Japan builds classroom at former WWII site in Lae

THE government of Japan has built a new block of classrooms at Ampo, which was a care centre for wounded Japanese soldiers during World War II, to cater for elementary students from Amba demonstration primary school.
Located about 100m from the historical church of St Andrews Lutheran parish, which still bears the physical evidences of WWII, Japanese tourists who visit to see the church and other war relics can now see their own gift to the children of the surrounding communities.
The school and the local surrounding communities gathered yesterday in a small ceremony to witness an event signifying the relationship between the two countries, after the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project was approved two years ago, at a cost of K210,000.
The aim of the project was to free students from overcrowded and makeshift classrooms especially in developing nations, and the partnership achieved that with all elementary students transferring from the main facilities of Amba Demonstration primary school located in the Balob Teachers College to the new area known now as Lower Amba.
Japanese Embassy deputy chief of mission, Kazunori Kawada officially opened the classroom building witnessed by Lae MP Bart Philemon.
 “Other things can be taken away from you but your knowledge and ability can not be taken away from you,” Mr Kawada said.
He also commended the National Government on working towards improving education services as a priority for the development of the nation.
“The government of Japan remains committed to supporting its effort under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects,” he said.
Mr Philemon shed tears recalling the days of his early education in the same school ground, then known as Ampo Primary, and told the people and the students that anybody can be successful if they have the right education.