The Former Head Teacher and Project Manager, Mr. Ioane Bulivou,
The Head Teacher, Mr. Maika Ramacake,
Members of the School Management Committee,
Teachers, Parents and Children,
Invited guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good Afternoon and Ni sa bula to you all

Firstly, I wish to express my deepest appreciation for the message of condolence and offers of assistance from the Government and people of the Republic of Fiji conveyed to the Government and people of Japan since the unprecedented earthquake and tsunami struck on Japan in March this year. The damage caused by this disaster and the cost for reconstructions are incalculable. For its recovery and reconstruction, the Government of Japan has reviewed and decided to reduce the budget of its Official Development Assistance (ODA). However, the Japanese Government intends that reduction in the ODA budget should not affect the projects that are already on the ground, hence deciding not to reduce its bilateral ODA budget. We believe that assistance and encouragement provided to Japan from all over the world in the aftermath of the natural disaster shows the importance of “mutual dependence” and “coexistence” in the global community. Japan will continue to play an important role towards international peace and stability, and would not renege from the position in fulfilling its commitments made earlier.
Ladies and Gentlemen, at the outset, I wish to express my gratitude to you all on the preparation for this occasion and the warm reception extended to me this afternoon.

It is my pleasure to attend today’s handing over ceremony of three classroom block at Vuna District School.
Japan believes proper classroom facilities greatly contribute to the holistic development of a child during learning process. It is for this reason that Japan has been focusing on development of schools that are inundated with poor educational facilities. Such assistance by developmental partners like Japan relieves financial burden on stakeholders including Ministry of Education to improve facilities and make learning enjoyable and more rewarding for the children. Furthermore, Fijian Government’s announcement to introduce School Zoning scheme will make Japan ODA policy of helping needy schools with major developmental projects more meaningful. In this regard, I request everyone associated with this school to plan and execute a maintenance scheme of this building to sustain its useful life for future generations of Vuna.

To be able to provide flexible and timely support to development projects at the grass-roots level such as this project, the Japanese Government offers a financial assistance scheme for development projects designed to meet the diverse needs of grassroots in developing countries. Known as Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects program, commonly known as GGP, this scheme supports projects proposed by bodies such as Schools, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Local Government Authorities.

Since the inception of GGP, Japan has been very active development partner in upgrading educational facilities of many schools around Fiji, and today’s handing over ceremony is a clear manifestation of Japan’s firm commitment and conviction to upgrade Vuna District School with three new classrooms.

Finally, this project is the most evident manifestation of the close relationship enjoyed by the people and Government of Japan and the Republic of Fiji. With these few words, ladies and gentlemen I officially declare the new classrooms at Vuna District School open to the children of Vuna and I remain hopeful that the new classrooms will motivate children of Vuna to work harder in school.