Embassy of Japan, LWD Sign Grant Contract on School Construction Project

Phnom Penh (March 26, 2014) – The Embassy of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia and LIFE WITH DIGNITY (LWD) today signed a grant contract worth US$108,793 to construct a new concrete school building and necessary school facilities in Chhean Laueng Commune, some 30km from central Sameakki Meanchey district of Kampong Chhnang province.

H.E Mr. KUMAMARU Yuji (left) and Dr Sam Inn sign Grant Contract on School Construction Project at Japanese Embassy in Phnom Penh.
H.E Mr. KUMAMARU Yuji (left) and Dr Sam Inn sign Grant Contract on School Construction Project at Japanese Embassy in Phnom Penh.

The contract was made under the Japanese Grant assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (“KUSANONE”) which aimed to help Cambodia’s reconstruction and development efforts at the grass roots levels in key sectors, including education.

In his remarks, LWD Executive Director Dr. Sam Inn said, “Investment in education is the right and long term investment. It will lead to build human capital of Cambodia and bring hope and sustainable growth for the next generation of this country. It is great that the KUSANONE grant puts its focus on education among others.”

“We are happy to be in partnership with the KUSANONE grant to bring hope and a better future to rural children and looking forward to continued broader partnership to help more people,” Dr. Inn said.

H.E Mr. KUMAMARU Yuji and Dr Sam Inn signs grant contract on school construction project to improve educational environment.
H.E Mr. KUMAMARU Yuji and Dr Sam Inn signs grant contract on school construction project to improve educational environment.
The school construction project, entitled “Improve Children Access to Primary Education”, aimed to improve school environment at Chrak Thnaot Primary School and Lower Secondary School where currently is ran out of classrooms to accommodate the increasing number of students in this rural communities.

The project’s components included the construction of (i)  one concrete school buildings of four classrooms fully equipped with student’s tables, teacher’s chairs and desks, blackboards and other furniture; (ii) eight latrines; (iii) three rainwater catchment systems; and (iv) repairing broken roofs of two existing school buildings and six old latrines.  The construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

Existing deteriorated wooden building at Chrak Thaot Primary School
Existing deteriorated wooden building at Chrak Thaot Primary School

At the signing ceremony at the Japanese Embassy, H.E Mr. KUMAMARU Yuji, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, said that education sector was one of the priorities for the Cambodian Government as well as the Japanese Government. Japan has been assisting Cambodia’s education sector for two decades by constructing school buildings and providing trainings for teachers.

“I believe that the enhancement of the education sector holds a key for the future development and prosperity of Cambodia. It is critical to invest in the education sector with a long term perspective,” H.E KUMAMARU said.

The project is expected to improve educational environment for over 500 school children at both schools, he said.