The government of Japan, through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme, has extended assistance to the amount of R736 862.55 to Twilight Children in Hillbrow, to ensure sustainable learning through the provision of stable, everyday resources.
Twilight Children was established in 1983, and aims to provide a safe and secure environment for children living on the street in and around Hillbrow. Twilight Children is dedicated to shaping the future of young boys to men, and enhancing a positive culture of learning.
Introduced in 1989, the GGP is a key initiative put in place by the Japanese government in South Africa to prioritise human security for vulnerable and marginalised people within South African society. The project demonstrates Japan’s commitment to South Africa and its people.
H. E. Mr. Yutaka Yoshizawa, Ambassador of Japan in South Africa
The aim is intended to assist NGOs and local authorities in addressing development in areas such as education, health, water supply and climate change, and in a variety of other local needs.
Since its introduction, 551 GGP projects have been implemented in South Africa.
In the Japanese Fiscal Year 2012 (April 2011-March 2012), the Embassy of Japan extended GGP assistance to 11 projects, amounting to approximately R 7 242 974.
In 2013, the decision was made to deliver on projects as part of Mandela Day, with the vision that addressing critical social issues to meet every day needs needed to be made a constant reality.
The links between South Africa and Japan, of course, have a substantial history with particular reference to the role the Friends of South Africa in Japan played in the anti-apartheid movement to drive change in South Africa. The significance of these strong ties and relations was demonstrated with Nelson Mandela choosing to visit Japan as his first diplomatic visit following his release in 1990.
The relationship continues today through the different collaborative legacy and social justice initiatives conducted by both the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and various Japanese institutions.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of South Africa, Mr Yutaka Yoshizawa, led the handover of the grant together with Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, and organisation representatives and local community members.
“We would like to thank the Ambassador and the Japanese people for their support of our local communities and Madiba’s legacy. It illustrates Madiba’s belief that it is our responsibility, both locally and globally, to strive for the good of humanity through relevant and visible actions. We value the Japanese passion and contribution towards driving positive change and sustainability,” says Hatang.