Two inauguration ceremonies took place on 21 January 2011 in Metekel Zone of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State to mark the completion of two new projects funded through the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme. 

Mr. Yoshinori Kitamura, First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia, celebrated the completion of the projects, together with the representatives of the Woreda as well as members of the community.

“The Project for Constructing a School in Kokel Kebele, Dangur Woreda, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State” was successfully implemented by a local NGO, the Mujejeguwa Loka Women’s Development Association, based upon the Grant Contract for USD 95,569 signed on 16 March, 2009.

Over the years, the Dangur Woreda has suffered from a lack of formal education, leading to a very low primary school enrolment rate of approximately 60% when the rest of the country was nearing 100%. This project is aimed at easing the overcrowded classrooms as well as at improving access to the much needed formal education system for approximately 600 school-age children in the area. By increasing the number of students enrolled and shortening the commuting time, this new school will contribute to capacity building in the community from the long-term perspective.

Similarly, “The Project for Constructing Wells to Access Safe Water for Improving Health Condition in Metekel Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State” was also successfully implemented by a local NGO, the Tikuret Legumuz Hizb Limat Mahibr, based upon the Grant Contract for USD75, 946 signed on 30 January, 2009.

The region, particularly in the north, has suffered from a lack of access to safe drinking water as well as a shortage of water for animals. As a result, the residents have been forced to use water from rivers and streams for drinking, leading to serious water-born diseases. By installing wells in 7 villages and giving sanitary and management training to people in the community, this project aims to provide safe drinking water to more than 3,000 community members.

Since 1997, the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia has supported over 270 Grassroots Human Security Projects throughout Ethiopia, in areas of basic human needs such as education, water, agriculture, and health. The Government of Japan has supported and will continue to support projects at the grassroots level which are beneficial to marginalized and vulnerable people in Ethiopia.