JFY2010 GGP “The Project for Reconstruction of Gymnasium for Palau Mission Academy”

On April 1st, 2026, the GGP Coordinator of the Embassy of Japan met with Ms. Margie Mae Magro, Principal of Palau Mission Academy (PMA), and Mr. David Magro, the PE teacher at PMA. The visit was conducted as a follow-up to “The Project for Reconstruction of Gymnasium for Palau Mission Academy.”
 
Through the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP), the gymnasium at PMA was reconstructed in February 2013, with a total grant of USD 51,079.
 
The reconstructed gymnasium provides a safer and more comfortable environment for both students and the local community, and is widely used as a venue for sports and social events. At PMA, physical education is a compulsory subject, and approximately 120 students across four grade levels use the facility daily.
 
During the follow-up visit, students were observed actively engaging in physical activities, demonstrating that the facility is effectively utilized as part of their daily learning environment.
 
Even 13 years after its completion, the gymnasium continues to contribute not only to the improvement of the learning environment but also to the creation of a safer and more accessible space for the wider community.

On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, Japan Ambassador Yoshiyuki Sadaoka formally handed over to Palau Mission Academy (PMA) its reconstructed gym. The handing over ceremony was held at the PMA campus in Ngerikiil, Airai and was witnessed by Paramount Chief Ibedul Yutaka Gibbons, PMA Board Chairman Senator Surangel Whipps Jr., PMA Board Member Senator Rukebai Kikuo Inabo, as well as other board members.

The PMA gym reconstruction had $51,079 of its total cost funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Project (GGP). Built 25 years ago, PMA’s gym had rusty columns and cracks in its concrete floor and wall. Additionally, the space around the basketball court was too narrow that is posed a risk of basketball court users crashing into the surrounding columns and walls. The gym’s reconstruction has now resurfaced its floor, reinforced its steel columns and walls, extended its width and length, and raised its roof. The renovations were carried out with the intent of solidifying the gym’s foundation and making it more users friendly.

PMA is one (1) of three (3) schools that have received funding through GGP for their gym. GGP funded the construction of a multipurpose gym building for Koror Elementary School (KES) in 2006 and is currently funding the construction of a gym for Airai Elementary School. This will mark the second GGP grant awarded PMA after the school received a GGP grant in 2000 for laboratory apparatus and equipment. It is expected that the PMA gym will continue its past tradition and remain open for public use.