Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of the Fiji Island » Past Assistance Projects to Fiji» Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) » Speech

 

Speech by H.E. Masashi Namekawa, Ambassador of Japan At the Grant Contract Signing Ceremony for GGP Projects in the Republic of Fiji Islands

Project Titles

Friday, 10 August 2007, 10.30 a.m.

 

Our thoughts are precious. They are our very own property and can’t be taken away. Similarly, knowledge, and investment in knowledge never fails. It brings sustainable growth and development along with innovations for nation building and prosperity.  Our success today is the return on the wise investment decisions made by our parents’ years ago and therefore, it is our responsibility now to make wise decisions for our children and future generations.  

With these few words, Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you all to the Embassy of Japan. Your presence this morning to witness the formalisation of Japan’s assistance to the education sector in Fiji is appreciated. Today is very special not only for the three schools but the many children who are and will be attending these schools. I say congratulations to Nausori High School, Jasper Williams Primary School and Makoi Muslim Primary School.  
Most Schools in Fiji are multi-racial and Nausori High School is no exception. Our future depends on what we do in the present and it is our responsibility through dedication and determination to ensure that all hidden talents in our children are tested ahead of their decision to choose the right career-path. I am pleased to be involved with the School that endeavours to develop human minds and eventually, preparing them for the challenges ahead. I believe the two new well-equipped Food and Nutrition and Clothing and Textiles classrooms will develop better cooking and sewing skills amongst the school community and if possible, please learn to cook Japanese food and sew Japanese attire during practical sessions. In addition, the new Science Laboratory will not only empower Nausori High School to offer Form Seven Education from next year but will also motivate children to learn the scientific world through experiments.

Being also a multi-racial school, Jasper Williams Primary School is the oldest and the biggest girl’s school in the western part of Fiji. It is said Ability has no Gender and this is obvious with the presence of intelligent and prominent female leaders such as Mrs. Kumar and Mrs. Naicker. I believe the double-storey four new classrooms will assist Jasper Williams Primary School to replace the old wooden buildings and cater for the increasing school roll. I also believe that all of us are stars and we all deserve to twinkle whether being a girl, boy, man or woman, we all are worthy of equal opportunities in life to prosper.

The Makoi Muslim Primary School is also a multi-ethnic school run by the Fiji Muslim League. It is a pleasure to work with the school that has children from all ethnic groups promoting multi-racism and multi-cultures.
This effort of the school is recognised as the true path to peace and harmony. I Trust that the new Library and the vernacular classroom will able the students to develop basic educational skills and keep their culture and tradition alive.

The funding of these three projects was made possible through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Programme. Education is said to be the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another. Japan, till 2006, has provided funding assistance to over ninety schools to a total value of approximately 3.9 million dollars around Fiji Islands, since the inception of this programme in 1994. With this long history, Japan continues to provide assistance to education sector and is confident that this will serve to strengthen the close relations between Japan and Fiji.

Finally, with these few words, I am self-assured that all three projects signed today will help schools to accomplish their visions and become good role models of our cooperation.

Thank You  

 

Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of the Fiji Island » Past Assistance Projects to Fiji» Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)