The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial support totalling US $ 175,143 to two Pakistani NGOs, Al-Khidmat Foundation and Shama Development Organization, for the implementation of social development projects for disadvantaged communities of the country. The agreements for the two projects were signed on 8th December, 2015, at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Islamabad, between Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata and the heads of the two organizations.
The NGO Al-khidmat Foundation will utilize its grant of US $ 85,717 for the installation of water filtration plants in the suburbs of District Faisalabad. The organization was previously provided the financial assistance worth US$ 112,419 by the Government of Japan in 2012 to construct a well-equipped hospital in Charsadda (KPK). Through the current grant, the project is expected to provide safe drinking water to approximately 30,000 individuals in different locations of the selected district; and will help in minimizing water borne diseases in the target areas.
The grant of US $ 89,426 to NGO Shama Development Organization, on the other hand, will enable construction of primary and middle school for both boys and girls in Rawalakot, AJK. Once constructed, the school will significantly benefit 171 students currently studying in a rented building which is not suitable for education due to unfavorable conditions. The new building with better-quality facilities will increase the capacity as well; thus allowing enrollment of students to rise in the coming years. The NGO aims to provide subsidies to needy students in order to encourage promotion of education in the neediest segments of the local community.
Ambassador Inomata, at the signing ceremony, expressed how better-quality & easily accessible facilities of water and education contribute in strengthening the foundation of long term development for both individuals as well as communities; particularly in rural areas of the country. He then further assured to provide continuous support to Pakistani communities and hoped that the projects signed today would certainly strengthen the friendly relations between the people of Japan and Pakistan.
So far during the current Japanese Fiscal Year (which starts in April), the amount the Government of Japan has provided to Pakistani NGOs under the GGP program adds up to US $ 430,032 in total.
Note: The Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme is an initiative of the Japanese government with the belief that, in consideration of the enormity of the challenges being faced by the world today, development assistance should not only be limited to governments but also be channeled to the grassroots level through civil society organizations. Since it began in 1989, the GGP Programme has supported more than 340 projects in Pakistan, with a contribution of more than 2.4 billion Japanese Yen.
<http://www.pk.emb-japan.go.jp/JapanPakistanRelations/GrantAssistance-new.html> |
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