Home>Press Release>Japan's GGP Grant for Ngaraard Elementary School
◆Japan’s GGP Grant to Ngaraard Elementary School
On Thursday, September 3, 2015, Ambassador of Japan Kazuhiro Tajiri and Principal of Ngaraard Elementary School Spis Sakuma signed the grant contract for “The Project for School Bus Procurement for Ngaraard Elementary School”, valued $88,894, under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan and was witnessed by Minister of Education Sinton Soalablai, Senator Raynold Oilouch, Director of Bureau of Education Administration Andrew Tabelual and Chief of School Management Raynold Mechol.
Ngaraard Elementary School currently owns only one 15-seater micro bus, which has been in use for over 15 years. With only one bus in operation to pick up students from three different hamlets, the bus currently runs back and forth between the school and each hamlet beginning its first trip before 7am. In addition, due to its deterioration, there are holes in the bus body, and all gauges are out of order.
Accordingly, once the two new 15 seater micro buses become available, they will ensure safe and reliable transportation for students. Furthermore, they will allow students to participate in extracurricular activities outside the state without transportation challenges.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Tajiri emphasized the importance of maintenance, in order for the granted buses to serve the school for a long period of time. Moreover, he stated his hope that the implementation of this project would lead to further development of Ngaraard Elementary School.
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 September 3, 2015, the Embassy has signed 58 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