KATHMANDU: Japan has decided to extend a financial assistance of US $ 68,706 for a children’s project in Nepal.

This amount is part of the ‘Overseas Support’ in Japan’s Fiscal Year 2009 under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects Scheme of the Government of Japan.

Shapla Neer-Citizens’ Committee of Japan will implement a project for the “Alleviation of Difficulties of Working Children” in Lalitpur district, in coordination with a local NGO - Centre to Assist and Protect Child Rights of Nepal. The scheme provides grant assistance for projects to be undertaken by Japanese NGOs in developing countries.

A contract relating to this project was signed by Tatsuo MiZuno, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Yukiko Fujisaki, Resident Representative of Shapla Neer-Nepal. The project targets working children who are subject to exploitation and who have no opportunities for primary health care and basic education.

Speaking at a programme organised to sign the contract, envoy Mizuno expressed hope that the project would enhance the welfare of children and ensuring the quality of their life.