Japan's GGP Grant for Ngaraard Elementary School

On Thursday, March 3, 2016, Counsellor Koji Tomita of the Embassy of Japan formally handed over two brand new Nissan micro buses to Ngaraard Elementary School (NES). The handing over ceremony for “The Project for School Bus Procurement for Ngaraard Elementary School” was held at NES in Ulimang, Ngaraard. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Education Sinton Soalablai, MOE officials, school related officials, NES principal, teachers and students.

Through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), NES was granted two micro buses in the total cost of $88,894. Prior to this, NES only had one 15-seater micro bus, which had been in use for over 15 years. As a result of only one deteriorated bus in operation, NES had been facing delays in some morning classes. In addition, the limited capacity of the bus had also been limiting the access of students to outside-state school activities.

Accordingly, the two new micro buses will now allow NES students to have safe and reliable transportation to commute every day. Furthermore, it will allow students to participate in extracurricular activities outside the state without transportation challenges.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Counsellor Tomita stated that in utilizing the micro buses, it is anticipated that the daily services and routines of NES would be conducted more efficiently. The handed over micro buses are hoped to contribute to the further development of NES and its students.

On Thursday, September 3, 2015, Ambassador of Japan Kazuhiro Tajiri and Principal of Ngaraard Elementary School Spis Sakuma signed the grant contract for “The Project for School Bus Procurement for Ngaraard Elementary School”, valued $88,894, under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan and was witnessed by Minister of Education Sinton Soalablai, Senator Raynold Oilouch, Director of Bureau of Education Administration Andrew Tabelual and Chief of School Management Raynold Mechol.

Ngaraard Elementary School currently owns only one 15-seater micro bus, which has been in use for over 15 years. With only one bus in operation to pick up students from three different hamlets, the bus currently runs back and forth between the school and each hamlet beginning its first trip before 7am. In addition, due to its deterioration, there are holes in the bus body, and all gauges are out of order.

Accordingly, once the two new 15 seater micro buses become available, they will ensure safe and reliable transportation for students. Furthermore, they will allow students to participate in extracurricular activities outside the state without transportation challenges.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Tajiri emphasized the importance of maintenance, in order for the granted buses to serve the school for a long period of time. Moreover, he stated his hope that the implementation of this project would lead to further development of Ngaraard Elementary School. 

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 September 3, 2015, the Embassy has signed 58 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.