TOKYO: Qatar’s Ambassador to Japan Hassan bin Mohammed Rafi Al Emadi participated in the opening ceremony of Onagawa Elementary and Junior High School in Onagawa City, Miyagi Prefecture.
The school project was funded by the Qatar Friendship Fund (QFF), affiliated with Qatar Fund for Development, to reconstruct areas that witnessed widespread damage due to the earthquake and tsunami disasters in March 2011.QFF provided $10mn in funding or the project.
Onagawa Mayor Yoshiaki Suda appreciated the initiative of Qatar to stand with the Japanese people during the crisis and the humanitarian gesture of contributing to the reconstruction efforts in areas affected by disasters. He said that these areas are gradually returning to normal, thanks to QFF’s contributions and achievements.
The school is of great importance to the residents of Onagawa and the surrounding areas, as 90 per cent of the schools were destroyed by disasters and many of them have not been rebuilt, he said. He pointed out the school is a good model for the reconstruction process and would contribute positively to create an effective and constructive society in these areas.
The Qatari Embassy provided gifts, including stationery, school supplies and souvenirs to the 300 students of the school. The school has a special wing Qatar that includes posters and brochures introducing Qatari heritage and culture.