Japan Ambassador to Kenya, Ken Okaniwa, has commissioned two dormitories at Kakapel Special School for Hearing Impairment in Teso North Sub-county that was funded by Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) – Embassy of Japan.
In 1989, the Government of Japan introduced Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) in order to respond to the diverse development needs in less developed countries.
The aim of GGP is to provide financial assistance to non-profit development organizations for implementing projects at community level.
Those eligible to apply for GGP include: Educational and Medical Institutions, Community-Based Organisations, Local & International Non-Governmental Organisations, Faith-Based Organisations and Local Authorities.
The Ambassador who presided over the project that also included water tanks, pit latrines, beds and mattresses, said the Government of Japan supports the project because children with hearing impairment or any other disability, are an important part of the community and they are the future of Kenya.
“It’s very important they have to learn and have their skills and to contribute to the society when they are grown-up,” he said, noting that the concept of human security is aimed at empowering the disadvantaged and protecting them from difficulties and threats.
He added, “Japan is not a country with any natural resources. If Kenya also spends more money on health and education, it will develop even more.”
Okaniwa said Japan is able to help but there must be ownership of the Kenyan people or the Government, noting that best efforts by Kenyans will be based on their ownership.
He thanked the school management for the good-job that saw them achieve construction of the facilities in time despite Covid-19 pandemic. He also thanked the pupils for their brilliant skills, urging them to study hard to succeed in their future endeavors.
Busia County Director Public Administration, Mr. Robert Muganda, who represented the Governor, Sospeter Ojaamong, Angurai South Member of the County Assembly, Grace Olita and ACK Katakwa Diocese Bishop, John Okude, thanked the Japanese Government for the support and urged the community to protect the facilities.
Teso North Deputy County Commissioner, Riungu Laikera, thanked the School for the excellence performance that saw it beat 17 other institutions in last Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCPE).
GGP covers 141 countries and territories. The overall aim of GGP is to enhance the well-being of people at the grassroots level, based on the concept of human security.
By Absalom Namwalo
