Japan to Extend its Support for the Education of Tea Estate Children

On the 15^th of March 2024, His Excellency Mr. MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan, signed the grant contract of the project under the scheme of “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)”, with Mr. Matthew Whitty, Country Director of Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

The Government of Japan has provided a total sum of USD 70,916 through the GGP to ADRA to improve the primary school buildings at Minnah Tamil Vidyalaya in Nuwara Eliya.
 
The Government of Japan has successfully implemented 19 projects in the Central Province under the GGP program, mainly aimed at improving the welfare and human security of the vulnerable communities living in tea estates.
 

These projects encompass a range of vital areas such as the improvement of hospitals, vocational training centers, water, sanitation, hygiene facilities, and the establishment of mobile libraries.

Ambassador MIZUKOSHI emphasized the crucial role of basic education in fostering a 'Zest for Life,' reaffirming commitment to supporting the prosperity and stability of Sri Lanka in collaboration with government agencies and NGOs.

Commenting on receiving this grant, Mr. Matthew Whitty:
“This school, built in the 1990s, is currently home to 107 students, most of whom are children of tea estate workers. The project will renovate existing school buildings, construct a new classroom, and equip a library with new books, furniture, and a library management system.

The school is in dire need of renovation and expansion to ensure that the facilities provide a secure and adequate learning environment. The primary objective is to provide safe and enriching school facilities for all students in the community and promote their well-being and learning while at school.

ADRA is grateful to the Embassy of Japan for their generosity in making this school improvement project possible.”