09 Mar 2014

Japan Embassy has donated approximately P 709 000 to Save Our Souls (SOS) Children’s Village.

The grant contract was concluded and signed by the Ambassador Hiroyasu Kobayashi and SOS national director, Mr  Motshwari Kitso recently. A news release from the Japanese Embassy stated that the funds will be used to refurbish the fence around SOS Children’s Village in Francistown, replacing the damaged iron mesh fence with a new solid palisade.

The grant will further enable SOS to enhance and ensure the security of their facility where 196 orphans and vulnerable children were staying. At the signing of the grant contract, Mr Kitso said they were concerned about the security risk occasioned by the damaged fence.

He added that the grant would ensure that safety and security were restored at the SOS Children’s Village and contribute greatly to the sound growth of the children.

“Therefore SOS sincerely appreciates the Japanese government’s support in this regard,” said Mr Kitso. In response, Ambassador Kobayashi said ensuring the welfare of children was key to a bright future for Botswana, as they were the future leaders of this country.

He acknowledged and commended the significant role played by the association in operating children’s villages where orphans and vulnerable children could develop and grow in a warm and at-home environment.

“The government of Japan is pleased to be able to extend its support to respond to this pressing need,” said Ambassador Kobayashi.
SOS is one of the beneficiaries of the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). GGP, a grant scheme which supports projects addressing social problems and/or aiming at community development at grass roots level.

The Government of Japan has extended support to more than 30 organisations in Botswana through this grant scheme. Ends