GGP Follow-up Visit to Airai Elementary School

On March 5, 2026, the Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Coordinator of the Embassy of Japan visited Airai Elementary School and met with Principal Norma Mersai. The visit was conducted under the second-year follow-up to “The Project for the Procurement of a School Bus for Airai Elementary School.”
 
Through the Government of Japan’s GGP, Airai elementary school received a school bus on August 7, 2024, with a total grant of USD 90,745.
 
The school had previously received a school bus through the GGP in 2017, and together with the existing bus, two buses supported the daily commute of approximately 100 students. However, ensuring safe and stable transportation remained a challenge. Through this project, an additional school bus was provided, enabling the school to offer safer and more reliable transportation for students and thereby improving the commuting environment.
 
Currently, around 140 students use the buses, with each bus making two trips each for morning and afternoon commuting. The buses are also used for off-campus activities, supporting a variety of educational programs.
Even two years after their provision, the buses continue to support students’ safe commuting and learning.
 
Japan’s GGP was launched in Palau in 1999 to address grassroots development needs, including education, healthcare, and community welfare. This project marks the 102nd of the 105 GGP projects implemented in Palau.
 
The GGP Handover Ceremony for “The Project for the Procurement of a School Bus for Airai Elementary School”:
https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/11_000001_01436.html