The Government of Japan extended a grant of USD 115,723, which is approximately BDT 13.8 million, to two Bangladeshi NGOs, “SKS Foundation” and “Ekmattra Society”. H.E. Mr. SAIDA Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, signed the Grant Contracts for Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) at the Embassy of Japan with the respective organizations.
SKS Foundation has been awarded USD 51,981 as a grant for “The Project for the Procurement of School Buses in SKS School and College in Gaibandha District”. SKS Foundation activities are related to human rights, social issues, gender discrimination, poverty, and community development. With the assistance of the GGHSP funding, SKS Foundation will procure two school buses for primary students at SKS School and College in Gaibandha District, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for children living in remote areas. It will help improve their access to education and learning opportunities.
Ekmattra Society has been awarded USD 63,742 as a grant for “The Project for the Expansion of Ekmattra Children’s Academy Building in Mymensingh District”. Ekmattra Society supports the independence of children living on the streets through a range of initiatives, including open-air classrooms, children’s homes, and a full-boarding academy and provide comprehensive educational programs from primary to higher education, as well as vocational training and cultural education. With the assistance of the GGHSP funding, Ekmattra Society will address the shortage of classrooms at the Ekmattra Children’s Academy, located in Haluaghat Upazila, Mymensingh District, by constructing a first floor to the existing single-story administrative building. This expansion aims to contribute to providing high-quality educational opportunities for former street children.
Japan has supported 223 NGO projects through GGHSP since 1989 with the view to enhancing economic and social human security in the grass-roots levels. The total sum of these GGHSP grants extended to approximately USD 17.7 million.