On 13 November, 2013, H.E. Kazuhiro SUZUKI, the newly arrived Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, signed two Grant Contracts for Grant in Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects(GGPs) at the Embassy of Japan with “Water Action” and “the Women and Children Development Organization”. The two projects are both education projects in the Amhara Regional State and the Oromia Regional State respectively. They received funding of USD 236,716 between them.
The first project signed was for the expansion of the Agamssa Primary School in the Kalu Woreda, South Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State by constructing two new school blocks with funding of USD 115,737. Through this project, the educational environment of the school will be dramatically improved. As a result, an additional 300 students who currently live and study in other kebeles apart from their parents, will be able to study in their home town. Also, the school will start full-day classes for 1st to 4th grade students, which are expected to improve the quality of education provided by the school.
The second project signed was for the Reconstruction of the Kimso Arere Primary School in Dano Woreda, West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State by constructing two school blocks, and one administrative block, both fully furnished, plus two toilet blocks, with funding of USD120,979. After implementation, it is expected that the 518 current students from 1st to 8th grade will be able to attend classes in the new classrooms and 170 additional students will gain the opportunity to attend classes. The health and sanitary environment will also be improved after the new toilet construction.
Following the signing ceremony, the 4th in the Japanese Fiscal Year 2013, H.E. Mr. Kazuhiro SUZUKI, remarked that he intends to continue assisting Ethiopian people with the development of  their country, and enhance the mutual friendship. He added that these projects would enable the students to enjoy a comfortable educational environment and that they were tokens of friendship between both countries.

The Government of Japan has placed priority on community-based, human security projects for vulnerable and marginalized people, and the GGP has played a valuable role to help such people throughout Ethiopia. Since 1997, about 330 projects have been implemented under this scheme in such sectors as education, water supply, health services, and other basic human needs.  For JFY2012, 18 such projects were awarded grants.

13 November, 2013
Addis Ababa