Japan’s GGP Handover of New Vehicle for Tonga Red Cross Society

2021/5/10
Japan’s GGP Handover of New Vehicle for Tonga Red Cross Society
The Embassy of Japan and Tonga Red Cross Society marked the handover of a new vehicle for ‘Ofa Tui mo ‘Amanaki Center, funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Project, or GGP on Friday 7 May, 2021.

His Excellency Mr. MUNENAGA Kensaku, Ambassador Designate of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga handed over the key of a new Toyota Hiace 16 seater vehicle, and was received by Ms. Aloma Johansson, Treasurer of Tonga Red Cross Society. The ceremony was also held  to celebrate the International Red Cross and Red Crescents Day, attended by Pastor Fanueli Mataele, President of Seventh Day Adventist Church, Board Members of Tonga Red Cross Society, a representative from the Ministry of Finance and staff and students of the ‘Ofa Tui mo ‘Amanaki Center.

Tonga Red Cross founded the ‘Ofa Tui mo ‘Amanaki, OTA Center in the 1970’s with the goal to offer educational assistance to special people in the Kingdom.   

His Excellency Mr. MUNENAGA emphasized that Japan highly prioritizes the education of special students and wish the students best of luck in their studies. “The new vehicle will help Tonga Red Cross in effectively carrying out social services to the people with disabilities by providing transportation for the students of the OTA center,” said the Ambassador.

“The GGP might be small, but its value in directly addressing the communities’ various basic human needs, is significant.” He also added that while he strongly hope that the vehicle will facilitate the activities of Tonga Red Cross, what is more important is the devotion and commitment of the people in charge, and he applaud the people of Tonga Red Cross for their efforts, and thank them for their great cooperation with the Embassy in formulating this Project.

Mr. Siotame Drew Havea, Acting Chairperson of Tonga Red Cross Society Board acknowledged the much appreciated assistance from the Government of Japan. In December 2020, the Society sought for Japan’s assistance for the provision of a new vehicle to continue effectively delivering social services to over 100 of the ‘Ofa Tui mo ‘Amanaki students.  

The handover ceremony also observed a one minute silence in respect of the sudden passing of a  Tonga Red Cross staff in the last weekend.