The Government of Japan has extended its support to grassroots education initiatives in Pakistan by providing a grant of USD 44,025 (approximately PKR 12.2 million) under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program. This financial aid will facilitate the construction of a school in Ramzania village, Tarnol, Islamabad, through the efforts of a local NGO, the Community Services Program (CSP).
A formal grant signing ceremony took place at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad, where His Excellency Mr Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, and Mr Muhammad Siddique, Chairman of CSP, signed the agreement. The initiative aims to expand educational facilities in the region, offering quality learning opportunities to children from pre-school to fifth grade, ensuring an inclusive educational environment for both boys and girls.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Shuichi underscored the significance of education in national development and prosperity, drawing parallels with Japan’s own economic growth through strong educational foundations. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s education sector under its Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, emphasizing that education is a key driver for long-term socio-economic progress.
The Community Services Program, which has been actively working in the fields of education, health, and infrastructure for the past fifteen years, will utilize the grant to construct a new school building and furnish classrooms to create a conducive learning environment. The project is expected to be completed by February 2026, benefiting numerous children in the rural outskirts of Islamabad.
His Excellency Mr Shuichi also took the opportunity to interact with students, encouraging them to pursue education with dedication and highlighting its transformative power in shaping successful futures. The initiative is anticipated to significantly uplift the local community by providing better educational resources and fostering sustainable development.
This partnership marks a significant step in Japan’s ongoing commitment to strengthening grassroots education in Pakistan, paving the way for a brighter future for the children of Tarnol and beyond.