Grant Contract Signed for “the Project for the Construction of a Classroom Block for a Secondary School in Nalolo District, Western Province,” under Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects

On 25^th February 2025, Ambassador Takeuchi and Mr. Simutani Mukololo, Head Teacher of Sianda Secondary School, signed a grant contract for “the Project for the Construction of a Classroom Block for a Secondary School in Nalolo District, Western Province,” with a total grant of up to 64,766 US dollars under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The initiative is expected to significantly improve the learning environment for students by providing dedicated classrooms and reducing congestion in primary school classes.  
The signing ceremony was attended by HonourableDouglas Syakalima, Minister of Education, Honourable Imanga Wamunyima Jr., Member of Parliament from Nalolo Constituency and other key stakeholders, highlighting the importance of investing in education. Sianda Secondary School, which follows in the footsteps of Sianda Primary School established in 1918, is one of the only four secondary schools in Nalolo District and serves graduates from ten surrounding primary schools. Due to a lack of facilities, it currently borrows four out of the eight classrooms at Sianda Primary School. This new classroom block will be the first dedicated infrastructure for Sianda Secondary School, allowing approximately 120 students at Grade 9 and 12  to attend remedial and supplementary lessons in a proper indoor setting. Furthermore, the project will alleviate overcrowding in primary school classrooms, improving the learning experience for younger students as well.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Takeuchi delivered a speech highlighting the Japanese concept of “go-en”, which refers to the meaningful connection that brings people together. He shared the story of how this project came to fruition, highlighting the dedication of one teacher from Sianda Secondary School to improving education in Zambia after returning from his study in Japan. His vision of ensuring that children in Zambia can access the same level of education without having to leave their home country resonated with the audience.
Ambassador Takeuchi also expressed his hope that this project would serve as a bridge between the two nations, fostering deeper cultural and educational exchanges. The signing of this contract marks not just the beginning of a construction project but also the strengthening of the bilateral ties through education. It is anticipated that this collaboration will inspire future initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and mutual understanding between Japan and Zambia.
The Government of Japan hopes that this project will improve the educational environment at Sianda Secondary School, and that the children from the region will grow up to become bridges between Japan and Zambia.

To read the speech by Ambassador Takeuchi, please click here.