March 4, 2010
The Government of Japan is extending Grant Assistance to the Grassroots Human Security Projects Scheme (GGP) for the “Construction of Dormitories for Karen students in Kanchanaburi Province” project, coordinated by the World Vision Foundation of Thailand. H.E. Mr. Kyoji KOMACHI, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Thailand and Ms. Chitra Thumborisuth, National Director of the World Vision Foundation of Thailand, participated opening ceremony of the dormitory and multipurpose building on 19nd February 2010.
Lai Wo Sub-district of Sanklaburi District in Kanchanaburi Province contains the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary which was granted World Natural Heritage status in 1991 along with the adjoining Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. Due to the geographical features, a lot of children in this area did not have access to basic education until recently.
The number of illiterate children was revealed through research conducted by the World Vision Foundation of Thailand in Lai Wo sub-district. Therefore, since 2006, the Ban Kong Mongta School has opened 4 branches which cover 1st to 4th grades. However, from 5th grade, children have to continue at the main Ban Kong Mongta School which means that dormitories have to be constructed.
At the request of the World Vision Foundation of Thailand, the Government of Japan is providing grants for the construction of two dormitories each of which has a capacity of 40 for boys and girls respectively, and a multipurpose building which will be used as a dining hall and a laundry, in addition to the purchase of beds and closets. The total grant assistance amounts to 3,224,200 baht.
Through this grant, it will be possible to extend educational opportunities to those children who currently lack them.
The project is funded through the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Scheme (GGP), one type of Official Development Assistance (ODA). Under the GGP scheme, the Japanese Government provides direct supports for social and economic development activities implemented by NGOs, local authorities, and medical institutes.
The Japanese Government is willing to continue its support for projects which contribute to the extension of educational opportunities for children who luck access to basic education through the GGP scheme.
