Japanese NGO to extend operations

Huye- Millennium Promise Japan (MPJ), a Japanese NGO, plans to extend its activities in the country. Prof Shinichi Kitaoko, MPJ Director, made the announcement on the sidelines of a three-day international students’ conference on development in Rwanda. The conference took place at the National University of Rwanda (NUR) main campus in Huye district last week. Fifteen students from the University of Tokyo, Japan and 30 from NUR discussed the current conditions, challenges and ways of fostering development in Africa. MPJ intervenes in healthcare, water supply and promotion of education, especially in rural areas. “Our project has been running across 15 African countries to eradicate poverty as outlined in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). We are now thinking of the possibility of coming to Rwanda in the future,” said Prof Shinichi. “MPJ provides scholarships to needy youth and provides basic needs for poor communities”. Natsui Yaki, a Japanese participant, said deepening the cooperation would help citizens of both countries. “MPJ youth now have a lot in common with Africa. We usually organize festivals in Japan and invite African artists to perform. So, this would be the same for Rwanda,” she said. During the conference, education, health and energy challenge were discussed, including effective ways of using African resources, investment and infrastructure. Ends