The Government of Japan has donated US$768,627 for the implementation of early childhood education and medical cooperation activities in Cambodia. The grant awards, under the framework of the Japanese Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects, were officially signed on Feb. 26 between Mr. Taninai Ichitomo, Chargés d'Affaires ad interim, Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, and representatives of the recipient organisations. According to a press release from the Embassy of Japan, US$160,140 was awarded to the Nature Centre Risen (NCR) to implement the Empowering Early Childhood Environmental Education project in Preah Sihanouk province. Some US$414,756 was given to the Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA) to implement 'Improve the access and quality of early childhood education in the public preschools in Oddar Meanchey 'province.' The rest, US$193,731 was donated to the Foundation for International Development and Relief (FIDR) to implement the 'Project to Promote Regional Medical Cooperation System in Northeast ern Cambodia through Strengthening Surgical Practice.' The release highlighted the embassy's optimism that the grant assistance will further improve the quality of life for people in the project areas. Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse