ISLAMABAD: Japan has extended financial support totaling $175,143 to two Pakistani NGOs, Al-Khidmat Foundation and Shama Development Organization, for the implementation of social development projects for underprivileged communities of the country.
The agreements for the two projects were signed on Tuesday, at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Islamabad, among Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata and the heads of the two organizations.
The Al-khidmat Foundation will utilize its grant of US $ 85,717 for the installation of water filtration plants in the suburbs of District Faisalabad. The organization was previously provided the financial assistance worth US$ 112,419 by the Government of Japan in 2012 to construct a well-equipped hospital in Charsadda (KPK). Through the current grant, the project is expected to provide safe drinking water to approximately 30,000 individuals in different locations of the selected district; and will help in minimizing water borne diseases in the target areas.
The grant of US $ 89,426 to NGO Shama Development Organization, on the other hand, will enable construction of primary and middle school for both boys and girls in Rawalakot, AJK. Once constructed, the school will significantly benefit 171 students currently studying in a rented building which is not suitable for education due to unfavorable conditions. The new building with better-quality facilities will increase the capacity as well; thus allowing enrollment of students to rise in the coming years. The NGO aims to provide subsidies to needy students in order to encourage promotion of education in the neediest segments of the local community.
Ambassador Inomata, at the signing ceremony, expressed how better-quality and easily accessible facilities of water and education contribute in strengthening the foundation of long term development for both individuals as well as communities; particularly in rural areas of the country. He further assured to provide continuous support to Pakistani communities and hoped that the projects signed today would certainly strengthen the friendly relations between the people of Japan and Pakistan.
