Home>Press Release>Japan hands over renovated school building to Meyuns Elementary School
◆Japan hands over renovated school building to Meyuns Elementary School
On Friday, May 9, 2014, Ambassador of Japan Kazuhiro Tajiri formally handed over the renovated two story building to Meyuns Elementary School (MES). The handing over ceremony for “The Project for Reconstruction of Meyuns Elementary School” was held at MES in Ngerekebesang. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Education Sinton Soalablai, Minister of Finance Elbuchel Sadang, Senator Raynold Oilouch, MOE staff, teachers and students from MES.
Through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), the reconstruction of the school building was granted to MES in the total cost of $119,706. Through the implementation of this project, the roof was fully renewed; all floor tiles were renewed; and a new staircase was built at the east side of the building.
Among the six classrooms in the two story building, three classrooms were not in use due to deterioration before the project. Nevertheless, through its renovation, students can now utilize six classrooms fully. Furthermore, since students have been using libraries and laboratories as temporary classrooms, the renovated building will allow students to study in a more spacious and comfortable environment. It is also expected that the project will ensure safe studying environment for students at MES.
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 second GGP implemented in MES, followed by the procurement of fences around the school in 2005. As of May 9, 2014, the Embassy has signed 52 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.
◆Japan’s GGP Grant for Meyuns Elementary School Signed
On Tuesday, October 8, 2013, Ambassador of Japan Kazuhiro Tajiri and Meyuns Elementary School (MES) Principal Enitha Edwards, signed documents formally officializing a grant to reconstruct the two story building at MES. The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan in Ngerekebesang and was attended by Senator Raynold Oilouch, Senator Philip Reklai, Director of Education and Administration Emery Wenty, Chief of School Management Sinton Soalablai, MOE Administrative Officer Philip Haruo, MES PTA Chairman Herrington Olebuu, JICA volunteer at MES Fumie Kameyama and teachers and student representatives from MES.
The grant officialized is valued at $ 119,706 and is offered through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). MES is the third biggest public elementary school in Palau. On the contrary to the number of students increasing each year, the school has been facing lack of classrooms, due to some classrooms being out of use. In recent years, the existing two story building at MES was facing issues such as the roof falling apart and tiles coming off the floor which was caused by deterioration. In order to secure students safety, the three classrooms in the second floor of this two story building have been out of use since last autumn.
By implementation of this project; the roof of the two story building will be fully renewed; the tiles of the classrooms will be renewed; and a new staircase will be built at the east side of the building. Through the renovation of the two story building, it is expected that the project will ensure safe studying environment for students at MES.
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999, for the purpose of responding to various development needs engaged in grassroots activities in Palau. This will be the second GGP implemented in MES, followed by the procurement of fences around the school in 2005. As of October 8, 2013, the Embassy has signed 47 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.
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