Inauguration Ceremony of the Project for "Protecting and empowering children and women in the continuing refugee influx from Burundi" (UNICEF) (November 29, 2017)
2017/12/11
Ambassador Miyashita attended the inauguration ceremony for Japan’s grant project in partnership with UNICEF “Protecting and empowering children and women in the continuing refugee influx from Burundi,” held at Mahama refugee camp in Kirehe District, Eastern Province, on November 29. With Japan’s contribution amounting up to JPY 76.3 million (USD 636,000) to UNICEF, the project supports children and women in Mahama camp as well as the host community.
A school in the host community, where refugee children and local children study together, is now equipped with new facilities including computers through the project, so that the children can learn ICT skills. Inside the camp, a ‘child-friendly space’ was built for children to play and do sports in a safe environment. Furthermore, in order to promote health of refugees including children, the project provided hand-washing stations, hygiene education, training for community health workers, and instruments that deliver health knowledge.
A school in the host community, where refugee children and local children study together, is now equipped with new facilities including computers through the project, so that the children can learn ICT skills. Inside the camp, a ‘child-friendly space’ was built for children to play and do sports in a safe environment. Furthermore, in order to promote health of refugees including children, the project provided hand-washing stations, hygiene education, training for community health workers, and instruments that deliver health knowledge.
Ambassador Miyashita said in his remarks, “the project offers essential assistance to refugees and people in the host community, and it was great to see children living in the safer and healthier environment as a result of Japan’s support. UNICEF carries out important programs for the safety and healthy growth of children. The Government of Japan will continue to support the Government of Rwanda and international organizations in assisting refugees in Rwanda.”
Mr. Ted Maly, Representative of UNICEF Rwanda, said “it is important that children can be children regardless of the conditions they are living in, and realizing it is the mandate of UNICEF. We deeply appreciate the support from the Government of Japan, which enabled us to help children and women in the refugee camp to get better lives.”
Mr. Ahmed Fall, Representative of UNHCR Rwanda, noted “a refugee camp is only a temporary solution. I hope Burundi will be peaceful soon and Burundian refugees can go back to their home country.”
Mr. Ted Maly, Representative of UNICEF Rwanda, said “it is important that children can be children regardless of the conditions they are living in, and realizing it is the mandate of UNICEF. We deeply appreciate the support from the Government of Japan, which enabled us to help children and women in the refugee camp to get better lives.”
Mr. Ahmed Fall, Representative of UNHCR Rwanda, noted “a refugee camp is only a temporary solution. I hope Burundi will be peaceful soon and Burundian refugees can go back to their home country.”
