　　To date, the Government of Japan has funded three projects for Peleliu State under the GGP scheme.  The first was a microbus in 1999 that is still in use by the school, the second was the provision of Emergency Boat Equipments in 2003 and the third is this current project to renovate the restroom facilities of the school.   Aside from these GGP schemes, the Government of Japan also funded the construction of the North Dock of Peleliu State in 2005 under the Official Development Assistance (ODA).  These contributions demonstrate the great interest and support that the Government of Japan has for Peleliu State.

(Handing over the keys to the toilet from
the contructor all the way to the Principal)

　　　According to Ambassador Sadaoka, “This project is a prime example of our friendly relations and common concern for human resource development through the improvement of educational facilities.  It was my pleasure to hand over this project to the students and teaching staff of Peleliu Elementary School as well as the people of Peleliu State, with deep appreciation for their continued cooperation and assistance towards the Government of Japan’s ongoing efforts to collect and repatriate the remains of Japanese War Dead in their beautiful state. I want to thank Principal Arurang and the students of Peleliu Elementary School for an impressive ceremony that ended with traditional dances presented by the students and the wonderful spread of tradition Peleliu foods. ”

 

(Students of Peleliu Elementary School excitedly awaiting the Ribbon-cutting)

©Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Palau

P.O. Box 6050 Koror, Republic of Palau 96940