February 28, 2011
 Japan's Assistance for Three Grassroots Projects
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Mr. Fujiwara, Charge d' Affiars a.i. of Japan with Mr. Dhaubhadel, President of Siddhi Memorial Foundation after signing ceremony
The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial assistance totaling US$267,084, equivalent to approximately NRS19,202,180 to three NGOs to support their projects, respectively for upgrading medical equipment at Siddhi Memorial Foundation, constructing a vocational center for disabled people for the Spinal Cord Injury Association-Nepal, and constructing a primary school building for Shree Janata Higher Secondary School. This financial assistance is extended under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme of the Government of Japan in Japan’s FY 2010.
Grant Contracts were signed and exchanged today between His Excellency Mr. Tadashi Fujiwara, Chargé d Affaires of Japan to Nepal, and the representatives of the above NGOs.
Siddhi Memorial Foundation has been running Siddhi Memorial Hospital providing service-orientated medical care to marginalized women and children since 1997 in Bhaktapur. The service is offered free of charge or through a post-payment scheme for those who are in need. To enhance the number of patients, the organization decided to install medical equipment especially for maternal and child health and for setting up an incinerator etc to upgrade medical services. Five thousand people are expected to benefit under the Project to which the Government of Japan has decided to extend assistance of USD 62,641 (equivalent to approximately NRs 4,552,150).
The Spinal Cord Injury Association-Nepal has been energetically working on various activities to promote the rights and improve the quality of life for disabled people.. Since 2000, the organization has provided vocational training to 463 people at their center in Pokhara. Despite the increasing demand, shortage of space only allows a limited number of people to receive training. Under the Project a new, six roomed center will be constructed at Bhotepokhari VDC, near Pokhara. It is expected to provide opportunities for skills training such as sawing, candle making and handicrafts and lead to income generation for 60 to 90 disabled people. Realizing the enthusiasm and dedication of the Association staff, many of whom are disabled themselves, and the need for expansion, the Government of Japan has decided to extend USD105,898 (equivalent to approximately NRs7,695,671) to the Project.
Shree Janata Higher Secondary School was established in 1961 in Hadiya VDC, Udayapur District as a primary school and upgraded to plus two level in 2008. Constructed by the local community, the buildings are now in a dilapidated condition and suffering from a shortage of classrooms. To serve the community’s need and to improve the learning environment the construction of a two-storey school building with eight rooms, suitable for 816 students, will take place. The Project is expected to contribute to reduce the educational gap between urban and rural areas. To meet the request, the Government of Japan decided to extend USD 98,545 (equivalent to approximately NRs 6,954,359) to the school.
H.E. FUJIWARA concluded his speech with his wish that Projects included in the signing today will contribute to help Nepal in multiple aspects. He also hoped that the grants will play a significant role in strengthening the friendly relationship between Japan and Nepal at the people-to-people level.
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