The Former Head Teacher and Project Manager, Mrs. Mailakeba Moce,
Head Teacher, Mr. Ole Nadavo,
Members of the School Management Committee,
Teachers, Parents & Children of Niusawa Methodist Primary School,
Invited guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning and Ni sa Bula

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, it is my pleasure to represent the Government and people of Japan in today’s handing over ceremony of the three classroom project at Niusawa Methodist Primary School. I am also grateful for the warm welcome accorded to me this morning.

With knowledge comes success and therefore, emphasis should be prioritised to improving and creating conducive environment for equal learning opportunities available to every child in Fiji’s school system. Japan’s donation of three classrooms and renovation work at Niusawa Methodist Primary School is a clear manifestation of Fijian Government policy to implement the school zoning scheme. It is my deep conviction that assistance of such magnitude to maritime and rural schools will definitely fetch a better result in the years ahead.

The funding of this project was made possible through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme, in short also known as GGP.

The GGP Programme is designed to address basic human needs, which include education, basic sanitary environment, water supply, health, vocational training and rural infrastructure. In the last Japanese fiscal year, namely April 2010 to March 2011 period, Japan had identified 13 projects under its GGP scheme with a total value of approximately 2 million dollars around Fiji.

Today’s handing over ceremony of these new classrooms is a reflection of Japan’s firm commitment and friendship to the people of the Republic of Fiji, and, whilst assisting in the improvement of school facilities, I am hopeful that this assistance will also contribute to strengthen the friendship between our two countries, Japan and Fiji.

Finally, I express the hope that, with regular maintenance, the new classrooms will continue to serve the need of the community of Niusawa for many years ahead.

Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.