On March 19, 2024, the grant contract signing ceremony for “The Project for the Procurement of School Bus for Airai Elementary School” through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), was held at the Embassy of Japan. The contract was signed between His Excellencey Mr. ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, and Ms. Norma Mersai, Principal of Airai Elementary School.
“School buses are a critical component of Palau’s school infrastructure, providing students with access to schools that are often located far from their homes. For those students who live far away from school, the bus is the only means of transportation to and from school, and without a safe means of transportation, parents cannot rest easy. I am very pleased that we are able to provide the precious Palauan children with the vital means to get to school.” said Ambassador Orikasa at the ceremony.
With the assistance of GGP, students of Airai Elementary School will enjoy the safe and reliable transportation. The school bus will also be used for various extracurricular activities, including environmental education, to nurture a generation that will protect the country’s rich natural environment, and further enhance the learning environment at their school.
The ceremony was attended by the Honorable Dr. Dale Jenkins, Minister of Education, Ms. Aileen Mikel, Chief of School Management Operation, Ministry of Education and other guests.