Japan’s GGP Grant for Reconstruction of the Auditorium of Maris Stella School

On March 11, 2022, Ambassador of Japan Akira Karasawa and Principal of Maris Stella School Jose Ise signed a grant contract for “The Project for Reconstruction of the Auditorium for Maris Stella School” worth $394,030. The ceremony was held at Embassy of Japan and witnessed by Delegate Mengkur Rechelulk and representative of school administration staff.
 
The auditorium of Maris Stella School plays an important role for the school operation. It has been used for school assembly, class activities such as physical education, seasonal events including Christmas program, graduation ceremony and PTA meetings. In addition, people have used the auditorium for exercise activities such as Zumba, community meetings, and as an evacuation shelter. Some national sports events such as Belau Games and Belau Youth Games have been also used in the auditorium. However, the auditorium was deteriorated due to over 60 years use, causing cracks on the walls and leaks on the ceilings. These conditions has made the school to stop using the facility for students and people. Therefore, the reconstruction of the auditorium is an urgent matter for nearly 2,000 people including Maris Stella School students.
 
Considering the situation, Embassy of Japan recognized that the school definitely needs assistance and has decided to help reconstruct the auditorium in order to fix the problems and meet the needs for a safe learning environment for the students and for the community through Japan’s GGP assistance. The grant is worth $394,030 and this is the 3rd biggest GGP among all 30 previous projects in the education field. Also, this project is the first GGP to be implemented in Maris Stella School.
 
At the ceremony, Ambassador Karasawa expressed his hope that this project would contribute to the further development of Maris Stella School and its students and would bring positive impacts on the community. Principal Ise expressed his deep gratitude to the Government of Japan.
 
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999 to meet development needs in grassroots activities in Palau. The Embassy of Japan has signed 91 grant contracts with schools, hospitals, state governments and NGOs. For further information about GGP, please contact 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html