August 31, 2004
Japanese Ambassador for Civil Society Visits Project Sites Implemented under Financial Assistance of Government of Japan
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The Ambassador for Civil Society and Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of Japan, Mr. Mitsuhiro Saotome was recently in Kathmandu for a four-day visit from August 24th to 27th, 2004. He was here to inspect the various projects currently being implemented under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) scheme of the Government of Japan, and to participate in an interaction program organized by various Japanese and Nepalese NGOs at the Social Welfare Council.
The NGO Ambassador also visited Changu Naryan where he inspected the "Empowerment of Learning Skills for Women and Children" project. This project has various components such as skill development and leadership training for women, the supply of drinking water, and distribution of educational material to students and the improvement of center's physical facilities. Institute of Culture Affairs (ICA) Japan and Nepal are jointly implementing the project.
Mr. SAOTOME also inspected the High Quality Agro-Product Center at Bhainsepati, Lalitpur that was constructed by Love Green Nepal. The objective of the project is to offer a retail outlet to the farmers that are currently being assisted by Japanese experts and volunteers. The products are mainly fruits and vegetables. The center is equipped with facilities such as a showroom, office and processing room, cold chain unit, generator house and storeroom, generator, air conditioners, furniture, computers and a pick-up truck.
During his visit, Mr. SAOTOME also participated in a three-day interaction program held at the Social Welfare Council between the Japanese NGO Network for Nepal and the Nepalese counterpart NGO. The objective of the interaction program was to strengthen the capacity building and networking between the Japanese and Nepali NGOs working in Nepal. The Japan NGO Network for Nepal currently has 45 NGOs.
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