RENEW and Draktsho received US$ 100,000 and US$ 84,000 under Japan’s grant assistance for grassroots projects, becoming the first two Civil Society Organizations in the country to receive such grants.
So far, Japan has assisted central and local authorities of Bhutan in constructing bridges and schools, among others.
While signing the grant assistance project, the Ambassador of Japan to Bhutan, Takeshi Yagi said the project is based on Japanese philosophy of human security. He said the fund is expected to directly benefit the local communities at the grassroots level.
“The project is expected to be completed on time as it is urgent to build the capacity of vulnerable women in the society,” said Takeshi Yagi.
The grant assistance is for the construction of a vocational training institute at Wangsisina, Thimphu for the empowerment of economically and socially vulnerable women.
RENEW said the grant is timely as it will help women strive for economic independence and contribute holistically towards positive mental well-being of communities and families.
The project is expected to be complete within a year.
The vocational training institute will have weaving, tailoring and arts and crafts, among other activities.
Later in the afternoon, the Ambassador signed the grant contract of a Project with Draktsho for the Construction of a Vocational Training Centre and Hostels for Children and Youth with Disabilities in Kanglung, Trashigang.
The project is expected to improve the educational and living environment of persons with disabilities as facilities for people with disabilities is still limited in Bhutan.
