Ladies and Gentlemen,

Kam na mauri (Hello).

It is my pleasure to represent His Excellency, Mr. Yutaka Yoshizawa, the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kiribati, in formalising Japan’s funding assistance for projects on this beautiful island of Christmas. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your presence here to witness the signing of the Grant Contracts which formalizes Japan’s Grant Assistance for projects funded throught its Grassroots Human Security Project programme, also known as GGP programme.

Japan will provide financial assistance for provision of a garbage truck to the Christmas Urban Council. I believe that the population of the island is dramatically increasing though the council does not have a proper truck for garbage collection. This donation from Japan is timely and will be very effective for the council in keeping this beautiful island clean and hygienic.

In addition, Japan will assist Tennessee Primary School through constructing 6 new classrooms. We started planning to assist this school through GGP programe about 4 years ago, however, just before the implementation, the problem of the air strip in Cassidy Airport had arisen. It was very much disturbing as we were fully aware of the difficult situation faced by students and teachers. So, today, I am very happy that we could finally move on towards easing school’s problem. I am also glad to know that the school has just been provided with 4 new classrooms through Sea Beas’ assistance so that the students and teachers of Tennessee Primary School will be relieved from shortage of classrooms completely.

Likewise, students and teachers of St. Francis High School have been facing disadvantaged environment. Water and sanitation are crucial factors for healthy living. How could the students achieve their school work if the school has lack of proper system? Improper sanitation often hinders children’s learning ability. Therefore, the Embassy of Japan is pleased to provide assistance to improve the school facilities by installing a new water supply system and ablution blocks for both male and female students. I believe that it will also empower the students to achieve academically.

The provision of these projects was funded under Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects scheme. This scheme is designed for such projects that will improve the living standard of people by providing basic necessities and better opportunities. The principle objective of this scheme is in line with Japan’s Official Development Assistance policy of promoting development at the grassroots level mainly in the areas of water supply, basic education, health and rural infrastructure.

Finally, I am confident that these assistances will strengthen the friendly ties between the governments and the peoples of Japan and the Republic of Kiribati.

Kam rabwa (Thank you).