JFY2014 GGP “The Project for Procurement of Micro Buses for Palau High School”

On May 21, 2026, the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) Coordinator of the Embassy of Japan visited Palau High School (PHS) and met with Mr. Smyth Rdang, Principal of PHS. The visit was conducted as a follow-up to two projects: “The Project for School Bus Procurement for Palau High School,” which provided one 30-seater school bus, and “The Project for Procurement of Micro Buses for Palau High School,” which provided two 15-seater micro buses.
 
Although eight and twelve years ago respectively, the three buses continue to serve the 532 students at PHS by supporting their daily commutes. As the only public high school in Palau, PHS welcomes students from across the country. The buses are therefore an essential means of transportation for students whose parents are unable to take them to school.
These buses are also actively used when students in their second- to fourth-year students participate in off-campus vocational training programs, contributing to their practical learning and future career development.
 
The Embassy of Japan hopes that these three vehicles will continue to contribute to the safe transportation of students and the enhancement of learning opportunities for many years to come.

On Friday, January 9, 2015, Ambassador of Japan Kazuhiro Tajiri formally handed over two brand new Nissan micro buses to Palau High School (PHS). The handing over ceremony for “The Project for Procurement of Micro Buses for Palau High School” was held at PHS in Medalaii, Koror. The ceremony was attended by Minister of State Billy Kuartei, Minister of Public Infrastructure Industries and Commerce Charles Obichang, Minister of Education Sinton Soalablai, Senator Raynold Oilouch, MOE officials, school related officials, PHS principal, teachers and students.

Through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), PHS was procured two micro buses in the total cost of $94,050. PHS offers not only academic courses, but also mandates students to participate in work-based activities out of school. However, due to lack of transportation, the majority of students were required to walk to their work sites, which currently were raising issues. 　　　

Accordingly, the two new micro buses granted will now allow PHS students to have safe transportation access to their extracurricular activities outside of school without transportation challenges. Being the one and only public high school in Palau, serving almost 650 students, the numbers of beneficiaries of this project are expected to be large. 　　　

In his remarks in the ceremony, Ambassador Tajiri stated that he is glad to handover the microbuses timely at the first week of second semester, when all the job trainings are to begin. Furthermore, he added that by utilizing the micro buses, it is anticipated that the daily services and routines of PHS would be conducted more efficiently. The handed over micro buses are hoped to contribute to further development of PHS and its students.

On Monday, July 21, 2014, Ambassador of Japan Kazuhiro Tajiri, and Principal of Palau High School (PHS) Smyth Rdang signed the contract of the grant to assist PHS through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan in Ngerekebesang and was witnessed by Minister of Education Sinton Soalablai, Senator Raynold Oilouch, Senator Phillip Reklai, Director of Education Administration Andrew Tabelual and Acting Chief of School Management Raynold Mechol.

The Project for Procurement of Micro Buses for Palau High School”, valued at $94,050, will grant two brand new 15 seater Nissan micro buses. PHS offers not only academic courses, but also mandates students to participate in work-based activities out of school. However, due to lack of transportation, the majority of students were required to walk to their work sites, which currently were raising issues. 　　　

Accordingly, the two new micro buses will provide PHS students transport access to activities outside of school; provide school personnel means of transportation to monitor student’s activities outside of school; and also to secure student’s safety even more. Being the one and only public high school in Palau, serving over 600 students, the numbers of beneficiaries of this project are expected to be large. 　　　

By implementation of this project, PHS is expected to conduct and operate its daily services more efficiently. Furthermore, it is anticipated that this project will lead to further development of the existing school programmes and services at PHS. 　　　

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 July 21, 2014, the Embassy has signed 53 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.