On Monday, December 28, 2020, His Excellency, KARASAWA Akira, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Palau, formally handed over a renovated building to Senior Citizens Center. The ribbon cutting ceremony for “The Project for Renovating Senior Citizens Center” was held at Senior Citizens Center in Koror, and was attended by President Remengesau, Paramount Chief Ibedul, Paramount Chief Reklai, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs Temengil and other distinguished guests.
The Senior Citizens Center building was renovated in the total cost of $89,639, through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). Through the implementation of this project, the multipurpose room and the bathrooms were fully renovated.
Since Senior Citizens Center plays a very important role in the community and the number of users is expected to increase in the future because family style has been changed in the society nowadays. However, the building of the center was deteriorated and unsafe and secure for the elderly people who use the center. The renovated building will allow the center to provide the safe and secured environment. At the same time, the center will be able to accommodate more people and improve their quality of life in the community.
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999, for the purpose of responding to various development needs engaged in grassroots activities in Palau. As of December 28, 2020, the Embassy has signed 83 grant contracts with schools and hospitals as well as state governments and non-profit organizations. Education, health care and environment are the primary fields prioritized by Japan for GGP in order to contribute to sustainable development of Palau. For further information about GGP, please contact 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan’s GGP website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html .
Senior citizens at the opening of their newly renovated and improved Center, made possible by Government of Japan’s Grassroots Grant. December 28, 2020. (Photo credit: Office of the President)