JAPAN will fund two grassroots projects in education and health as the Asian nation steps up efforts to strengthen human security for vulnerable groups in Zimbabwe.
The funding, totalling more than US$145 000, will support the construction of new classroom facilities in Mbare, Harare and the refurbishment of a clinic at Tongogara Refugee Settlement in Chipinge, expanding access to education and healthcare for thousands of beneficiaries.
The support will be channelled through non-governmental organisations under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.
Agreements were signed in Harare on Wednesday between Japan’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Nobutaka Maekawa and representatives of the two implementing non-governmental organisations.
In Mbare, Japan will provide approximately US$61 469 for the construction of a classroom block for vulnerable children and orphans.
The project will be implemented by Chiedza, which operates the Chiedza Child Care Centre, offering education and support to financially underprivileged children, while building their resilience.
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Demand for the centre’s services has risen in recent years, particularly following the El Niño-induced drought, which has left more families unable to afford school fees.
The additional classroom block will expand the centre’s capacity and create a more conducive learning environment.
About 80 additional pupils are expected to enrol once the project is completed.
Japan supported the centre in 2020, making this its second intervention.
In Chipinge district, the Organisation for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID) will receive US$83 838 to renovate a clinic and supply essential medical equipment at Tongogara Refugee Settlement.
OPHID runs the only functional medical facility in the settlement, serving approximately 12 800 refugees and members of surrounding communities.
Currently, patients requiring admission are referred to a district hospital located 80km away.
Inadequate storage facilities have also affected proper medication handling, while the clinic lacks key equipment for screening new refugees.
The renovation and re-equipping project is expected to significantly enhance service delivery, enabling around 24 000 patients, as well as 720 new refugees, to access consultations and treatment annually.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Maekawa highlighted the importance of the GGP programme and expressed hope that the projects will deliver lasting benefits to their respective communities.
He stressed the need for thorough implementation to maximise impact and create opportunities for future generations.
Launched in Zimbabwe in 1989, the GGP programme supports initiatives that address basic human needs, including education, health, food and nutrition security, water, sanitation and hygiene.
To date, 167 projects have been implemented, with cumulative funding exceeding US$16,1 million.
“The projects we support focus on local development and empowerment,” Maekawa said.
“We believe in grassroots ownership, where problems and needs are directly raised by community members and where those voices are represented by organisations capable of delivering the services required by the community.”