The Government of Japan has extended a grant of $60,975 with a view to contribute towards execution of the Karachi Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) project. The project titled, ‘The Project for Providing Modern Transport Vehicle for Intellectually Challenged Centre in Karachi,’ has been funded under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme. The agreement for the purpose was signed between Toshikazu Isomura, the consul general of Japan in Karachi, and Dr Akhtar Aziz Khan, the president of the KVTC, at the official residence of the consul general. KVTC also serves as a rehabilitation centre for people with intellectual disabilities. It provides a holistic approach that covers skill development and job placement. The grant coming in the form of a transport vehicle will allow students enrolled in various programmes at the KVTC to have access to basic infrastructure like transportation. Each year, thousands of children fall victim to road accidents since the safety standards are not enforced in road transportation sector of the country. For people with intellectual disabilities, who do not have the means to travel from one place to another, the lack of adequate transport facilities is the biggest barrier in accessing good quality education. Toshikazu Isomura said on the occasion that better transportation was need of the hour for such facilities. This would support the endeavors undertaken by the KVTC. Isomura hoped that support from government and people of Japan would further strengthen friendly ties between the two countries.Under GGP scheme, Japan has funded over 380 projects in Pakistan since 1989. Published in Daily Times, November 15th 2018.