First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan Takaaki Kato yesterday signed three grants totalling US$290,199 for local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) pursuing youth development projects.
Habitat for Humanity Guyana, the Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre Inc and the Special Needs for Life Inc were the beneficiaries of grants approved by the Government of Japan for Grassroots Human Security Projects.
These will see the construction of the Social Development Centre in Region 10, renovation of the Skills Training Centre in Berbice and construction of the Bina Hill Indigenous Youth Skill Training Centre in the North Rupununi.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kato stated, “Through the grant assistance received, these three organisations will now be able to develop their infrastructural capacity and enhance the training skillset offered to the communities throughout various regions within the Republic of Guyana.”
He said Habitat received US$100,684 for assistance in the construction of the Social Development Centre in Region 10. “This grant collaboration presents itself just in time to celebrate a milestone for the Habitat for Humanity Guyana; that is their 20th Anniversary celebration,” he noted, before adding that Japan was happy to be a part of the organisation’s journey. He said Japan not only supported the organisation’s work of providing low cost homes to people, but also its involvement in critical initiatives.
Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre Inc received US$90,373 to renovate its training centre. Kato stated that for over 20 years the body has been actively engaged in the development of youths in Region 6, and the monetary donation would only improve its efficiency in serving the region.
Special Needs for Life Inc received US$99,142 for the construction of the Bina Hill Indigenous Youth Skills Training Centre. He said the construction of the centre would offer the Bina Hill Institute an opportunity to empower and motivate the youths of the North Rupununi District.
“The Government of Japan recognises the importance of development growth and educational stability within communities and is very proud to contribute to the betterment of individuals’ lives through this GGP grant. I have no doubt, therefore, that these projects truly addresses basic human needs and we are very pleased that we can assist all three organisations with their noble objectives through GGP,” Kato stated. Foreign Affairs Minis-ter Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said she was pleased that all three of the projects were focused on youths. She noted that the grant assistance was another demonstration of the Japanese government’s relationship with the Guyanese government, while adding that Japan continues to fulfil all promises made to Guyana.
She said she was certain the grants would assist the efforts of these NGOs to help young people.
National Director of Habitat for Humanity Guyana Andrew Small thanked the Japanese government for its generosity and the Guyanese government for maintaining “strong bilateral relationships” so that NGOs and Guyanese would become the beneficiaries.
He stated that he was looking forward to a successful project in Linden, noting that they would be focusing on teaching young people educational skills. “We thank the government of Japan for this opportunity,” he said.
Roadside Baptist Chief Executive Officer Yetrawattee Katryan also expressed thanks to the Japanese government, noting that the donation would assist in the renovation of an auditorium and several structures in the centre. “We count it a blessing to be considered by Japan for the Grassroots Project.”
Principal of Special Needs for Life Mark Adams stated that the grant assistance would help a lot of Amerindian youths in the North Rupununi to gain an education without having to come to the coastland areas.
