Japan Supports Expansion of Education In The SNNPRS

Ambassador Hiroyuki Kishino

Two projects, funded by the Japanese Grant-in-aid Scheme for Grassroots Human Security Projects, have been inaugurated in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Regional State.

The ceremonies were held on Saturday (September 14) and attended by Ambassador Hiroyuki Kishino, Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, First Lady Roman Tesfaye, officials from the SNNPRS and the Wolaita Zone, and members of local communities.

The two projects were expansion of the secondary school facilities at the Liqa School in Soddo town, and the Sore Homba Primary School in Boloso Sore Woreda. The implementing partner was the Wolaita Development Association.

Ambassador Kishino expressed his hope that the community would enjoy great benefits by making the most use of these newly built and furnished school buildings. Japan has previously funded five other school projects in the Wolaita Zone.

The Grassroots Human Security Projects scheme was first introduced in 1989, and has been implemented in Ethiopia in 1997. It is designed to provide assistance to development projects that are implemented by non-profit organizations including NGOs, community-based organizations and local authorities; and since 1997, over 330 projects have been implemented in Ethiopia covering education, water supply, health services, and other basic human needs.