Home>Press Release>Japan hands over GGP Grant for Airai Elementary School
◆Japan hands over GGP Grant for Airai Elementary School
On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, Ambassador of Japan Yoshiyuki Sadaoka formally handed over the reconstructed gymnasium to Airai Elementary School (AES). The Handing Over Ceremony was held at the newly built AES gymnasium in Ked, Airai, along with the Promotional Ceremony. The ceremony to hand over the gymnasium to the AES was attended by the President of Palau Tommy Remengesau Jr., Airai Governor Victoria Kanai, Senator Mason N. Whipps, Senator Phillip Reklai, Senator Arnold Oilouch, Senator Rukebai Inabo and Delegate Frank Kyota. Attendees for the Promotional Ceremony were also present.
Through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP), the AES gymnasium was reconstructed in the total cost of $98,095. The new gymnasium is named “Kengo Gym” after the former Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Volunteer, Kengo Yoshizawa. Mr. Yoshizawa taught mathematics and physical education for two years at AES until March 2012 and contributed greatly in submitting the application for the GGP.
A roof was constructed above the existing basketball court, in order to enable physical education classes and other school events for students regardless of extreme heat or rain. By increasing the opportunity to have sports activities, it is expected to promote student’s health in school life. Furthermore, the constructions of the gymnasium projects are implemented for the community to benefit at the same time. Therefore, it is expected that approximately 3,000 residents in Airai State would also benefit from the Kengo Gym.
AES is the fourth school to receive GGP funding for its gymnasium after Koror Elementary School in 2006, Palau Mission Academy in 2012 and Bethania High School in May 17, 2013.
©Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Palau
P.O. Box 6050 Koror, Republic of Palau 96940