Embassy of Japan Lights Up the Orlando Children’s Home in Soweto:

Embassy of Japan Lights Up the Orlando Children’s Home in Soweto

On the 20th of October 2018 the Embassy of Japan in South Africa officially handed over a Youth Development Centre, equipped with a high-efficiency solar power system, to the Orlando Children’s Home. The centre will make it possible for children to enjoy various indoor activities, including Karate, Judo, basketball, singing and dancing, to contribute towards the healthy development of the youth.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Yasushi Naito, Counsellor of the Consul of Japan in Cape Town, Mrs Zanele Mbeki, former First Lady and founder of Women’s Development Bank, as well as Reverend Frank Chikane, Mr Max Sisulu, Mrs Elinor Sisulu, Mr Murphy Morobe, Mr Pasty Malefo, Ms Mampho Brescia andMs Lalla Hirayama.

The project was funded by the Embassy of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) and amounts to R4.4m.

The development centre has an advanced solar power system that can produce 100% of the electricity needed for the building and reduce environmental burden. In this public and private collaboration project, a Japanese company, Kawaguchi Energy Natural Solutions, provided the required technology. The installed solar panels on the roof are one of the lightest in the world, flexible, efficient and is protected against hail.

“Orlando Children’s Home is a place of hope and goodwill. It is encouraging to know that some of the graduates of Orlando Children’s Home have become successful businessmen and social workers who continue to give back to their community. We are honoured to be a part of programmes that inspire children to reach out towards their greatest dreams and aspirations,” says Yasushi Naito.

Mr Naito is the longest-serving Japanese diplomat in South Africa. He has been in this position for 19 years intermittently since 1987. He also started the initial interaction with Orlando Children’s Home, 30 years ago. The Orlando Children’s Home is the oldest home for orphans and abandoned children in South Africa. It has strong support from local residents and the leadership of Soweto.

The Youth Development Centre is the latest in a series of Japanese initiatives, with the GGP funding scheme beginning as far back as 1990 in South Africa. This has positively impacted non-government organisations in the educational, medical and agricultural arenas. To date, over 630 GGP projects, totalling approximately R559 Million, have been implemented throughout South Africa. This has helped address various basic human needs at grassroots level. In the 2017/18 Japanese Fiscal Year several South African projects were funded, totalling an investment of almost R15 Million.

Also in attendance at the handover ceremony, and working with Mr Naito on the day, was Ms Solani Mirriam Mazibuko, the Director of Orlando Children’s Home. She has always been at the centre of the strong relationship with the Embassy of Japan.

“We are grateful for the support from the Embassy of Japan and know it will positively influence the lives of our children. It’s partnerships such as these that fill us all with hope for a future shaped by endless possibilities,” concludes Ms Mazibuko.

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Author: Business News