The Project for the Renovation of Angaur Elementary School through Japan’s Grassroots Grant Project (GGP)

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.