Official Groundbreaking Ceremony held in Cameroon for the 5th Project for Construction of Primary Schools by the Japan Grant Aid for Community Empowerment

On December 21, 2012, the ceremony took place at GS NGOMGHAM primary school in Bamenda city, located in the Northwestern Region of the Republic of Cameroon, at altitude of 1,600 meters, laying the foundation stone to mark the official start of the 5th Project for Construction of Primary Schools under the Japan Grant Aid for Community Empowerment. It was attended by H.E. Ms.Youssouf Hadidja Alim, the Minister of Basic Education H.E. Mr.Tsutomu Arai, the Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of Cameroon, a representative of JICA Ms. Mitsuko Kuwahata, Project Manager of JICS Mr. Kiyotaka Takei, the administrative authorities and representatives of various schools involved.

After running national anthems, speeches were delivered by four officials at the ceremony. Between the speeches, the pupils performed songs and dances for celebration.

The first speaker was the Government Delegate to the Bamenda Urban Community. He greeted the efforts of the both Governments that have continuously supported the education sector in the Northwestern region where almost all schools established in 1922 had fallen into ruin. He hoped that the various stakeholders in the education sector would make good use of this gift.

Then, JICS Project Manager Kiyotaka Takei explained the outline of this project, saying it is a grant from the Government of Japan to the Government of Republic of Cameroon of nearly six billion CFA Francs to construct 202 classrooms, 31 administrative blocks, 22 latrine blocks in 17 sites spread over in this region and the construction works will end around June 2014. He also mentioned that this project is implemented under the program called "Grant Aid for Community Empowerment of the Government Japan". This program aims to reduce the overall cost of the project and is implemented by Cameroonian companies under the supervision of Japanese consultant.

Dressed in the costume of the province, H.E.Mr.Arai, after being conferred a title of "Grand Notable of Northwest" said that the Government of Japan has assisted Cameroon since 1993 in development projects. He also mentioned that he hopes this Grant will enable the Government of the Republic of Cameroon to achieve its objectives that means to allow a greater number of children to learn.

Finally, H.E.Ms.Alim said that the President of the Republic of Cameroon has placed education in the centerpiece of its policy, and that the task of the state is not finished until all Cameroonian can get access to education. The Government of the Republic of Cameroon will spare no effort in achieving its objectives. She also expressed her gratitude to the Ambassador of Japan for the cooperation of Japan, not only for school construction but also for other projects.

After the speeches, H.E.Ms.Alim and H.E.Mr.Arai proceeded to lay the foundation stone.