Source: Japan injects US$145K into education, health projects – herald
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Government of Japan has committed approximately US$145 000 towards two grassroots projects aimed at improving education and health services for vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.
The agreements were signed in Harare on March 4, 2026 between Japan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Nobutaka Maekawa, and representatives of the implementing organisations.
The two projects, valued at a combined US$145 307, will be implemented in Harare and Chipinge district, targeting vulnerable children, orphans and refugees.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Maekawa said the programme was one of Japan’s key Official Development Assistance (ODA) initiatives supporting grassroots interventions that directly respond to the needs of communities.
“Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme is one of the important Japanese ODA schemes to financially support local organisations’ initiatives for vulnerable people,” he said.
“The grant can be characterised as bottom-up. The projects we support focus on local development and empowerment because we believe in the ownership of grassroots efforts, where problems and needs are directly raised by community members.”
Ambassador Maekawa said the programme had made a significant contribution to community development in Zimbabwe since its introduction more than three decades ago.
“I am very proud to highlight that since 1989 the Government of Japan has supported 167 grassroots grant projects in Zimbabwe and many of them sustainably have a positive impact on their respective communities,” he said.
He added that the latest projects form part of five initiatives selected under the 2025 GGP programme from more than 70 applications.
“With two more being granted today, a total of five projects has been selected for the 2025 GGP programme, with a total funding amount of approximately US$332 000,” he said.
“All the selected projects focus on fulfilling the basic needs of vulnerable communities in this country.”
In Harare, Chiedza will receive approximately US$61 469 for the construction of a classroom block for vulnerable children and orphans in Mbare.
Chiedza operates the Chiedza Child Care Centre, which provides education to financially underprivileged children and orphans while helping to build their resilience.
Ambassador Maekawa said the project was expected to help address growing demand for educational support following recent droughts that have worsened economic challenges for many families.
“Following recent severe droughts, the number of families who are unable to afford school fees for their children has increased, which has led to the surging demand for the centre’s services,” he said.
“This project will enable the organisation to expand its capacity and provide a more conducive learning environment for students.”
The new classroom block is expected to allow the centre to enrol an additional 80 children once completed. The Government of Japan previously supported the centre in 2020.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Chiedza expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for the continued partnership.
“This is not our first partnership with the Government of Japan. Receiving support for a second time is a strong affirmation of trust, confidence, and shared commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children in our communities,” the organisation said.
Through the project titled Second Chance Education for Children Out of School, the organisation said the facility would create a safe learning environment for children who had fallen out of the formal education system.
“For many of these children, this classroom will represent more than infrastructure. It will represent hope restored, potential rediscovered, and a second opportunity to dream.”
In Chipinge district, the Organisation for Public Health Interventions and Development will receive approximately US$83 838 to renovate a clinic and provide medical equipment at Tongogara Refugee Settlement Area.
The clinic is the only functioning medical facility in the settlement, serving about 12 800 refugees and surrounding communities.
Ambassador Maekawa said the current limitations at the clinic have made it difficult to adequately serve patients.
“At present, patients must be transferred to a district hospital located 80 kilometres away due to lack of admission facilities. Medications are not stored appropriately either due to lack of storage rooms,” he said.
“The clinic also lacks essential medical equipment for health screenings when new refugees arrive.”
He said the project would expand the clinic’s capacity and enable about 24 000 patients annually, as well as 720 newly arriving refugees, to receive consultations and treatment.
Ambassador Maekawa urged the implementing organisations to utilise the grants responsibly and ensure the projects deliver meaningful impact in their communities.
“I would like to emphasise that today is just the beginning of your projects. The beneficiary communities are eagerly waiting for your efforts and services,” he said.
“We expect both organisations to maximise the grants with honesty and accountability, passion and dedication so that your projects will go a long way in the communities to open more possibilities and hope for future generations in Zimbabwe.”
The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme supports initiatives in areas such as education, health, food and nutrition security, water, sanitation and hygiene. Since its launch in Zimbabwe in 1989, the programme has funded 167 projects worth more than US$16,1 million.
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