Handover Ceremony of George B. Harris Elementary School Renovation Project Held

     His Excellency ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. President of Palau, Honorable Dr. Dale Jenkins, Minister of Education, Honorable Eyos Rudimch, Governor of Koror State, Mr. Raynold Mechol, Director of Bureau of Education and Administration,  Mr. Brian Melairei, Director of Bureau of Public Works, Mr. Erik Reklai, Vice Principal of George B. Harris Elementary School, and other guests joined the students and teachers to celebrate the completion of “The Project for Renovation of George B. Harris Elementary School Buildings“, worth $226,013 under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) on March 5, 2024.

     Opened in 1964 George B. Harris Elementary School had not been renovated since part of the roof was repaired in 1993. In order to improve the school environment, for both students and teachers, Principal Wicliff Emul put forward the proposal for this GGP. Students and teachers at Palau’s second largest school can now study, play and teach in a safer and healthier environment, which will hopefully lead to improved learning outcomes.
 
     “The Government of Japan is committed to improving learning environments that are safe, accessible, and where children can thrive. Improving the learning environment is a key to improving education. I hope that both students and staff members of the school will take an active role in maintaining the school environment,” Ambassador Orikasa commented in his remarks at the ceremony.

     The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999 to meet development needs in grassroots activities in Palau. Since then, the Embassy of Japan in Palau has signed 100 grant contracts so far with schools, hospitals, state governments and NGOs. For further information about GGP, contact 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html