Handing Over Ceremony for “The Project for the Provision of School Bus in Funafuti Atoll” and “The Project for the Provision of School Bus in Vaitupu Island” under the Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.

On 28 November 2025, the Ambassador Mr. Rokuichiro MICHII officially handed over two school buses to Mr. Vailopa Uatali, Pule Kaupule Vaitupu, and Mr. Vaguna Penileta, Tokolua Pule Kaupule Funafuti. These projects were implemented under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), as part of the “The Project for the Provision of School Bus in Funafuti Atoll” and “The Project for the Provision of School Bus in Vaitupu Island”
 
Prior to the commencement of the project, Funafuti only had two school buses, Vaitupu had none. Therefore, many kindergarten, primary school and secondary school children had no choice but to walk to school. Walking long distances to school not only increases lateness and absenteeism, but also poses serious safety concerns, such as the risk of being hit by vehicles, being attacked by stray dogs and heatstroke.
 
In response to these challenges, the Government of Japan assisted approximately AU$100,525.00 to Funafuti kaupule and AU$101,460.00 to Vaitupu Kaupule The projects provided each Kaupule with a school bus (22-passenger capacity).
 
The school buses are expected to improve the commuting environment for kindergarten, primary school and secondary school children.
 
During the ceremony, Ambassador MICHII expressed his sincere appreciation to all those involved and concluded his speech with the following words: “I conclude with confidence that this project is not just about transportation, it is about empowering children through safe and reliable access to education, and about building a stronger, more resilient community. Furthermore, it contributes to the strengthening of friendship between the governments and peoples of Tuvalu and Japan.”