Japanese cooperation in aiding education and likely tourism development

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The Government of Japan in terms of its Grassroots Development Assistance Programme has delivered yet another new school classroom in the Solomon Islands.

It has been reported that the Varu Adventist Primary school on Kolombangara, in the Western Province, took delivery of their new classroom building and a staff house recently– thanks to the Government of Japan.

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At the official handover ceremony, the Japanese ambassador, Shigeru Toyama. said the completion and official opening of the first Japanese Grassroots project on Kolombangara island was a remarkable and historical event.

He said Japan recognized that education was the primary resource base of the society and the country.

The Ambassador added, “The ’Embassy of Japan was willing to continue efforts in assistance in the education field to see more happy faces in many places of Solomon Islands and to cultivate cordial relationship between Japan and Solomon Islands,’’

The Ambassador went on to say, the school project was signed in January 2019 between the Embassy of Japan and Varu Primary School.

Japan had contributed about $640,000 in total to build the new classroom building and staff house to improve the learning environment for the children and teachers of Varu School.

He expressed his gratitude towards the head teacher of Varu School and school Board members for their strong leadership towards the completion of the project.

 Ambassador Toyama also thanked and appreciated the contractor, who was able to complete the project according to the time-line.

The MPA for North Kolombangara, Sutcliffe George, thanked the Government and people of Japan through its commitment towards the Grassroots Development Assistance Programme for the improvement and strengthening of education services to Solomon Islands.

“On behalf of the community of North Kolombangara Ward 26, I also thank the Chief Education Officer (Western) for the Education Division’s role in continued facilitation of education services in Western Province,’’ he said.

“We are all aware of the fact that, funding for socio-economic development is often difficult to secure because of competing cross –sector needs at the provincial and national government levels.”

Source:  Solomon Star News.

Meanwhile, in a separate news story relating to Japanese cooperation and assistance, it has been disclosed that –

Tourism Solomons, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Tourism Office in Tokyo, facilitated an international tourism promotion talk in Tokyo on 3 December to all tourism investors, travel agents, and tourism businesses operators across Japan.

The event attracted more than 30 participants with different tourism backgrounds and interest to the Solomon Islands and the South Pacific.

In his opening remarks at the promotion gathering, the marketing officer from Tourism Solomons, Nelson Manepura, acknowledged the partnership with the Solomon Islands Tourism Office in Tokyo sponsored by Kitano Construction Company, as well as the Japanese Association of Travels Agents (JATA), the Pacific Island Centre (PIC) and Air Niugini for the provision of support towards the event.

Mr. Manepura highlighted that the Solomon Islands is a new destination for Asia and Japanese tourists, especially for exploring its unique opportunities, the relaxing environment, isolated and unexplored nature.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

www.solomonislandsinfocus.com

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