|
1. The Embassy of Japan in India, under its scheme ‘Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects’, today decided to extend grant assistance totaling US$ 84,833 (approximately equivalent to Rs.33 lacs) to Network of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (NEED) to support its vocational training project.
Network of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (NEED) was established in 1995 and, since its establishment, has been providing vocational training, especially in traditional embroidery such as chikan and zardozi, to both artisans and unskilled women, for the sake of improving their livelihood, in Uttar Pradesh. After imparting the training, the organization helps and supervises them to formulate SHGs where they can utilize their skills. However, advanced skills and expert knowledge on micro entrepreneurship have been long aspired by villagers, since there has been no facility where the afore mentioned need could be met.
Realizing the need, the Embassy of Japan decided to grant them a sum of US$ 84,833 for the project. With this project, around 300 villagers would be able to improve their skills, which would lead to upgrading their livelihood and conservation of traditional skills.
2. The Signing Ceremony to formalize the arrangements is scheduled to take place at 1600 hrs., on Tuesday, 23rd October, 2007, at the Embassy of Japan, between Mr. Ryoichi Horie, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, and the representative of the above NGO.
3. The scheme of ‘Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects’ was introduced by the Government of Japan in 1989, to provide timely assistance directly to the activities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) promoting welfare of the people in developing countries. Projects eligible for the grant assistance include such fields as primary healthcare, primary education, care of the handicapped people, poverty alleviation, enhancing status of women, public welfare, environment protection, etc. The Embassy of Japan and the Consulates General of Japan in Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai are in charge of this scheme in their respective regions.
4. For further information, please contact Mr. Yasushi Furukawa, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan. Telephone No.2687-6564.
|
