Overview:
A school bus donated by Japan to Peleliu Elementary School in 2012 continues to provide daily transportation for students 14 years later, highlighting the long-term impact of grassroots assistance projects between Japan and Palau.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
PELELIU, Palau — A 30‑seat school bus provided to Peleliu Elementary School through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects continues to transport students 14 years after delivery, the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Palau said.
The embassy’s GGP coordinator visited the school, and met with Principal Zeralda Smau as part of a follow‑up to “The Project for School Bus Procurement for Peleliu Elementary School,” the embassy said.
“We are very pleased to see that the bus continues to serve as a reliable and indispensable means of transportation for the students of Peleliu Elementary School, and that it has been well maintained over the years,” the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Palau said. “This long‑term use demonstrates the sustainability and lasting positive impact of the project on the local community.”
The embassy said the bus remains in good condition and provides daily transportation for 43 students. “As approximately half of the students live far from the school, the bus serves as an indispensable means of transportation for both the students and their parents,” the embassy said.
“Community‑based projects play a vital role in strengthening essential services that support everyday life at the local level,” the embassy added. “Reliable transportation ensures that children can access education both safely and consistently, which is fundamental to community development and the future generation.”
On Japan’s broader ties with Palau, the embassy said, “Japan highly values its longstanding friendship and partnership with Palau. Through meaningful grassroots projects, the Embassy remains committed to supporting local communities, while further deepening trust and strengthening the relationship between Japan and the people of Palau.”
The embassy also held a Japanese cultural event at the school May 14 attended by Ambassador Kasahara Kenichi, the statement said. The embassy said it hopes the bus “will continue to contribute to a stable learning environment and a fulfilling school life for the students in the years to come.”