Addis Ababa, Feb. 21(ENA)--The Japanese Embassy here signed an over 381,000 USD grant contracts with five Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working in Ethiopia for the execution of six grassroots projects.

The projects to be undertaken by the organizations focus on education, environment and emergency relief assistance.

Accordingly, Lem Ethiopia signed a grant contract for the execution of the Ambo mud house construction project aimed at conserving trees and other natural resources.

Agazi Alumni also signed an agreement for the expansion of a vocational training school in Adigrat town of the Tigray State.

Center for Development Initiatives signed the grant contract for the Sirarro Alternative Basic Education and Ajie Emergency Association Projects.

Sasakawa Africa Association also signed the grant contract for the execution of the Babire project of relief assistance.

Food for the Hungry International-Ethiopia signed an agreement for running the Ziway Emergency Water Project.

Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Hiroyoshi Ihara and representatives of the respective organizations signed the grant contract.

Ambassador Ihara said on the occasion that in 2002 financial year the Japanese government funded 27 projects including the current ones.

He pledged continued assistance for the undertaking of similar projects in the country.

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