Home>Press Release>Japan’s GGP Grant to Facilitate Water Catchment System to 38 Educational Facilities
◆Japan Hands Over Water Catchment Equipments to 38 Educational Facilities
On Wednesday, March 11, 2015, Ambassador of Japan Kazuhiro Tajiri formally handed over water catchment equipments to 38 educational facilities. The handing over ceremony for “The Project for Facilitating Water Catchment System to Schools in Palau” was held at Ministry of Education (MOE). The ceremony was attended by Minister of Education Sinton Soalablai, Senator Raynold Oilouch, Delegate Yutaka Gibbons Jr., MOE officials and principals from the recipient schools.
Through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), water tanks, electric pumps, plastic containers along with electrical and plumbing works were granted in the total cost of $134,265. The equipments are installed at 38 educational facilities, which include; 11 head starts; 3 private kindergartens; 2 day care centers; 14 public elementary schools; 2 private elementary schools; 1 public high school and 5 private high schools. The number of beneficiaries is expected to be around 4,000 students.
GGP targets to improve people’s basic human needs, and water is one of the very basic needs of daily life. Through implementation of the project, it is expected that any major disruptions caused by water restriction to schools will be minimized. The installed equipments are hoped to be utilized not only in severe weather condition, but also on occasions of unexpected water cut off.
It is anticipated that the implementation of the project will allow each educational facility to have an adequate water catchment for storage and supply of clean water, in order to sustain normal operations. Furthermore, it is expected that health and sanitation concerns, as a result of water shortage will be resolved and students in Palau will have access to education in those facilities.
◆Japan’s GGP Grant to Facilitate Water Catchment System to 38 Educational Facilities Signed
On Thursday, October 30, 2014, Ambassador of Japan Kazuhiro Tajiri, and Director, Bureau of Education Administration, Ministry of Education (MOE) Andrew Tabelual signed a contract of the grant to assist MOE through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The signing ceremony was held at the conference room in MOE and was witnessed by Senator Raynold Oilouch, Minister of Education Sinton Soalablai, principals and MOE officials.
“The Project for Facilitating Water Catchment System to Schools in Palau”, valued at $134,265, will procure and install water tanks, electric pumps, plastic containers associated with electrical and plumbing works. 38 recipient educational facilities include; 11 head starts; 3 private kindergartens; 2 day cares; 14 public elementary schools; 2 private elementary schools; 1 public high school and 5 private high schools. The numbers of beneficiaries are expected to be around 4,000 students.
‘To increase the water catchment capacities in schools’ was one of the four major goals set in the “El Nino Disaster Management Plan”, which MOE had developed in response to the President’s directive on June 13, 2014. In the plan, MOE had addressed the need of preparations for the impact of projected extreme weather conditions resulting from the El Nino phenomenon. Since the Government of Japan targets areas to improve people’s Basic Human Needs, its assistance was decided through GGP.
Accordingly, it is anticipated that the implementation of the project will allow each educational facilities to have an adequate water catchment facility for storage and supply of clean water, in order to sustain normal operations. Furthermore, it is expected that health and sanitation concerns, as a result of water shortage, will not be an obstacle for students in Palau to have access to education in any cases.
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 October 30, 2014, the Embassy has signed 54 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