Addis Ababa, April 13, 2022(Walta) – Japanese Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Ethiopia Ito Takako inaugurated the Garment Training Center Expansion constructed at Selam Children’s Village (SCV) here in Addis yesterday.
At the inauguration ceremony, the ambassador renewed her commitment to providing assistance for the development of Ethiopia. “This project will enable about 200 people per year especially women and unemployed people, to receive vocational training. Japan has been assisting the people of Ethiopia and contributing to improving their quality of life through GGP, particularly in the fields of education and social welfare.”
It was learned that the embassy has implemented over 400 projects all over Ethiopia under the GGP scheme since 1989, with a view to responding to the basic needs of the Ethiopian people.
Amb. Ito said that this is the second time that Japan embassy provided support to the garment training center at SCV.
The ambassador also noted that the center continues to be a symbol of the goodwill of the Japanese people and it further deepens the friendship between the two peoples besides helping to build a brighter future for trainees.
At the event, the Japanese company Yamato Sewing Machine Mfg. Co.Ltd President and CEO Kondo Shogo donated 10 sewing machines to SCV. In his video message, he said that the donated machinery will help trainees to achieve competency in the textile and garment sector and someday make this dream come true.
SCV Executive Director Solomon Chali acknowledged the Japanese Embassy in his opening remark of the inauguration for the financial grant provided for this expansion project. “Our organization is working to create a better life for orphans and the disadvantaged groups.”
The garment industry is one of the priority areas for the Ethiopian government because the sector can create more jobs for the youths, particularly for youth women. In realizing this, this expansion project has significant importance, he underscored.
Selam TVET College Dean Tibebu Leta said on the occasion that: “This project will help to upgrade our garment vocational training capacity by 75 percent and accordingly the center has started to provide additional vocational training for 200 youths per year.”
Additionally, this training center has contributed to strengthening the provision of the basic knowledge, design, and pattern making for all trainees to the required standard and in a conducive environment.
Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Project (GGP) has provided 70,387 USD to support the construction of one garment training center block containing furnished classrooms and two furnished staff rooms, according to the Ethiopian Herald.