JFY 2022 GGP "The Project for Renovating Ngardmau Elementary School Building"
2026/3/13
2-year Follow-up
On March 9, 2026, the Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Coordinator of the Embassy of Japan visited Ngardmau Elementary School and met with Principal Shelby Salvador. The visit was conducted under the second-year follow-up to “The Project for Renovation of Ngardmau Elementary School Buildings.”
Through the Government of Japan’s GGP, Ngardmau elementary school renovated its old buildings on March 7, 2024, with a total grant of USD 140,499.
The school building had not been renovated since its construction in the 1970s. Through this project, it was renovated to provide a safer and more hygienic learning environment. Since the completion of the project, 40 students and 7 teachers and staff members have been learning and teaching in a safer and more comfortable environment. The improved facilities also have enhanced its reliability as an evacuation shelter for community members.
The renovated school continues to support current students’ learning and benefits approximately 200 Ngardmau local residents, including future students and their families.
Japan’s GGP was launched in Palau in 1999 to address grassroots development needs, including education, healthcare, and community welfare. This project marks the 97th of the 105 GGP projects implemented in Palau.
Through the Government of Japan’s GGP, Ngardmau elementary school renovated its old buildings on March 7, 2024, with a total grant of USD 140,499.
The school building had not been renovated since its construction in the 1970s. Through this project, it was renovated to provide a safer and more hygienic learning environment. Since the completion of the project, 40 students and 7 teachers and staff members have been learning and teaching in a safer and more comfortable environment. The improved facilities also have enhanced its reliability as an evacuation shelter for community members.
The renovated school continues to support current students’ learning and benefits approximately 200 Ngardmau local residents, including future students and their families.
Japan’s GGP was launched in Palau in 1999 to address grassroots development needs, including education, healthcare, and community welfare. This project marks the 97th of the 105 GGP projects implemented in Palau.
The Handover Ceremony
On March 7, 2024, the handover ceremony for “The Project for the Renovation of Ngardmau Elementary School Buildings” worth $140,499 under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) was held at the Ngardmau Elementary School. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. President of Palau, Honorable Dr. Dale Jenkins, Minister of Education, Honorable Mr. Charles Obichang, Minister of Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries, Honorable Mr. Johnston B. Aderkeroi, Governor of Ngardmau State, Ms. Shelby Salvador, Principal of Ngardmau Elementary School, and other guests joined the students and teachers to celebrate the completion.
Built in the 1970s, the school building, consisting of nine classrooms, a library, and a staff room, had deteriorated over the years and was in poor condition. To ensure a safe learning environment for the only school in Ngardmau State, the Government of Japan responded to the school's request. GGP projects specifically aim to protect and empower people to pursue their well-being and to live in dignity, responding to various issues that need to be addressed in a timely manner.
“Ngardmau Elementary School, like other elementary schools, plays a critical role in laying the foundation for a child’s education, developing academic and social skills, and instilling a lifelong enthusiasm for learning, and I am delighted to officially announce the completion of the renovation of the school buildings,” said Ambassador Orikasa during the ceremony.
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999 to meet development needs in grassroots activities in Palau. Since then, the Embassy of Japan in Palau has signed 100 grant contracts so far with schools, hospitals, state governments and NGOs. For further information about GGP, contact 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 March 16, 2023, Ambassador of Japan ORIKASA Hiroyuki and Principal of Ngardmau Elementary School Shelby Salvador signed the grant contract for “The Project for the Renovation of Ngardmau Elementary School Buildings” worth $140,499 under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP). The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan and was witnessed by Minister of Education Dr. Dale Jenkins and Ministry of education, Director of School operation Mr. Raynold Mechol, and other officials from Ministry of Education.
Ngardmau Elementary School is located in Ngardmau State in the northwest of Babeldaob. It is the only primary education institution in the state. Currently, 35 children are enrolled and 10 teachers are working. The current school building is a concrete structure built in the 1970s, with a classroom wing (304m2) consisting of 9 classrooms and a library wing (98m2) consisting of a library and staff room. The school has been damaged over the years, and the roof, ceilings, walls, windows, and doors are deteriorating in all rooms.
After considering the situation, the Embassy of Japan recognized that the school definitely needs assistantce and has decided to renovate the buildings in order to ensure the safe learning environment for the students and to meet the demand for an increased number of students.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Orikasa stated, “Our goal is to contribute to the urgent need to improve the education environment for the students of Ngardmau Elementary School for many years to come. To this end, I would like to request all of stakeholders to implement this project within the proposed timeframe.” Principal Salvador said, “This is the first GGP assistance for Ngardmau Elementary School to receive. On behalf of the school and the community, I would like to express our appreciation for the Government and the People of Japan” Expressing his gratitude to the Government and the People of Japan, Minister Jenkins stated, “This assistance will contribute to improving student’s learning environment. I guarantee that we will do everything to ensure that this project will be properly implemented”
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999 to meet development needs in grassroots activities in Palau. The Embassy of Japan has signed 97 grant contracts so far 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