JFY2022 GGP “The Project for Renovating George B. Harris Elementary School Building”
2026/3/9
The 2-Year Follow-Up
On March 5, 2026, the GGP Coordinator of the Embassy of Japan met with Mr. Eric Reklai, Vice Principal of George B. Harris Elementary School, at the school. The visit was conducted as the second-year follow-up to “The Project for Renovating George B. Harris Elementary School Building.”
Through the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP), George B. Harris Elementary School renovated its old buildings on April 4, 2024, with a total grant of USD 225,714.
Before the project, the school’s nine buildings had not undergone any major renovations since they were constructed in 1964. As a result, the facilities had serious safety issues.
Through this project, the aging school buildings were renovated, providing a safe and comfortable learning environment for both students and teachers. The improved facilities also help ensure the safety of local residents who may use the school as an evacuation shelter during disasters.
Two years after the completion of the project, the facilities continue to be properly maintained. Today, 262 students and 31 teachers study and work in a safe and comfortable environment.
Japan’s GGP was launched in Palau in 1999 to address grassroots development needs, including education, healthcare, and community welfare. This project marks the 98th of the 105 GGP projects implemented in Palau.
The Handover Ceremony
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 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 Signing Ceremony
On March 21, 2023, the signing ceremony for “The Project for the Renovation of George B. Harris Elementary School Buildings” worth $226,013 under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Project (GGP). was held at the Embassy of Japan and was attended by Chargé d’ Affaires of Embassy of Japan in Palau HAGIWARA Mayu, Minister of Education Dr. Dale Jenkins, Principal of George B. Harris Elementary School Mr. Wicliff Emul, Chief of School operation Ms. Aileen Mikel, other official from Ministry of Education and PTA Chairperson.
George B. Harris Elementary School is the public School with the second largest number of students in Palau. The historic school building, which opened in 1964, has not been renovated since part of the roof was repaired in 1993, and under the hot and humid tropical climate, the roof and ceiling are deteriorated.
After considering the urgent issue, the Embassy of Japan recognized that the school definitely needs assistance and has decided to renovate the buildings in order to ensure the safe learning environment for the students and teachers.
During the ceremony, Chargé d’ Affaires Hagiwara stated, “Renovation of school buildings are urgent issue for the students and teachers to provide a safe education environment. To this end, the Government and the People of Japan hope that this assistance will contribute to further development of George B. Harris Elementary School.” Principal Emul made a speech in Japanese, “On behalf of the school and the community, I would like to express our appreciation for the Government and the People of Japan. I am sure that this assistance will further strengthen the ties between Japan and Palau.” Minister Jenkins stated, “ It is certainly beneficial to our students and to our school as a whole. The Embassy of Japan has stepped forward immediately to set a tremendously high standard of generosity and concern of the well-being of our children. I would like to deeply appreciate that.”
George B. Harris Elementary School is the public School with the second largest number of students in Palau. The historic school building, which opened in 1964, has not been renovated since part of the roof was repaired in 1993, and under the hot and humid tropical climate, the roof and ceiling are deteriorated.
After considering the urgent issue, the Embassy of Japan recognized that the school definitely needs assistance and has decided to renovate the buildings in order to ensure the safe learning environment for the students and teachers.
During the ceremony, Chargé d’ Affaires Hagiwara stated, “Renovation of school buildings are urgent issue for the students and teachers to provide a safe education environment. To this end, the Government and the People of Japan hope that this assistance will contribute to further development of George B. Harris Elementary School.” Principal Emul made a speech in Japanese, “On behalf of the school and the community, I would like to express our appreciation for the Government and the People of Japan. I am sure that this assistance will further strengthen the ties between Japan and Palau.” Minister Jenkins stated, “ It is certainly beneficial to our students and to our school as a whole. The Embassy of Japan has stepped forward immediately to set a tremendously high standard of generosity and concern of the well-being of our children. I would like to deeply appreciate that.”