Japan provides N$10m for vulnerable households

The Japanese government has provided approximately N$10 million to Namibia.

This is to help deal with the severe food insecurity caused by the drought.

Japanese ambassador to Namibia Nishimaki Hisao revealed this when he hosted National Assembly speaker Peter Katjavivi, National Council chairperson Lukas Muha, and members of the Junior National Council from different schools in the country.

“A total of 4 426 households with 26 555 people are set to benefit from this assistance,” he said, adding that this assistance is part of more than N$320 million worth of support Japan has extended to Namibia through trilateral cooperation with various United Nations agencies in the last ten years.

He said Japan has provided more than 300 classrooms to different primary schools in all 14 regions in Namibia as well as brought 160 Japanese volunteers who have been attached to schools, regional government offices, and vocational training centres since 2006.

“This is because we believe education is the key to unlock the doors to opportunities, empowerment and prosperity,” he said.

Hisao said the Japanese scholarship programme for Namibia was bearing fruit.

Speaking at the event, Muha said the classrooms built in Namibia will be a permanent reminder of the good relations between the two countries.

“Some of the junior councillors here are products of those classrooms,” he said.

He said Japan had inspired Namibians to preserve the chairperson of the 42-member junior council.

Junior National Council chairperson Anna Andimba said they were heartened by Japan’s strong support for youth empowerment and development.

“We look forward to building upon the foundation of this enduring friendship and working together to shape a brighter and more inclusive future for all,” she said.

– email: matthew@namibian.com.na