JFY2019 GGP “The Project for Renovating Senior Citizens Center”

On April 21, 2026, the Grassroots Projects (GGP) Coordinator of the Embassy of Japan visited Senior Citizens Center and met with Ms. Hera Subediang, Acting Director of the Bureau of Human Services, and Mr. Yanagine Tatsuhiro, a JICA volunteer. The visit was conducted as a part of follow-up to “The Project for Renovating Senior Citizens Center.”
 
The center continues to serve as a gathering place for elderly members of the local community, after six years from its completion.
It is also used for health promotion activities, including Rajio-Taiso Exercise  conducted as part of a day service exercise program led by Mr. Yanagine.
Additionally many of the elderly users experienced the period of Japanese administration and the wartime era, and occasionally share their memories from that time with young visitors, making the center a meaningful place for intergenerational exchange.
 
The Embassy of Japan hopes that the center will continue to support the health and well-being of elderly residents and remain an important part of the community.
 
Japan’s GGP was launched in Palau in 1999 to address grassroots development needs, including education, healthcare, and community welfare. These projects form part of the 105 GGP projects implemented in Palau to date. For further information about GGP, please contact 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan’s GGP website at:
https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html.
 

In December 2020, the Government of Japan, through its Grassroots Grant Assistance (GGP) program, handed over the Senior Citizens Center Renovation Project. As we approach five years since its handover, the Embassy of Japan conducted a follow-up to assess the center’s condition and usage.

We are pleased to report that the facility remains in good use, serving as a vital gathering space for Palau’s senior citizens. The center continues to provide a welcoming environment where seniors meet daily, socialize, play card games, and exercise. Additionally, the Bureau of Human Services regularly invites agencies to conduct health screenings and other beneficial programs for the elderly.

This facility also serves as a significant role to prepare and provide lunch boxes with the homebound patients in Koror and the Babeldaob.

While the building has been well-maintained and kept clean, some areas have required repairs and improvements over time. Issues such as kitchen screens, ceiling and wall repairs, and restroom access were previously addressed by the U.S. Civil Action Team in July 2024. However, due to weather conditions and natural wear and tear, some areas need further attention. The center’s management is aware of these concerns and is actively working on solutions to ensure the facility remains a safe and comfortable space for Palau’s senior community.

The Embassy of Japan is committed to supporting sustainable projects that contribute to the well-being of Palauan citizens. We look forward to continued collaboration in maintaining essential community facilities like the Senior Citizens Center.

On August 27, Ambassador Karasawa joined the ground breaking ceremony for “The Project for Renovating Senior Citizens Center” at the Meyuns Youth Center compound. This ceremony was held with other four projects’ ground breaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies that attended by President Remengesau, Minister of Community, and Cultural Affairs Temengil, traditional chiefs and some officials from Koror State Government.

The multipurpose room and the bathrooms at the Senior Citizens Center will be renovated under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP).

In the ceremony, President Rememgesau expressed his gratitude towards Japan’s assistance. Minister Temengil stated that she was happy to see its renovation as she had been waiting for its happening for a long time.

Ambassador Karasawa stated in his speech that people would be able to use the facilities safely and feel secured in the building. He also delivered his hope that it would accommodate more people and improve their quality of life.

 

On 27 August, Ambassador Karasawa joined the ground breaking ceremony for “The Project for Renovating Senior Citizens Center” at the Meyuns Youth Center compound. This ceremony was held with other four projects’ ground breaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies that attended by President Remengesau, Minister of Community, and Cultural Affairs Temengil, traditional chiefs and some officials from Koror State Government.

The multipurpose room and the bathrooms at the Senior Citizens Center will be renovated under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

In the ceremony, President Rememgesau expressed his gratitude towards Japan’s assistance. Minister Temengil stated that she was happy to see its renovation as she had been waiting for its happening for a long time.

Ambassador Karasawa stated in his speech that people would be able to use the facilities safely and feel secured in the building. He also delivered his hope that it would accommodate more people and improve their quality of life.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2020, Karasawa Akira, Ambassador of Japan and Baklai Temengil, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, signed the grant contract for “The Project for Renovating Senior Citizens Center”, valued $89,639, 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 Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs’ personnel.
 
The Senior Citizens Center plays a very important role for the welfare of the elderly in Palau. The center provides elderly clients with a variety of programs in the community. For instance, the center supplies nutritious meals, conduct exercise programs and gives opportunity to interact visitors from schools, community organizations, and groups from other countries.
 
However, the center cannot deal with the increased number of users because of various functional problems. Furthermore, the deterioration of the facility is threatening its client’s safety. To solve these problems, the Embassy of Japan decided to grant the renovation of the center.
 
In his remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Karasawa hoped that people will be able to use its facilities safely and feel secured in the building. He also hopes that it will accommodate more people and improve their quality of life. Minister Temengil conveyed her appreciation for the grant as a Minister and on behalf of the President and mentioned that the Ministry had been working on renovation of the center for 10 years but it had not happened. 
 
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 February 21, 2020, the Embassy has signed 81 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 or visit the Embassy of Japan website at http://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html .