Signing Ceremony of the Project for the Construction of the Samoa Integrated Training Centre for Community Development under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projecys (February 7, 2025)
2025/2/7
Ambassador SUZUKI and SUNGO representatives
Ambassador SUZUKI and CEO Fuimaono Signing
Ambassador SUZUKI and CEO Fuimaono shaking hands
The Government of Japan, in partnership with the Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organizations (SUNGO), has reached a significant milestone with the formal signing ceremony to approve funding under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP).
H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Ryotaro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, signed the grant agreement, providing up to USD 137,222 (approximately SAT 367,755), with Fuimaono Vaitolo Ofoia, CEO of SUNGO.
This grant will fund the construction of a new single-story concrete training centre (232.8m2) in Vaitele-Tai Village, Upolu Island. The facility will include a large conference room, a small meeting room, an office with amenities, a storage room, a kitchen, and restrooms designed for accessibility.
As a vital hub for capacity building, the centre will empower approximately 230 NGOs and community stakeholders, hosting an estimated 50 training sessions per year, with 30 to 60 participants per session. Furthermore, the centre is expected to have a significant impact on village communities by enhancing their knowledge and skills to address key human security challenges. These training sessions will focus on governance, civil society development, and climate change mitigation, equipping participants with practical skills to respond effectively.
The Signing Ceremony not only formalizes the approved grant but also symbolizes Japan’s enduring partnership with Samoa in advancing grassroots development initiatives.
The Government of Japan remains committed to supporting small-scale projects that directly contribute to local communities while fostering the socio-economic development of the Independent State of Samoa through its GGP.
H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Ryotaro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, signed the grant agreement, providing up to USD 137,222 (approximately SAT 367,755), with Fuimaono Vaitolo Ofoia, CEO of SUNGO.
This grant will fund the construction of a new single-story concrete training centre (232.8m2) in Vaitele-Tai Village, Upolu Island. The facility will include a large conference room, a small meeting room, an office with amenities, a storage room, a kitchen, and restrooms designed for accessibility.
As a vital hub for capacity building, the centre will empower approximately 230 NGOs and community stakeholders, hosting an estimated 50 training sessions per year, with 30 to 60 participants per session. Furthermore, the centre is expected to have a significant impact on village communities by enhancing their knowledge and skills to address key human security challenges. These training sessions will focus on governance, civil society development, and climate change mitigation, equipping participants with practical skills to respond effectively.
The Signing Ceremony not only formalizes the approved grant but also symbolizes Japan’s enduring partnership with Samoa in advancing grassroots development initiatives.
The Government of Japan remains committed to supporting small-scale projects that directly contribute to local communities while fostering the socio-economic development of the Independent State of Samoa through its GGP.