The assistance was made official during the contract signing ceremony held at Japan Embassy on Wednesday between Charge d’ Affaires Masayuki Takashima and Mr. Mashon Mongami, principal of AES.
Valued at $76,795, the grant assistance will cover the cost of purchase and shipment of the said bus from Japan to Palau. The 29-seater bus will replace the aging school bus used by the school and will be used primarily to transport 23 students from the northern villages of Aimeliik State.
The current school bus has been used by the school since the early 1970’s and therefore has numerous mechanical and other problems. Due to these problems, the students of AES have had to endure shorter instruction days on occasion.As early as 2011, this will no longer be an issue as the students of AES can look forward to riding in a comfortable and safe bus to and from school.
“It is my honor to sign this grant contract today as a symbol of the friendly relations between Japan and Palau.” Takashima said during the signing ceremony.
“When Principal Mongami submitted his request for a school bus, we weighed all options to ensure that we can respond in the best possible way.The safety of the students of Aimeliik Elementary School was our utmost concern. I came to understand that Aimeliik State is quite large with long curvy stretches of roads.I also learned that the old Aimeliik school bus was a donation from Guam in the early 70’s and therefore has numerous mechanical problems. Due to these problems, classes were cut short on occasion.” he added.
Takashima said that through this signing ceremony, Aimeliik Elementary School will be able to purchase a newer and safer school bus to ensure the safety of the students.The school bus will also enable the students of the school to receive full days of instruction therefore maximizing their learning opportunities.
Mongami for his part also said that he was very grateful to Japan for its continuing assistance to Palau.
He added that granting this project was a good sign of friendly relations for the improvement of education on Palau.
Aimeliik Delegate Kalistus Ngirturong, PTA chairman of AES Paul Reklai, and Bureau of Education Administration Director of the Ministry of Education Emery Wenty, who graced the ceremony, also conveyed their deepest appreciation to Japan for its support and providing safe transportation to the students of AES.
//
