On Wednesday May 26, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tajikistan Takayuki Miyashita together with Istaravshan Mayor Adham Mamourzoda attended the handover ceremony of successful completion of “The Project for Improvement of Equipment of Regional Service Center for Elderly and People with Disabilities in Istaravshan City.”

According to Japan’s Embassy in Dushanbe, the project was implemented within the framework of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).  For equipping the Center, the grant of USD 10,052 was awarded to the Regional Service Center for Elderly and People with Disabilities named after Imomnazar Khudoynazarov.  With the successful project completion, the users of the center have an opportunity to receive improved social services.

Prior to the project implementation, the center reportedly faced difficulties due to a lack of equipment for a more systematic and correct storage of food and service for the visitors of the center.  The existing equipment was already worn out and needed to be replaced.  Upon the project implementation, guests of the center have a free access to new equipment and now, the food will not lose its quality of cooking and storing quality.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Miyashita made the following remarks, “Elderly and disabled population needs special attention and protection in the society.  I appreciate the role of this Center from this point of view.  I wish to express my gratitude to all staff of this Center, who works so hard for the well-being of the beneficiaries.  This project will primarily improve the capacity of the kitchen.  However, I do believe that every warm meal prepared here will make all beneficiaries healthier and happier.”

The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) is a scheme within Japan’s Official Development Assistance. GGP in particular implements grassroots-level projects in various sectors throughout the Republic of Tajikistan. Recipients of GGP grants include local governments, educational and medical institutions, and NGOs. As of today, GGP has supported 421 projects in the Republic of Tajikistan, for which US$34.0 million has been allocated since 1996.