The Government of Japan has granted 8.1 million USD to restore education and provide water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in conflict-affected areas in Ethiopia.
Japan, UNICEF, and JICA signed the grant agreement to improve social infrastructure in the Amhara and Tigray regions today.
Japan Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ito Takako, said on the occasion that the funding will be used to rehabilitate schools and water and sanitation facilities in the regions which were severely damaged during the conflict.
"This project will help to ensure that children in the conflict-affected areas have access to quality education and WASH services," the ambassador said, adding that "this is essential for their health and well-being; and it will also help them to build a better future for themselves and their country."
Upon completion of the project in 3 years time, 17 schools will be rehabilitated to accommodate 12,000 students. Approximately 47,700 residents will also access clean water and sanitation facilities through the rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities in those schools, it was learned.
UNICEF Representative to Ethiopia, Aboubacar Kampo, said on his part that the project is a major step forward in the effort to provide children and people in conflict-affected areas with the opportunities they need to thrive.
According to him, the project “will help to ensure that children in conflict-affected areas have access to quality education and WASH services, which are essential for their health and well-being."
UNICEF has been here in Ethiopia for more than 60 years, Kampo said, further stating that it is here to support the government and that "all our programs are embedded with the federal and regional governments."
The grant funding of Japan will be administered by JICA and the project is going to be implemented as a collaborative project between UNICEF and JICA.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency