DUSHANBE, March 12, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- Mr. Yoshihiro Nakayama, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe, Mr. Mahmadjon Davlatov, Chairman of Rasht District, Mr. Fazliddin Ibrohim, the First Deputy Chairman of Roshtqala District and Ms. Khayrinisso Kenjayeva, Deputy Chairperson of Panj District, will sign grant contracts for educational projects, total amount of US$ 282,173 with attendance of Mr. Abdujabbor Rahmonov, Minister of Education, at the Ministry of Education today at 2:00 pm, according to the Japanese Embassy in Dushanbe. 

The projects are granted under Japanese Grant Assistance for Grass–roots Human Security Projects (GGP).

For “The Project for Provision of School Equipment in Rasht District”, the Government of Japan allocates US$ 95,809.

In Rasht district with the population of 100,000, educational facilities in the area are facing ultimate shortage of educational equipment.  Under the project, school equipment such as 1,163 set of desk and chairs and 102 black boards will be provided to 62 schools with 13,435 students.  Appropriate school equipment will largely improve school condition and students’ motivation to attend classes.  Overall district educational level will be improved, which ensures a long-term human capital development in the region.

“The Project for Rehabilitation of Secondary School No. 27 in Roshtqala District” will be implemented by Roshtqala district in Gorno Badakhshan with US$ 90,939 granted by the Government of Japan.

Constructed in 1954 (partially in 1970), the secondary school No. 27 in Roshtqala jamoat with the population of 2,300 has 300 students and 49 teachers.  The school has two buildings but without major rehabilitation so far, one of the buildings is on the risk of collapse due to severe damage. Students study in another over-populated building. Through the project, major repair including reconstruction of roof, rehabilitation of the wall and floor of the deteriorated school building will be implemented.  After the rehabilitation, the school will be able to ensure safe and proper educational condition.

The Government of Japan allocates US$ 95,425 for “The Project for Reconstruction of the Flood Damaged School in Panj District”.

Constructed in 1980, secondary school No.24 is the only one in Tajiksoi village in Namuna jamoat, Panj district in Khatlon province, with 350 students and 21 teachers.  On May 14, 2009 mudflow caused by huge flood washed out and destroyed the school and the village itself.  Evacuated students are staying with relatives to go to school in another village.  In order to solve the situation and accelerate the reconstruction of the flood-damaged area, the Government of Japan will assist to build a new school No.24 in a safer place allocated by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan to rebuild Tajiksoi village.  In addition, school equipment such as desks and chairs will be provided. 350 students from Tojiksoy village will study in the new school. More than 21 teachers are expected to find teaching position.  As students can study in a safe and sanitary environment after the implementation of the project, educational level will be improved.

Ensuring quality education for all children is the vital factor for long-term development, thus, these projects will contribute to the development of Tajikistan.

The Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) provides support to projects in the human security sectors at the grassroots level.  The GGP is provided to local governments, NGOs, and educational and medical institutions in developing countries.  The GGP has extended more than US$ 16.9 million for 250 projects in the Republic of Tajikistan since 1996.