Press Releases

» Japanese Aid Targets Education Sector in Vanuatu

The Government of Japan is pleased to announce the approval of grants totalling US$ 127,164 for 3 school upgrading projects on Tanna Island in the Republic of Vanuatu. The grants will be made available under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.

The following schools are being earmarked for the funds, which will enable the construction of a double classroom building and the procurement of furniture for each school:

1. Lowieru Primary School ---US$42,388
2. Lenaken Primary School ---US$42,388
3. Dip Point Primary School ---US$42,388

The contracts formalising Japan's assistance will be signed at the Ministry of Education in the Republic of Vanuatu at 2:00pm on Friday 6 February 2004. The grants will be made available before 31 March 2004.

Japan's assistance to the 3 projects is in line with a commitment made by Japan's Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, at the PALM Summit held in Japan in 2003, whereby Japan would provide assistance to 100 schools in the South Pacific Forum member countries over a three-year period from 2003 to 2005. It is hoped that this assistance, while helping develop rural education, will also contribute to strengthening the friendly ties between the governments and peoples of the South Pacific Island countries and Japan.