Japan awards a grant of over $112,000 to renovate the “Dimitrie Cantemir” Gymnasium in Stefan Voda
The “Dimitrie Cantemir” Gymnasium in Stefan Voda district will undergo renovation with financial support from Japan under the “Kusanone” Human Security Grant Program. On Friday, March 6, Japan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Takeuchi Kazuyuki, and the school’s director, Inga Cuclenco, signed a $112,337 funding agreement.
According to the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Moldova, the renovation project aims to improve study conditions and adapt the school’s infrastructure to current community needs.
The investment gains greater importance in light of the expected rise in the number of refugee children from Ukraine who may attend the school.
During the signing ceremony, Japan’s ambassador noted that Stefan Voda district serves as one of the busiest crossing points for people arriving from Ukraine.
He added that many refugee families frequently cross the border in search of a safe place, and some later return to their home country.
At the ceremony, the president of Stefan Voda district, Olga Luchian, highlighted the crucial role of external support, especially from Japan, in managing multiple crises, particularly the refugee crisis.
“The refugee crisis proved the most difficult, and we felt the strong support from the Japanese people,” Olga Luchian said.
She noted that many refugee families passed through the district repeatedly, and partnerships like this helped local authorities offer safety and support.
The “Kusanone” program launched in the Republic of Moldova in 2008. Since then, the Government of Japan has granted about $7.8 million in non-repayable funding for 94 projects in health care, education, and public utilities.
These initiatives support local communities and improve basic public services.
