An Inauguration ceremony for a project to improve the quality of education in Gobara Village, Argoba Woreda, Amhara National Regional State, took place on 24 September, 2011. The project was funded by the Japanese government through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme with USD 76,332, and implemented by the Nigat Integrated Development Association. Mr. Takao Ishii, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia, celebrated the completion of the project, together with Ato Tsuga Alemu Workneh, the Exective Director of the Nigat Integrated Development Association, local government representatives of the Argoba Woreda, as well as members of the community.

The project upgraded the First Cycle Primary School (G1-4) to a Full Cycle Primary School by constructing two blocks with 6 classrooms, and one office block with two rooms, plus equipping the school with furniture including 102 combined desks, 6 blackboards, 19 chairs and 2 shelves.  The target community is predominantly the Argoba people who are one of the ethnic minority groups in the Amhara State.  The school was opened last year and it has been benefitting 280 Argoba children who used to have no access to Full Cycle Primary schooling.

At the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Takao Ishii expressed his profound gratitude to the Nigat Integrated Development Association as well as the Argoba Woreda Education Office, for their deep devotion to the completion of the project.  He said he is most gratified to learn that children in the Argoba community now have easy access to Full Cycle Primary Education.  He also mentioned that the Japanese Government recognizes that education is one of the most important and fundamental factors for a country’s betterment.  Education promotes the empowerment of people and results in the socio-economic development of a country.  Moreover, basic education broadens children’s minds and gives them more opportunities in the future.

Since 1997, the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia has supported over 287 Grassroots Human Security Projects throughout Ethiopia, in education, water, agriculture, health and other areas of basic human needs.  The Government of Japan will continue to support a variety of projects at the grassroots level for marginalized and vulnerable people.