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Japan Provides Funds to Tuvalu National Council of Women

The Government of Japan is pleased to announce the approval of grants totalling US$26,363.00 (approximately A$32,367.00) for the improvement of the Women’s Handicraft Centre in Funafuti, Tuvalu.

Grant Contract, formalising Japan’s assistance, was signed between H.E. Mr. Masashi Namekawa, the Ambassador of Japan and Mrs. Pulafagu Toafa, the Coordinator of Tuvalu National Council of Women on Tuesday, 14th February 2006 at 09:00 a.m. in Tuvalu. The funds for the projects would be available under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) programme.

The project entails the provision of materials, labour, plant and electrical works for the renovation of the Women’s Handicraft Centre. It is anticipated that upon completion the project will contribute in raising the standard of living of women who sell their artefacts from the centre. In addition, the improved facilities at the centre will provide more opportunities for the unfortunate and under privilege women who could not find alternative source of employment.

Japan’s assistance to this project indicates its commitment to contribute to the improvement of the living standards and welfare of people in Tuvalu and is in line with its Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy of promoting development at the grassroots level. The GGP programme is specifically designed to address basic human needs, which include water supply, health, basic education, vocational training and rural infrastructure. The Embassy of Japan hopes that this assistance will help further strengthen friendly ties between the governments and the people of Tuvalu and Japan.