An Inauguration ceremony for ‘the Project for the Reconstruction of the Wonka Primary School in Gozamin Woreda, Amhara Region’ was held on 20 January, 2013. The project was funded by the Japanese Grant-in-aid Scheme for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), amounting to USD 107,381. The implementing partner for the project was the Gozamin Woreda Education Office. H.E. Mr. Hiroyuki KISHINO, Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, celebrated the completion of the project, together with Ato Addis Dilnessa, the former Director of North East Asia Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the East Gojjam Zone, as well as members of the local community.
The project established new school blocks in the Wonka Primary School and provided school furniture for both new and existing classrooms. Through this project, 2 blocks with a total of 8 classrooms have been newly constructed and fully furnished with 136 combined desks and chairs, 8 blackboards, and 8 teacher’s desks and chairs. In addition, 4 existing school blocks with a total of 15 classrooms have been furnished with 255 combined desks and chairs, 15 blackboards, and 15 teacher’s desks and chairs. As a result, a better educational environment is now provided for students at the Wonka Primary School.
During the Inauguration Ceremony, H.E. Mr. Hiroyuki KISHINO expressed his congratulations when handing over the newly built school blocks and school furniture to the community and the Woreda. His Excellency also appreciated the Gozamin Woreda Education Office for the excellent partnership and the timely completion of the project. He expressed his hope that the community would enjoy great benefits by making the most use of these newly built and furnished school blocks. He also emphasized, “It is equally important to maintain the facilities in good condition so that the school would serve the local interests for many years to come.”

The GGP scheme was first introduced in 1989, and thus it has a history of about 24 years to date. In Ethiopia, since 1997, over 300 projects have been implemented under this scheme in such sectors as education, water supply, health services, and other basic human needs. In JFY 2012 (1 April, 2012 – 31 March, 2013), the Embassy of Japan is planning to award grants to nearly 20 projects submitted by various not-for-profit organizations and local authorities throughout Ethiopia for the economic and social benefit of underprivileged people.

21 January, 2013
Addis Ababa