JFY2021 GGP “The Project for Constructing a Science Laboratory in Belau Modekngei School”
2026/3/17
The 2-Year Follow-Up
On March 6, 2026, the Grassroots Projects (GGP) Coordinator of the Embassy of Japan visited Belau Modekngei School and met with Mr. Yuri Henry, a teacher at the school, and Mr. Suzuki Satoshi, a JICA volunteer. The visit was conducted as a part of the second-year follow-up to “The Project for Constructing a Science Laboratory in Belau Modekngei School.”
Through the Government of Japan’s GGP, Belau Modekngei school received a newly constructed science laboratory, and related equipment and tools for scientific laboratory experiments on February 6, 2024, with a total grant of USD 49,258.
Before the project, the school had no science laboratory, and students had few chances to do physics and chemistry experiments. The new science laboratory, constructed adjacent to the existing school building, and equipment and tools provided, has created an environment where students can conduct experiments more safely and confidently. This has enabled students to enhance their scientific and mathematical abilities and broaden their future career options.
The laboratory continues to support students’ learning and is expected to contribute to the overall improvement of the science education environment for future students and teachers.
Japan’s GGP was launched in Palau in 1999 to address grassroots development needs, including education, healthcare, and community welfare. This project marks the 89th of the 105 GGP projects implemented in Palau.
The Handover Ceremony
On Feburary 6, 2024, His Excellency ORIKASA Hiroyuki Ambassador of Japan to Palau, Honorable Andrew Tabelual, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Mr. Yuri Henry, Principal of Belau Modeknei School, students, teachers and community members attended a handover ceremony of “The Project for Constructing a Science Laboratory in Belau Modekngei School” to celebrate the handing over of the science laboratory and related equipment and tools for science education.
At Belau Modekngei School, students were receiving science education without a science lab, but through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), Belau Modekngei School students and teachers received a newly constructed science laboratory, and related equipment and tools for scientific laboratory experiments.
In addition to the laboratory, Ms. MIURA Rina, the JICA volunteer specializing in science education, has been working at Belau Modekngei School since July 2023. Students and teachers at the school will benefit from the synergy of the JICA volunteer and the laboratory and equipment provided by the GGP, which is expected to bring about effective and inspiring science education.
“Science is a subject that allows students to explore the world around them and discover what is not always evident by actively engaging in hands-on labs and experiments. Scientific literacy plays an essential role in making informed decision about your personal, social and civic lives,” said Ambassador Orikasa. “I remain hopeful that this GGP project will motivate students of this school to work harder,” Ambassador Orikasa added.
Since 1999, the Embassy of Japan in Palau has been working with various Palauan organizations, including schools, local governments and NGOs, to implement the GGPs for communities in Palau. For more information on GGP, call 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html
At Belau Modekngei School, students were receiving science education without a science lab, but through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), Belau Modekngei School students and teachers received a newly constructed science laboratory, and related equipment and tools for scientific laboratory experiments.
In addition to the laboratory, Ms. MIURA Rina, the JICA volunteer specializing in science education, has been working at Belau Modekngei School since July 2023. Students and teachers at the school will benefit from the synergy of the JICA volunteer and the laboratory and equipment provided by the GGP, which is expected to bring about effective and inspiring science education.
“Science is a subject that allows students to explore the world around them and discover what is not always evident by actively engaging in hands-on labs and experiments. Scientific literacy plays an essential role in making informed decision about your personal, social and civic lives,” said Ambassador Orikasa. “I remain hopeful that this GGP project will motivate students of this school to work harder,” Ambassador Orikasa added.
Since 1999, the Embassy of Japan in Palau has been working with various Palauan organizations, including schools, local governments and NGOs, to implement the GGPs for communities in Palau. For more information on GGP, call 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html
The Signing Ceremony
On February 25, 2022, Ambassador of Japan Karasawa and Principal of Belau Modekngei School Yuri signed a grant contract for “The Project for Constructing a Science Laboratory in Belau Modekngei School” worth $49,258. The ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan and witnessed by Representative of Board of Directors and Student Representative of Belau Modekngei School (BMS).
Strengthening abilities in the fields of science and math has always been important not only in Palau but also in other countries in the Pacific. BMS has been working to encourage their students to know the importance of science by bringing in more hands-on experiments to their classes. However, the school does not have a science lab and also lacks the basic equipment to operate science experimentations designated by the Ministry of Education. For this reason, its students were unable to acquire knowledge and skills through experiments, and rely on textbooks and video materials for learning. In addition, the school is the only high school in the country that does not have a science lab and it is not feasible for the students from the school to other schools in Koror to use laboratories.
Considering these challenges, the Embassy of Japan has decided to provide a grant aid to construct a new science lab and to procure of new lab equipment through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). This will enable the students to have hands-on experiments on campus.
In the ceremony, Ambassador Karasawa delivered his hope that this project will contribute to maximizing the learning opportunities for successful studies and to developing science education in Palau. Principal Yuri expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan for continued supports to BMS.
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999 to meet development needs in grassroots activities in Palau. The Embassy of Japan has signed 89 grant contracts with schools, hospitals, state governments and NGOs. For further information about GGP, please contact 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html.