The Japanese Embassy through the Nippon Foundation donated 85 books to the International University of Management (IUM) yesterday.
The Nippon Foundation is promoting the Read Japan Project in the hope of providing quality information about Japan to Namibia and other countries of the world.
The IUM is the fourth institution in Namibia to benefit from this project after the University of Namibia, National Library and the Namibia Institute of Public Management.
Speaking at the handover, Japanese ambassador Hisao Nishimaki said the programme provides outstanding books to enlighten readers around the world with accurate information in order to broaden their knowledge on Japan.
“Education remains a great priority area to Japan Development Cooperation. The Embassy of Japan in Namibia has been contributing to infrastructural development through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) by building around 300 classrooms at different schools throughout Namibia, contributing to the improvement of quality education and alleviating the burden of overcrowding in schools,” Nishimaki said.
He added that the books have been chosen by a committee of experts with extensive knowledge on Japan.
They cover politics and international relations, economy and business, society and culture, literature and arts and history.
Nishimaki added that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has dispatched 163 Japanese qualified volunteer teachers at Namibian schools and also offers fully funded scholarships to Namibian students.
Additionally, early last week, the embassy also donated two classrooms, storeroom and a library to Saint Barnabas Primary School in the heart of Katutura.
“We hope that this donation reaches out to young researchers who are interested in Japan, as well as opinion leaders and intellectuals specialising in areas other than Japanese studies,” the ambassador said.
Meanwhile, IUM’s director of student and customer liaison Hendrina Udjombala appreciated the donation, saying the books will have a significance impact on student community and inspire love for reading.
“We are immensely grateful for the book donation that has been generously provided. The books received will enrich our library and support our educational initiatives,” she
said.