Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects: Handing Over Ceremony for the Project for the Expansion of Mbuluni Primary School

H.E. Tatsushi Terada, Ambassador of Japan, cutting the ribbon

Unveiling of the plaque by H.E. Tatsushi Terada, Ambassador of Japan and H.E. Mr Salim M Mvurya, Governor of Kwale County

Title	Handing Over Ceremony for the Project for the Expansion of Mbuluni Primary School
Date	13^th January 2016
Location	Mbuluni Primary School, Kinango, Kwale County
Project title and Amount	Expansion of Mbuluni Primary School – USD 83,351 (7.5 M KES)
Attendance	H.E. Tatsushi Terada, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kenya H.E. Samil Mvurya, Governor of Kwale County Hon. Juma Masudi Ngando, MCA Ndvaya Hon Anthony Yama, MCA Kasaneni Mrs Mutfya, District Education Officer, Kinango Sub County Mrs Komeni, deputy commissioner Mr Kuto, ward administrator of Kinango Members of the school committee Staff of the school Students and parents Around 800 participants
Main activity	The Handing Over Ceremony of the Project for the Expansion of Mbuluni Primary School which had its Grant Contract signed on 16^th of March 2015, was held in Kwale County and witnessed by among others, officials from the Embassy of Japan in Kenya and officials from Kwale County. Mbuluni Primary School received a grant of 83,351 US Dollars, (approximately 7.5 million Ksh) for the construction of 6 classrooms, 12 toilets; renovation of 5 old classrooms; installation of a solar power system; and purchase of furniture for the classrooms. The school was also able to purchase 2 water tanks, install louvres, fence the school compound, renovate the old toilets and administration office and purchase furniture for the head-teacher’s office. The ceremony included speeches, entertainment by the school students and traditional Nduruma dancers along with refreshments. The local community leaders at the function expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for the assistance in the Kinango area where schools are in particularly poor conditions. H.E. Mr Salim M Mvurya, Governor of Kwale County thanked the Government of Japan for its support in the region, which is not only extended to the education sector but also other areas such as the transport and infrastructure sectors. With 71% of the population of Kwale living below poverty line, the Governor while appreciating the good work done at Mbuluni expressed the need for more support. Ambassador Terada congratulated the school for the proper management and completion of the project on schedule. He reminded the community members that the project was their responsibility so it was their obligation to ensure its long term success through maintenance of the facilities and good care of the equipment. With the expansion and renovation of the facilities, students from Mbuluni Primary School will be able to study within an environment that is more conducive, with a direct impact that will hopefully be seen in the school’s future academic performance.

Photographs

Desks provided by the Japanese Government

Mr Thomas Wambua (left), head teacher of the school introducing his team

H.E. Mr Salim M Mvurya, Governor of Kwale County giving his speech

H.E. Mr Salim M Mvurya and H.E. Tatsushi Terada (in traditional Nduruma costume)