Japan has pledged over $113,000 USD in grant funding to expand two schools in Ethiopia, one in the Afar region and another in the South Ethiopia region. The grant contracts were signed today in a ceremony attended by Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Shibata Hironori, and representatives from the implementing organizations.
The funding, provided through Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), will support Semera Secondary School and Hintala Primary School (South Ethiopia Region).
A grant approximately 6.4 million ETB will enable the construction of four furnished classrooms and six latrine rooms at the school in Sodo City, Wolaita Zone.
This project will benefit approximately 1,200 students by addressing classroom congestion and improving sanitation facilities.
The Voice of Wilderness Developmental Organization will oversee the Semera Secondary School project, while Future Generation Hope for Vulnerable Children Organization will manage the Hintala Primary School project. Both organizations requested Japan's support to address the growing student populations in their respective communities.
Ambassador Shibata emphasized Japan's commitment to supporting community development in Ethiopia. Since its introduction in 1989, the GGP has funded over 400 projects across the country, focusing on key areas such as education, vocational training, water and sanitation access, economic growth, health, and food security. These latest grants underscore Japan's ongoing efforts to improve educational opportunities and living conditions for Ethiopian children, according to the Embassy of Japan in Addis Ababa.