By Jomo Paul
The NGO’s – Habitat for Humanity, Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Center, and Special Needs for life – will share in a sum total of US$290,000 to carry out projects in varying sectors.
The grants are being provided under the Japan Grants Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects which is solely funded by Japan.
According to the website, in 1989, Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) was launched to promote human security and support small-scale projects directly benefiting the grassroots level as well as contributing to the socio-economic development in several developing countries across the globe.
Since then, more than 400 small-scale grassroots projects – ranging in cost from roughly PhP 1 to 4 million – have been implemented by non-government organizations, Local Government Units (LGUs), and other non-profit organizations.
Guyana has been tapping into the grant resources since 1998 when local NGO’s were first afforded grants from the Japan government.
Speaking at the simple signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday February 13; First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy Takaaki Kato said that his government was especially honored to be able to provide grants to the three organisations.
He said that Japan’s government recognizes “recognizes the importance of developmental growth and educational stability within communities and is very proud to contribute to the betterment of individuals lives through this grant.”
It was noted that Habitat for Humanity would be using the funds for the construction of its resource center in region. The grant also coincides with Habitat celebrating 20 years of providing support for underprivileged persons in Guyana. Habitat for Humanity was awarded a grant that totals US$100,684.
Meanwhile, the Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Center which received US$90,373 would be using the funds to renovate their base in Corentyne.
It was noted that the NGO would be able to increase its capacity and place itself in a better position to provide training to youths.
Special Needs for Life will receive $US99,142 and that will go towards the construction of the Bina Hill Indigenous Youth Skills Training Center.
Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues – Birkett, was also a part of the ceremony and noted Japan’s long standing commitment to Guyana.
