Japan formalized assistance to Malia Tupu ‘i Makulata Primary School Featured
H.E Tetsuya Ishii, Ambassador of Japan formalizing Japan’s GGP assistance with Fr. Newcastle Niukapu, Principal of Malia Tupu ‘I Makulata Primary School, on June 27 in Nuku’alofa.
28 June, 2018. The Grant Contract formalizing the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Project to Malia Tupu ‘i Makulata Primary School, was signed between H.E Mr. Tetsuya Ishii, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Tonga, and Father Newcastle Niukapu, Principal of Malia Tupu ‘i Makulata Primary School on Wednesday 27 June,2018.
Present at the ceremony held at the conference room of St. George Government Building were Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tuionetoa, Minister for Finance and National Planning, Mrs. Bawlyn Fa’otusia, CEO for the Ministry of Finance & National Planning, Mr. Soane Vahe, Director of the Catholic Education, members of the Parents Teachers Association and students of Malia Tupu ‘i Makulata Primary School.
H.E Mr. Tetsuya Ishii in his keynote address emphasized that Japan prioritizes education and is determined to continue assisting the education sector in Tonga.
“Cyclone GITA gravely affected many schools on Tongatapu and 'Eua this year, and we hope to proactively assist the education sector, cooperating with the government of Tonga and other donor countries.”
“It is my greatest pleasure to know that our efforts, including the GGP will assist more children around Tonga in receiving education in a safe and healthy environment and helping them to reach for their future dreams and possibilities,” stated His Excellency.
Mr. Tu’akalau Tu’ipulotu extended on behalf of the school and PTA their heartfelt appreciation for the generous assistance from the people and the Government of Japan, commenting that “Education is the key and passport for the children’s growth and future”.
Japan’s assistance will enable construction of two new classrooms and a new toilet block. Over 170 students currently enrolled in the school will benefit from this assistance.
Japan’s GGP was introduced in 1990 to respond directly to the basic human needs at the grass-roots level communities. Over 260 GGP project have been implemented in Tonga and throughout its island groups.
These assistance epitomized Japan’s commitment to support efforts by the people and the Government of Tonga to ensure Human Security and continue to enrich the existing warm and close relations between the people and the Government of Japan and the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga.
