July 31, 2009
The Government of Japan is providing funds under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project Scheme（GGP）amounting to 4,626,200 baht for a project entitled “A Project for Vocational Training for Burmese Refugees in Camps along the Thai-Burmese Border”. On July 30, 2009, H.E.Mr. Kyoji Komachi, Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, and Mr. Brian Solomon, Director of ZOA Refugee Care Thailand, jointly signed the funding contract for the project at the Embassy of Japan in Bangkok.
Now, more than 140,000 Myanmar refugees are living in 9 refugee camps in Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi on the border between Thailand and Myanmar. Some people have been there almost 25 years because, due to the unstable situation in Myanmar, there is no knowing when they will return.
Since 1997 ZOA Refugee Care Thailand, which is an International NGO, has been running schools at 7 of these camps to provide education from kindergarten to high school level for children and young people under 18, who account for forty percent of the refugee population. They are also conducting vocational training in hairdressing, sewing, computer studies, car repairs, etc. This will provide hope for the future and a basic education for life, and equip the needy with skills which they require when returning to their country or living in a third country.
In response to the request from ZOA Refugee Care Thailand, the Government of Japan will provide funds for construction costs for the expansion of vocational training centers and also for their equipment. It is expected that the support will facilitate effective and efficient training. Moreover, it is expected to increase employment opportunities and create positive vision of the future.
The Government of Japan is willing to continue its support for projects which contribute to activities such as human security through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects scheme (GGP).
