JFY2023 GGP “The Project for the Renovation of Angaur Elementary School”
2026/1/29
The Handover Ceremony
On January 23, 2026, the handover ceremony for the “The Project for the Renovation of Angaur Elementary School,” funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) with a total value of USD 402,902, was held at Angaur Elementary School. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, His Excellency KASAHARA Kenichi, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, Dr. Dale Jenkins, Special Assistant to the President on Education Matters, Honorable Richard Ngiraked, Governor of Kayangel State, Honorable Jackson Doktok, Governor of the Ngchesar State, Mr. Raynold Mechol, Director of the Bureau of School Operations, Honorable Audry Rafael, President of the Angaur State Legislature, Ms. Tiffany Kasiano, Principal of Angaur Elementary School, Mr. Smyth Rdang, Principal of Palau High school, H.E. Kang-I Chen, ROC-Taiwan’s Ambassador to Palau and many other distinguished guests, who joined the students and teachers in celebrating the completion of the renovations.
Angaur Elementary School, the state’s only educational institution, consists of three buildings constructed in 1945. Years of use and the hot, humid climate have led to deterioration of the building, and heavy rains caused leaks and mold growth, which also damaged classroom materials. Renovation of the school building was a priority for the residents of Angaur not only to ensure students’ access to safe and hygienic learning environment, but also for the school to serve its role as an emergency shelter and community space. With the GGP project completed, Angaur Elementary School is now equipped with a resilient school building, functional sanitary toilet facilities, and room for high school students’ online learning.
Touching on the historical ties between Japan and Angaur, Ambassador Kasahara expressed gratitude for Angaur State’s cooperation for the Japan Association for Recovery and Reparation of War Casualities (JARRWC) bone collection team. “This school renovation was achieved thanks to the many wonderful people on this beautiful island who are vibrant and mutually supportive. I promise to continue this relationship of mutual support, where we support you and you support us.”
It was also announced that some of the the World War II artifacts recovered during JARRWC operations will be displayed in the museum gallery located at the school. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development, and Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The gallery will be a new facility symbolizing the historical relationship between Japan and the Angaur State.
The Signing Ceremony
On Friday, 10 January 2025, a grant contract was signed by the Ambassador of Japan to Palau, H.E. ORIKASA Hiroyuki, and the Principal of Angaur Elementary School, Ms. Tiffany Kasiano. Under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Project (GGP), the Angaur Elementary School building will be renovated with funding of up to US$402,902.
The ceremony, held at the Ambassador's residence, was attended by Angaur State Governor Hon. Natus Misech, Angaur State Delegate Hon. Mario Gulibert, Minister of Education Hon. Dr. Dale Jenkins, Chief Advisor to the Governor of Angaur State Mr. Moses Uludong, the Director of School Operations Mr. Raynold Mechol, and other distinguished guests.
Angaur State, one of Palau’s sixteen states, has deep historical, cultural, and familial ties with Japan. This special relationship, known as “Kizuna” (meaning ‘bond’), is reflected in Article 12 of the Angaur State Constitution which recognizes Japanese language as an official language. The State and people’s, dedication to maintaining this relationship is demonstrated in their long-standing support for Japanese memorial services and remains collection missions, where families honor their fallen from World War II. The State Government and people continue this tradition of cooperation, with the next remains collection mission scheduled for February 2025.
Angaur, a remote island state accessible only by boat or small plane, is home to more than 200 residents. At its heart is the Angaur Elementary School, established in 1945, which serves as the community’s sole institution for formal education, including distance learning for higher education. After decades of service, the school’s aging infrastructure is in urgent need of renovation to continue its vital mission.
The planned renovation project will not only repair and modernize the existing facilities but will also create a dedicated space to display historical artefacts, celebrating Angaur's rich heritage. This development comes at a significant time, coinciding with three milestone anniversaries: the school’s 80th year, the end of World War II, and the 10th anniversary of Their Majesties Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko’s visit to Palau in 2015. This project is expected to complement the work of Ms. KUROSE Chihiro, a JICA volunteer teacher, who joined the school’s faculty in August 2024.
Ambassador Orikasa emphasized the project’s broader impact: “Needless to say, school renovations play an important role in creating an optimal learning environment for both students and teachers, providing safe and inspiring space for them to thrive not only academically, but also socially. This project also aims to provide space for the state’s historical artefacts, as well as a safer space for the community in case of emergency. However, the most important thing about GGP's work is not simply to provide funds, build school buildings, or provide boats, but to use the completed school buildings to secure an environment where children can learn with smiles on their faces. To this end, the Japanese Embassy, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Palau and the Angaur State Government, will closely monitor the use and maintenance status for at least five years.”
The Government of Japan’s GGP was launched in Palau in 1999, with the aim of addressing grassroots development needs, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. To date, the Embassy of Japan has signed 104 grant contracts with schools, hospitals, state governments, and NGOs to support various community-focused initiatives. One of the ongoing GGP projects is to provide a ferry boat to Angaur State.
For more information on the GGP program or this specific project, please contact the Embassy of Japan at 488-6455 or visit the official website at www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp.
The ceremony, held at the Ambassador's residence, was attended by Angaur State Governor Hon. Natus Misech, Angaur State Delegate Hon. Mario Gulibert, Minister of Education Hon. Dr. Dale Jenkins, Chief Advisor to the Governor of Angaur State Mr. Moses Uludong, the Director of School Operations Mr. Raynold Mechol, and other distinguished guests.
Angaur State, one of Palau’s sixteen states, has deep historical, cultural, and familial ties with Japan. This special relationship, known as “Kizuna” (meaning ‘bond’), is reflected in Article 12 of the Angaur State Constitution which recognizes Japanese language as an official language. The State and people’s, dedication to maintaining this relationship is demonstrated in their long-standing support for Japanese memorial services and remains collection missions, where families honor their fallen from World War II. The State Government and people continue this tradition of cooperation, with the next remains collection mission scheduled for February 2025.
Angaur, a remote island state accessible only by boat or small plane, is home to more than 200 residents. At its heart is the Angaur Elementary School, established in 1945, which serves as the community’s sole institution for formal education, including distance learning for higher education. After decades of service, the school’s aging infrastructure is in urgent need of renovation to continue its vital mission.
The planned renovation project will not only repair and modernize the existing facilities but will also create a dedicated space to display historical artefacts, celebrating Angaur's rich heritage. This development comes at a significant time, coinciding with three milestone anniversaries: the school’s 80th year, the end of World War II, and the 10th anniversary of Their Majesties Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko’s visit to Palau in 2015. This project is expected to complement the work of Ms. KUROSE Chihiro, a JICA volunteer teacher, who joined the school’s faculty in August 2024.
Ambassador Orikasa emphasized the project’s broader impact: “Needless to say, school renovations play an important role in creating an optimal learning environment for both students and teachers, providing safe and inspiring space for them to thrive not only academically, but also socially. This project also aims to provide space for the state’s historical artefacts, as well as a safer space for the community in case of emergency. However, the most important thing about GGP's work is not simply to provide funds, build school buildings, or provide boats, but to use the completed school buildings to secure an environment where children can learn with smiles on their faces. To this end, the Japanese Embassy, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Palau and the Angaur State Government, will closely monitor the use and maintenance status for at least five years.”
The Government of Japan’s GGP was launched in Palau in 1999, with the aim of addressing grassroots development needs, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. To date, the Embassy of Japan has signed 104 grant contracts with schools, hospitals, state governments, and NGOs to support various community-focused initiatives. One of the ongoing GGP projects is to provide a ferry boat to Angaur State.
For more information on the GGP program or this specific project, please contact the Embassy of Japan at 488-6455 or visit the official website at www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp.