Japan’s GGP Grant to Ngardmau Elementary School

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