JFY2015 GGP “The Project for Construction of a Training Center for the Ebiil Society”

On March 26th, 2026, the GGP Coordinator of the Embassy of Japan met with Ms. Ann Singeo, Executive Director, and Ms. Joyce Beouch, Marine Program Coordinator, at the Ebiil Society in Ngarchelong. The visit was conducted a follow-up to “The Project for Construction of a Training Center for the Ebiil Society.”
 
Through the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP), the Ebiil Society opened a training center on January 24, 2017, with a total grant of USD 90,000.
 
The Ebiil Society is a community-based non-profit organization in Palau that promotes environmental conservation and education. The training center built under this project serves as a hub for workshops, work camps, and environmental education programs for students from across the country, greatly expanding the NPO’s scope of activities and people’s opportunities for participation.
 
Even nine years after the project’s completion, the training facility continues to contribute to Palau’s environmental conservation. The Embassy of Japan hopes that the facility will continue to provide opportunities to learn about the local environment and culture, and the balance between environmental conservation and sustainable living.

Since January 2017, Ebiil Society has been running community-based environmental education and conservation activities at the training center provided by Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The fourth and fifth grade students of all elementary schools in Palau participate in these activities. The organization also runs summer camps which teaches local and indigenous knowledge. It also holds workshops for local residents and state government rangers. The center serves as a community-based training facility for various activities to preserve Palau’s natural environment.

On Tuesday, February 16, 2016, Ambassador of Japan Kazuhiro Tajiri and Executive Director of Ebiil Society Ann Singeo signed the grant contract for “The Project for Construction of Training Center for Ebiil Society”, valued $90,000, under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP). The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan and was witnessed by Ngarchelong Delegate Marhence Madrangchar, Ngarchelong Governor Browny Salvador, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs Baklai Temengil, Chiefs from Ollei, Ebiil Society board members and staff.

Based in Ngarchelong, Ebiil Society has been actively working on community based education programs and trainings with both youth and adults. Having community volunteers and partners involved, the activity of the organization varies from marine programs to terrestrial projects. However, its activities have been limited due to lack of its own office and training center.

Accordingly, through the project, a training center will be constructed, which will include an office space, a multi-purpose training center and a short term stay space for participants of trainings and researchers of projects. The facility will also be open to public, especially to students in Ngarchelong, to provide a sufficient studying environment and access to materials related with environment after school.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Tajiri stated that through the project, it is expected that the organization will be able to fully develop the facility and training program to its fullest potential in order to maximize teaching and learning effectiveness. Moreover, he stated his hope that it would lead to further conservation of the beautiful nature of Palau.

The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999, for the purpose of responding to various development needs engaged in grassroots activities in Palau. As of February 16, 2016, the Embassy has signed 60 grant contracts with schools and hospitals as well as state governments and non-profit organizations. Education, health care and environment are the primary fields prioritized by Japan and its GGP. For further information about GGP, please contact 488-6455.