Grassroots Project Handover Ceremony to Ngardmau Elementary School held; the project renovates the school buildings

     On March 7, 2024, the handover ceremony for “The Project for the Renovation of Ngardmau Elementary School Buildings” worth $140,499 under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) was held at the Ngardmau Elementary School. The ceremony was attended by 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 Mr. Charles Obichang, Minister of Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries, Honorable Mr. Johnston B. Aderkeroi, Governor of Ngardmau State, Ms. Shelby Salvador, Principal of Ngardmau Elementary School, and other guests joined the students and teachers to celebrate the completion.

     Built in the 1970s, the school building, consisting of nine classrooms, a library, and a staff room, had deteriorated over the years and was in poor condition. To ensure a safe learning environment for the only school in Ngardmau State, the Government of Japan responded to the school's request. GGP projects specifically aim to protect and empower people to pursue their well-being and to live in dignity, responding to various issues that need to be addressed in a timely manner.

      “Ngardmau Elementary School, like other elementary schools, plays a critical role in laying the foundation for a child’s education, developing academic and social skills, and instilling a lifelong enthusiasm for learning, and I am delighted to officially announce the completion of the renovation of the school buildings,” said Ambassador Orikasa during 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