Remarks by H.E. Hiroyuki Kishino, Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia,
at the Inauguration Ceremony for the Project to Reconstruct the Wonka Primary School in Gozamin Woreda, Amhara Region on 20 January, 2013

Ato Addis Dilnessa, former Director of the Northeast Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the promoter of this project,
Ato Megebar Kebede, Chief Administrator of the East Gojjam Zone,
Distinguished Guests,
Community members of the Gozamin Woreda,
Teachers and Students of the Wonka Primary School,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.  Endemen Adera chehu.

I am most grateful to all of you for your very warm welcome today.  I am also grateful to the previous speakers for their compliments about Japan, touching upon the long history of friendship and cooperation that our two countries have enjoyed.  This is my first trip to the Gozamin Woreda/ Debre Markos town and the fifth trip to the Amhara Regional State.

It is a great pleasure for me to have this opportunity to attend the inauguration ceremony for the Project to Reconstruct the Wonka Primary School in Gozamin Woreda, Amhara Region.  This project was funded by Japan’s grant-in-aid scheme for grassroots and human security projects, amounting to USD 107,381, based upon the grant contract signed last February.  Our project partner is the Gozamin Woreda Education Office, a most competent local authority.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Improving the educational environment is a great challenge in Ethiopia, and the Gozamin Woreda is no exception.  The Wonka Primary School was founded in 1960 and is, therefore, rather old.  Although six blocks with 24 classrooms have been available at the school, the clay plaster has peeled off the walls and some windows have been broken.  For this reason, rain and wind easily come inside, disturbing classes from time to time.  Such deterioration has also caused health problems among students.  In addition, the school furniture has worn out, and some students have been forced to use wooden boards instead of desks.  In this environment, it has not been easy for students to concentrate on their studies.

Therefore, this project aimed at improving the quality of the educational environment at the Wonka Primary School by establishing new school blocks and providing school furniture.  Through this project, two blocks with eight classrooms in total have been newly constructed for Grade 1 to Grade 3.  They have been fully furnished with 136 combined desks and chairs, eight blackboards, and eight teacher’s desks and chairs.  In addition, four existing blocks with 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.

There is one more point worth mentioning about this project.  The Gozamin Woreda Education Office, especially Ato Menweyelet Fasil, has facilitated this project in close contact with the project coordinator in charge at the Embassy to complete it in time and in line with the project guidelines.  I do appreciate such an excellent partnership.  I would also like to touch upon the community endeavor.  The residents, particularly PTA members, participated in the project by offering their labor and construction materials.  I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all those who have made a contribution to this project.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The newly built school blocks and school furniture are now handed over to the community and the Woreda.  I am confident that you will make the most use of them and enjoy great benefits.  At the same time, please keep in mind that it is equally important to maintain the facilities in good condition so that the school will serve the local interests for many years to come.  Finally, I do hope that we can work together again in the future for the economic and social benefit of underprivileged people in rural areas of Ethiopia.

Thank you for your attention.  Amesegenalehu.