:: Press Releases

Japan Provides Grant Assistance to Naboro Prison and Two (2) Schools

The Government of Japan will provide funding of US$177,714.00 (approx. F$303,889.00) to Naboro Prison, Seaqaqa Indian School and Vunimono High School through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme.

The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Masashi Namekawa, and the representatives of the three organisations will sign grant contracts to formalise Japan’s funding at 10.30 a.m. on 15th March 2006 at the Embassy of Japan, Level 2 Dominion House, Thomson Street, Suva.

Details of the project are as follows:

1. The Project for the Provision of Poultry Sheds for Naboro Prison
   
   A sum of US$51,180.00 (approx. F$88,241.00) will be provided to the Prisons Department to undertake this project at Naboro Prison. The project comprises of construction of two poultry sheds and provision of 100 water drinkers to enable the Naboro Prison to breed chickens. The project is primarily aimed at providing a rehabilitation programme whereby the inmates will be able to acquire necessary skills and training in poultry breeding. It is envisage that the skills acquired would assist the inmates, once released from prison, to seek employment in the area of poultry farming.
   
   
2. Project for Upgrading of Seaqaqa Indian School
   
   A sum of US$47,936.00 (approx. F$82,648.00) will be provided to the school to undertake this project. The project constitutes construction of a three classroom block and provision of school furniture. The new facilities will replace the old wooden structure which must be demolished as required by the Macuata Rural Local Authority. Through the new facilities, the school would be able to address the problem of overcrowding, as well. It is anticipated that each year around 100 students will be able to benefit from this project.
   
   
3. The Project for Upgrading of Vunimono High School
   
   A sum of US$78,598.00 (approx. F$133,000.00) will be provided to the school to undertake this project. The project comprises of the construction of an eight classroom block to replace an old existing structure which has been condemned by the Occupational Health and Safety Authorities of Fiji. The provision of the new facilities will ensure that the school meets the safety standard of Fiji Authorities in providing the education to the many students who have been using the old facilities. It is anticipated that each year at least 1100 students will directly benefit from this project upon its completion.

Japan’s assistance to these projects indicates its commitment to contribute to the improvement of the living standards and welfare of people in Fiji Islands 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, sanitary environment and rural infrastructure. It is hoped that this assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties between the governments and the people of Fiji Islands and Japan.