Japan funds new six-classroom building at Vaghara Primary School to improve education in Choiseul Province
On 13th May 2026, a milestone handover ceremony was celebrated at Vaghara Primary School for “the Project for the Construction of a Classroom Building for Vaghara Primary School in Choiseul Province.” This vital educational infrastructure was funded through the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP).
With a generous grant of 602,681.76 SBD from Japan, a brand-new, two-story building featuring six spacious classrooms has been successfully constructed. This project stands as a commitment to the shared vision of Japan and Vaghara Primary School to drastically improve the learning environment and to elevate the quality of education for local children.
The handover ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Japan H.E. Keiichi HIGUCHI; Choiseul Province Minister for Education, Hon Ralphbell Vina Seko; Vaghara Primary School Principal, Ms Hazel Basinava; the Embassy staff, as well as the teachers, students, and members of the local community.
In his keynote address, Japanese Ambassador Higuchi extended his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project from the beginning to tis completion, especially the school principal, teachers, the school committee, the community leaders, as well as parents and all other stakeholders. The Ambassador stated that the quality basic education is the foundation for a brighter future, and a safe and well-equipped classroom encourages children to attend school regularly, to concentrate and to learn with confidence.
Expressing her profound gratitude, Ms Hazel Basinava, Principal of Vaghara Primary School, said “I would like to convey my sincere appreciation to the Government of Japan. This project marks one of the very first assistances that has come directly from the national level down to a grassroots setting like ours, specifically to assist our young and future leaders.” “Our school had been struggling with a classroom shortage due to a rapidly growing student population. This project completely resolves that challenge and fills our community with hope for a better tomorrow,” Ms Basinava shared.
Praising the enduring friendship between the two nations, Hon Ralphbell Vina Seko, the Minister of Education of Choiseul Provincial Government, remarked “the Choiseul Provincial Government deeply appreciates the Government and the people of Japan for making this project a reality. Today, handing over the school building means far more than just opening a building—it represents the hope and future of our children.”
He also urged the community to take full ownership of the new facility. “It is vital that the community and the school protect and maintain this building so that it can serve our children for many years to come. This assistance beautifully demonstrates the strong partnership, mutual respect, and deep cooperation between Solomon Islands and Japan.”
The Government of Japan remains firmly committed to supporting sustainable socio-economic development across the Solomon Islands, from remote grassroots communities to the national level. Japan’s GGP scheme will continue to fund impactful, community-driven projects proposed by NGOs, schools, hospitals, and local government authorities to address the immediate needs of the people.
PRESS RELEASE
