INTERNATIONAL: The Government of Japan will provide US$843,946 in total for three recipient organizations under the framework, the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects. The Grant Contract was signed today between H.E. Mr. UENO Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the representatives of the three recipients respectively, to carry out the following projects:

1. ‘Realization of sustainable life environment around Cambodian citizens through promoting and raising awareness of environment issues (Year 3)’ (US$110,035)

Recipient: Non-profit organization Nature Center Risen

In this project, Nature Center Risen will promote and increase fundamental environmental awareness across Cambodia by providing educational materials and equipment to improve environmental literacy of the citizens and implementing awareness-raising activities. Also, the organization will conduct trainings for environment education in collaboration with pagodas, health centers, the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia and Provincial Department of Environment. Through this project, about 320 people will be able to play a core role in promoting and raising awareness of the citizens toward environmental issues. This is expected to help improve the living environment across Cambodia.

2. ‘The Project to Promote Remedial Study for Remote Primary School in Cambodia’ (US$263,656)

Recipient: Shanti Volunteer Association: SVA

In this project, Shanti Volunteer Association aims to establish learning facilities which can be utilized for remedial and self-study at two primary schools in Pursat province. This educational facility will be composed of self-study room and library, and the digital educational materials will be equipped too. Also, the organization will conduct various training activities for teachers, school management committee, and parents to support and promote remedial learning. Through this project, 673 students, teachers and parents in total at the targeted areas will be benefited.

3. ‘Project on Developing 4-year Quality Physical Education Teacher Education University through Utilizing ICT (Year 1)’ (US$470,255)

Recipient: Non-Profit Organization Hearts of Gold

 In this project, Hearts of Gold will collaborate with National Institute of Physical Education and Sport (NIPES) to improve 7 important management systems: library operation, international center establishment, internal quality assurance, teacher development, student management, alumni support and security management, by utilizing ICT facility. Through this project, approximately 70 staff and 180 teacher trainees in the institute will be able to gain better learning environment for physical education. Also over 1,000,000 students in Cambodia are expected to receive more effective physical education.

 The Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects started in Cambodia in 2002 to support activities by Japanese NGOs to help Cambodia's reconstruction and development efforts at the grassroots level. Since 2002, the Government of Japan has provided over US$50 million for 149 projects, mainly in the field of primary education, health, agriculture and mine clearance in Cambodia.