Japan gives Tk 13.8m for school transport, classroom expansion

FE Report

Japan has extended a grant of about BDT 13.8 million (US$ 115,723) to two Bangladeshi non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support education-focused projects for improving safety and access for vulnerable children.

The funding, provided under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP), will support procurement of school buses in Gaibandha, and expansion of an educational facility for street children in Mymensingh.

The grant contracts were signed at the Japanese Embassy on Tuesday by Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, and representatives of the NGOs - SKS Foundation and Ekmattra Society.

SKS Foundation has received $51,981 for a project to procure two school buses for the students of SKS School and College. The buses will provide safe transport for primary-level students, many of whom live in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Ekmattra Society has received $63,742 to expand its Children's Academy in Haluaghat, Mymensingh. The organisation supports former street children through open-air classrooms, children's homes, and a full-boarding academy - offering education from primary to higher levels alongside vocational and cultural training.