Japan Grants 13.8 Million TK to 'Grass-Roots Human Security' Project

‎Japan has reinforced its long-standing commitment to grassroots human security in Bangladesh by extending more than Tk 13.8 million in grants to two local non-governmental organisations, with a focus on improving access to education for disadvantaged children.

On Tuesday, the Government of Japan signed grant contracts worth USD 115,723 with SKS Foundation and Ekmattra Society under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) scheme.

‎The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka, where Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi formalised the agreements with representatives of the two organisations.

‎A portion of the grant, amounting to USD 51,981, has been allocated to SKS Foundation for the procurement of two school buses for SKS School and College in Gaibandha district.

‎The initiative aims to ensure safe and reliable transport for primary-level students, particularly those living in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

‎Education activists say the project is expected to ease daily commuting challenges and help reduce dropout rates by improving regular school attendance.

‎The remaining USD 63,742 has been awarded to Ekmattra Society for the expansion of the Ekmattra Children’s Academy in Haluaghat upazila of Mymensingh district.

‎The project will address a growing shortage of classrooms by adding a first floor to the academy’s existing administrative building. The expansion is expected to enhance learning facilities for former street children enrolled at the residential academy.

‎Ekmattra Society works with vulnerable children living on the streets, supporting them through open-air schools, children’s homes and a full-boarding academy. Its programmes span formal education, vocational training and cultural development, with the goal of helping children become independent and socially integrated.

‎Officials at the Japanese Embassy said the projects reflect Japan’s people-centred development approach, which prioritises education, safety and community empowerment at the local level.

‎Since the launch of the GGHSP programme in 1989, Japan has supported 223 NGO-led projects across Bangladesh, providing grants totalling approximately USD 17.7 million. The programme is widely regarded as a key pillar of Japan’s development cooperation with Bangladesh, particularly in underserved communities.