Japan gave more than $480,000 to fund four projects that help struggling groups in Zimbabwe. Since 1989, Japan has funded 156 projects through its grant program for Grassroots Human Security. They spent over $15.9 million in total, which brought both countries closer as friends and business partners.
Yesterday, Japanese Ambassador Shinichi Yamanaka handed $486,239 to four local groups working on landmine removal, schools, gender issues, and health care. The HALO Trust received the biggest amount—$252,087—because it removes landmines across Zimbabwe. The country still has about 4 percent of its land with buried explosives that need cleaning up.
Zimbabwe faces a $23.79 million money shortage, which might limit landmine cleanup to just 12 square kilometers of dangerous areas. Ambassador Yamanaka said he was happy to hear how mine clearance helps people living near the Mozambique border. He promised Japan would keep supporting these efforts until Zimbabwe became completely free from landmines.
The new money will pay for a team to remove landmines in Rushinga and Mudzi districts for one year. Lower Guruve Development Association also received funds to build classrooms and houses for teachers at Sangojena Primary School in Mbire District. Local Initiatives and Development Agency received $71,940 to build shelters and a training center for victims of gender-based violence in Zvishavane.
Mashambanzou Care Trust received $52,019 to buy used ambulances for an HIV Clinic in Harare. When asked about the donations, Ms. Constance Chigwamba from Mashambanzou expressed happiness about working with Japan for the first time. She hopes they can maintain their relationship as they work toward a community without AIDS.
Dr. Pascal Manyakaidze from the Local Initiatives and Development Agency was excited because this marks their sixth partnership with Japan. All the groups thanked both governments for their relationship, which brings important progress to Zimbabwe communities.
Yesterday, Japanese Ambassador Shinichi Yamanaka handed $486,239 to four local groups working on landmine removal, schools, gender issues, and health care. The HALO Trust received the biggest amount—$252,087—because it removes landmines across Zimbabwe. The country still has about 4 percent of its land with buried explosives that need cleaning up.
Zimbabwe faces a $23.79 million money shortage, which might limit landmine cleanup to just 12 square kilometers of dangerous areas. Ambassador Yamanaka said he was happy to hear how mine clearance helps people living near the Mozambique border. He promised Japan would keep supporting these efforts until Zimbabwe became completely free from landmines.
The new money will pay for a team to remove landmines in Rushinga and Mudzi districts for one year. Lower Guruve Development Association also received funds to build classrooms and houses for teachers at Sangojena Primary School in Mbire District. Local Initiatives and Development Agency received $71,940 to build shelters and a training center for victims of gender-based violence in Zvishavane.
Mashambanzou Care Trust received $52,019 to buy used ambulances for an HIV Clinic in Harare. When asked about the donations, Ms. Constance Chigwamba from Mashambanzou expressed happiness about working with Japan for the first time. She hopes they can maintain their relationship as they work toward a community without AIDS.
Dr. Pascal Manyakaidze from the Local Initiatives and Development Agency was excited because this marks their sixth partnership with Japan. All the groups thanked both governments for their relationship, which brings important progress to Zimbabwe communities.
