Infrastructure upgrade for schools

4 schools in the country will have more classrooms, conducive learning and teaching environments and proper water and sanitation.

All these will be possible after Tuesday’s contract signing between Ambassador of Japan to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Satoshi Nakajima, and head teachers from Kil, Kinjibi primary schools and Tatana Elementary School.

These three schools are successful recipients of the grant assistance for grassroots human security projects under Japan’s official development assistance program in PNG.

The funding assistance of K961,203 will see Kil and Kinjibi primary schools and Tatana Elementary School increase the number of classroom infrastructure to cater for the growth in enrolment of students.

The head teachers, upon receiving the signed contracts, thanked the government of Japan for the timely assistance.

For Tatana Elementary School, this funding is a breakthrough after being without proper classrooms for 15 years.

“On behalf of my teachers and students and their parents, I’d like to thank the Ambassador and your government for this assistance that will go towards building 3 new classrooms for Tatana Elementary School,” said head teacher Joseph Paul.

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a basic human right however, in PNG, many communities and rural institutions have difficulty accessing potable water.

The assistance for the installation of a water supply system, including toilet facilities in St. Michael’s Catholic Primary School, will improve water accessibility and sanitary conditions and prevent water borne diseases for students and teachers.

His Excellency, Satoshi Nakajima, challenged the recipients to make their utmost effort to implement the projects according to the timeframe and requirements set by the contract.

“I hope each project will effectively address your urgent need for classrooms and facilities will be used and maintained properly,” said Ambassador Nakajima.

It is hoped the infrastructure will remain for many years to come and long remembered as a symbol of friendship between both countries. 

Author: 
Carolyn Ure