New Crane Truck for WAM

On Wednesday, November 1, 2017 Ambassador Hideyuki Mitsuoka of Japan and Director Alson Kelen of WAM signed a contract for “the Project for Improvement of Transportation of Training Materials for Waan Aelõñ in Majel in Majuro Atoll” at the Embassy of Japan. The signing ceremony was witnessed by WAM’s  traditional canoe building trainer Binton Daniels and officials of the Embassy of Japan.

The funds provided by this contract will facilitate the purchasing of a crane truck.  Previously, do to the expense of renting transportation for logging purposes WAM could only offer programs using lukwej and breadfruit logs. Because of the Grassroots Grant Project funding, WAM will be able to advance their training program with coconut trees as well as the other woods. Furthermore, this project will also promote the RMI’s coconut replanting program and promote an increased awareness of the ability to produce local products from local sources thus increase cultural pride.

WAM appreciates this support from GGP and is excited to have this opportunity by means of this additional equipment to diversify and enhance their training programs.

Japan Ambassador Hideyuki Mitsuoka and Director of WAM Alson Kelen with signed agreement. Photo: Embassy staff member

Japan Ambassador Hideyuki Mitsuoka and Director of WAM Alson Kelen with signed agreement. Photo: Embassy staff member

Tell us your thoughts.