Japan extends financial assistance for the construction of a home for teenage girls at the New Hope Centre in Swaziland

The Government of Japan, through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme, will extend its assistance in the amount of US$78,218 to the New Hope Centre for the construction of a home for teenage girls.

The Grant Contract to this effect will be signed at the premises of the New Hope Centre in Manzini, Swaziland at 3pm on Wednesday, 27th February 2008.

His Excellency, Mr. Akihiko Furuya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Swaziland　and representatives from New Hope Centre will attend the ceremony.

The New Hope Centre was established in 2002 to address the increase in orphaned and vulnerable children caused by the HIV/AIDS pandemic affecting Swaziland. By providing a safe haven for these children along with education, food and medical care from trained and supportive staff, New Hope aims to give these children the opportunity to grow up in a safe and protected environment.

The construction of the home for teenage girls will help to carry on these good works. It will give 30 teenage girls, aged 13 to 18, a home where they can grow into adulthood in secure surroundings. By offering them psychological and group therapy, these young women will be able to acquire the personal life skills that will enable them to contribute to their community one day. The Government of Japan hopes that the new facilities will be of great help to New Hope Centre.

For further information kindly contact Mr. Y. Tanaka, First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Pretoria, South Africa, Tel: +27 12 452 1500 or Fax: +27 12 460 3800.

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