Home>Press Release>Japan’s GGP Grant for Typhoon Affected JFK Elementary School
◆Japan’s GGP Grant for Typhoon Affected JFK and Ngarchelong Elementary School Signed
On Tuesday, December 17th, 2013, Ambassador of Japan Kazuhiro Tajiri, Principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School (JFK) Miriam Watts and Principal of Ngarchelong Elementary School (NES) Pamela Swei signed documents formally officializing the grants to reconstruct the typhoon damaged school facilities for both schools through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Projects (GGP).
The signing ceremony was held at the President’s Office in Melekeok and was witnessed by President Tommy Remengesau, Jr., Minister Kuartei, Kayangel Delagete Noah Kemesong, Ngarchelong Delegate Marhence Madrangchar, Kayangel Governor Jeffrey Titiml, Ngarchelong Governor Browny Salvador, Director of Bureau of Education Emery Wenty, Chief of School Management Mr. Sinton Soalablai and other related personnels.
Due to super typhoon Haiyan which struck Palau on 7th November, JFK in Kayangel, as well with other buildings on the island suffered a devastating damage. Thus, ‘The Project for Reconstruction of John F. Kennedy Elementary School’, valued at $ 403,722, will rebuild the entire school facility. Once reconstructed, the new building will also be used to function as a community typhoon shelter. Therefore, it is expected that the new school would serve as a safe and reliable facility for both students and residents in Kayangel state.
NES in Ngarchelong had its school cafeteria damaged. Unable to serve lunch to students, NES has been holding classes only half day after the typhoon. Accordingly, ‘The Project for Reconstruction of Typhoon Damaged Facility for Ngarchelong Elementary School’, valued at $ 96,810, will reconstruct the school cafeteria. Through the reconstruction, it is hoped that NES students can regain the school life they used to have before the typhoon and study in a satisfactory environment.
In his remarks made in the ceremony, Ambassador Tajiri conveyed his sincere sympathies for the people affected by the typhoon. Furthermore, he stated his hope that school reconstruction for JFK and NES will bring a positive impact to the community and it will also lead to both state’s soonest recovery.
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999, for the purpose of responding to various development needs engaged in grassroots activities in Palau. As of December 17, 2013, the Embassy has signed 49 grant contracts with schools and hospitals as well as state governments and non-profit organizations. Education, health care and environment are the primary fields prioritized by Japan and its GGP.
◆Japan Hands Over Reconstructed School Building to JFK Elementary School in Kayangel
On Friday, August 22, 2014, Ambassador of Japan Kazuhiro Tajiri formally handed over the reconstructed school building to John F. Kennedy Elementary School (JFK). The handing over ceremony for “The Project for Reconstruction of John F. Kennedy Elementary School” was held at JFK in Kayangel State. The ceremony was attended by President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., High Chief of Kayangel State Rdechor Bandarii, Senator Phillip Reklai, Senator Mason Whipps, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Commerce Charles Obichang, Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism Umiich Sngebau, Governor of Kayangel State Jeffrey Titiml, Minister of Education Sinton Soalablai, MOE officials, students, teachers and parents of JFK.
Through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), the project was granted to JFK in the total cost of $403,722. Through the implementation of this project, the entire school building which was totally destroyed by typhoon Haiyan last November was fully renewed.
Due to its school being totally damaged, JFK students transferred to schools in Koror after the typhoon. The newly built school facility has elevated its foundation and has been strongly built, so that in times of natural disasters it can function as a typhoon shelter to secure people’s lives. It is expected that, by utilizing the new facility, JFK students will be able to regain the school life before the typhoon, and study back in a satisfactory environment. Furthermore, in his remarks, Ambassador wished the earliest recovery of the state, so that the residents of Kayangel can be back again to their daily lives before the typhoon.
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999, for the purpose of responding to various development needs engaged in grassroots activities in Palau. This is the first GGP implemented in JFK. As of August 22, 2014, the Embassy has signed 53 grant contracts with schools and hospitals as well as state governments and non-profit organizations. Education, Health Care and Environment are the primary fields prioritized by Japan and its GGP. For further information about GGP, please contact 488-6455.
©Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Palau
P.O. Box 6050 Koror, Republic of Palau 96940