Overview:
A newly renovated Angaur Elementary School opened its doors Friday, marking a milestone in Palau–Japan cooperation and the government’s push to strengthen education on the outer islands. Funded by Japan, the project transforms the school into a modern learning hub serving students from kindergarten through higher education.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
ANGAUR, Palau (Jan. 23, 2026)— Amid cheers from wide-eyed students and proud locals, Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and Japanese Ambassador Kenichi Kasahara snipped a bright red ribbon Friday, unveiling the gleaming new Angaur Elementary School.
The Jan. 23 ceremony capped a major renovation funded by Japan, a shining example of Palau’s push for better classrooms under Whipps’ “A Kot A Rechad Er Belau” initiative — “a good foundation for Palau.” The upgraded facility now serves K-8 students plus high school and university kids taking online courses, turning a modest island school into a hub for learning.
“This partnership with Japan invests in our children’s future, building not just walls but dreams,” Whipps said. Kasahara echoed the sentiment, praising the “unbreakable bond” between the nations that fueled the project.
Local leaders, educators, students and ROC-Taiwan’s new Ambassador to Palau, Kang-I Chen, joined hundreds of residents under a tropical sun to celebrate. Kids raced through the fresh halls, testing shiny desks and buzzing about new tech — a far cry from the worn-out buildings of before.
The event highlights Palau-Japan ties, proving how global teamwork can transform remote communities one school at a time.