SAIDA Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh with representatives from Ekmattra Society. Photo: Japan Embassy

DHAKA, Jan 6, 2026 (BSS) - Japan today extended Taka 13.8 million in grants to two Bangladeshi non-governmental organisations to support education and child welfare initiatives under its "Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP)" programme.

The Japanese government provided a total grant of USD 115,723 to SKS Foundation and Ekmattra Society, said a press release issued by the Japan Embassy here.
 
The grant contracts were signed by Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi andrepresentatives of the two organisations at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka.

SKS Foundation received USD 51,981 for the project titled "The Project for the Procurement of School Buses in SKS School and College in Gaibandha District". 

The foundation works on human rights, social development, gender equality, poverty alleviation and community empowerment.
 
With the grant support, SKS Foundation will procure two school buses to ensure safe and reliable transportation for primary students, particularly those from remote areas, thereby improving access to education.

Ekmattra Society was awarded 63,742 US dollars for "The Project for the Expansion of Ekmattra Children's Academy Building in Mymensingh District".
 
The organisation supports children formerly living on the streets through education, residential care, vocational training and cultural programmes.
 
Using the grant, Ekmattra Society will construct a first floor on its existing academy building in Haluaghat upazila to address classroom shortages and enhance educational facilities for disadvantaged children.

Japan has supported 223 NGO-led projects in Bangladesh under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) since 1989, providing a total of approximately 17.7 million US dollars to strengthen economic and social human security at the grassroots level.