Good Morning,

I welcome you all to this Grant Contract signing ceremony at the Embassy to formalise Japan’s assistance for provision of three and two new classrooms to Vuna District School and Taveuni Central Indian School in Taveuni respectively.

The two cyclones that struck in December 2009 and March 2010 had devastating impact on buildings, crops and livelihood in the northern parts of Fiji including Taveuni Island. In view of the damages of the two cyclones, particularly on the roof and building structure at Vuna District School and complete destruction of two temporary classrooms at Taveuni Central Indian School, Japan decided to assist the restoration and upgrading of the above-mentioned two schools.

Today’s event demonstrates Japan’s firm commitment towards improving learning environment in Fiji. I am confident that these projects will ensure best of resources and equal opportunities available to children to accomplish academic excellence.
Under the GGP Programme, Japan continues to provide small and flexible grants to support development projects at the grass-roots level through its GGP Programme that is specifically designed to address basic human needs.
As of December 2010, Japan has approved Seven projects under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme in the new Japanese fiscal year 2010, the period between April 2010 and March 2011. It is my belief that such assistance will greatly contribute to the improvement of everyday life of the people of Fiji.

Finally, I wish to congratulate your schools for being one of the successful recipients this year and I remain hopeful that these projects will be completed successfully.

Thank You