August 17, 2007
 Japan's Assistance for Construction of Disabled Children Education and Training Center in Pokhara Municipality |
The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial assistance of eighty-three thousand, three hundred and forty-six US Dollars (US$83,346); equivalent to approximately five million, four hundred and ninety thousand Nepali Rupees (NPs.5,490,000) to the Shishu Bikas Kendra of Nepal Jesuit Society for the implementation of the Project for Construction of Disabled Children Education and Training Center in Pokhara Municipality in Japan's FY 2007. This financial assistance is extended under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme of the Government of Japan.
A Grant Contract to this effect was signed and exchanged today between His Excellency Mr. Tsutomu HIRAOKA, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Father Akijirou Ooki, Director of the Shishu Bikas Kendra of Nepal Jesuit Society, Pokhara.
The Grant will be utilized for the construction of the first floor and for the sanitation work of the Education and Training Center Building for disabled children. Out of the estimated construction cost of over 18 million rupees, the Shishu Bikas Kendra will cover about 70 %, which includes a donation from a Japanese NGO. The existing building was completed in 1979, and the Center is facing the urgent necessity of reconstructing and improving its facilities to meet the demand for rehabilitation and training for these children. The training will be conducted for 3 to 7 years for each child with attentiveness and in a homely atmosphere, with approximately 25 children receiving the opportunity of training and rehabilitation at any one time.
The Shishu Bikas Kendra of the Nepal Jesuit Society, apart from providing training to disabled children, is also making its best effort to be recognized as a model center for the education of disabled children. On average, the Center receives 200 visitors from different parts of Nepal annually to learn about its activities. It is to be noted that the Center was established in Pokhara in 1979 and since then Father Ooki has dedicated himself to the education and training of disabled children.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Hiraoka mentioned Japan's assistance to Nepal in achieving sustainable development through poverty alleviation and ensuring human security. He explained the difficult circumstances of disabled people in Nepal and lauded the remarkable contribution of the Shishu Bikas Kendra for the betterment of welfare of disabled children. Furthermore, he expressed his hope that disabled children will live in dignity and that the grant will play a symbolic role in further strengthening the relationship between Japan and Nepal.
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