Japanese Embassy To Finance Youth Centre Construction

Japanese Embassy To Finance Youth Centre Construction

The Embassy of Japan in partnership with Action for Youth and Communication Change (AYCC) signed a grant assistance agreement for the construction of Cultural Grassroots Projects. Known as Hawassa Aikido Dojo Multipurpose Hall,the project is designed to provide the town with a youth centre, EH reported.

During the signing ceremony here yesterday, Ambassador Kazuhiro Suzuki underlined that the grant contract that amounts to 67,747 USD is to be used mainly for the construction of the Aikido Dojo Multiple-use Activity Hall and for the purchase of Aikido-related items.

Citing, the recently announced new initiative called ‘Sport for Tomorrow’ by his government, the Ambassador said the initiative is to promote sports and the Olympic movement through providing sporting equipment and improving sports facilities. In promoting sports, he added the Japanese government also puts emphasis on the sound growth of young people.

The Ambassador also said the signing is important as it is a concrete achievement of the visit of the Japanese Premier to Ethiopia. He, therefore, expressed his belief that the support that is being provided to the AYCC is a perfect match of the new initiative.

Appreciating embassy’s support on the occasion, AYCC Managing Director Kidist Tariku said that the project has about 150 youths that are about to complete their training which earns them black level belt. Kidist also said that the AYCC has over 5,000 volunteer members.

She also said that AYCC is also involved in creating awareness on HIV and AIDS and it approximately reaches over 10,000 people every year. The project also includes activities towards empowering women. According to her, the construction of the multipurpose hall will begin next month and will be completed this year.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald (EH)