The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, granted one humanitarian program for construction of WinkaVillageBasicEducationPrimary School in Bilin Township, Mon State.The hand-over ceremony and opening ceremony of the school was held on 14 February 2013 at the project site in Winka Village.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, Minister-Counsellor/ Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nanissara, Dr. Htain Win, Deputy Speaker of Ayeyarwady Region Hluttaw, U Than Tun, Ayeyarwady Region Minister for Transport, U Than Tun Aung, Chairman of Ye Ga Lote Bridge Construction Committee, responsible officials from respective organizations and local residents.

H.E. Mr. Mikio NUMATA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Ohn Myint, Chief Minister and Dr. U HlaOo, Minister for Social Affairs of Mon State, and U Nyunt Soe, Mawlamyine District Education Officer and local people attended the ceremony.

The Japanese Ambassador said in his remark that by construction of this Basic Education Primary School, the school children of Winka Village will have the opportunity to study in the safe building and he expressed his expectation that this improved condition for education will bring the school children to be well educated generation of Myanmar who can contribute themselves for the development of the country.

Chief Minister also pointed out his understanding that Japan has become well developed industrialized country because it has given its education system the first priority of the country. He mentioned his willingness that Myanmar should also try its best for upgrading of the existing education system.

Chief Minister also urged the village people to take care of the school building constructed by the Japanese Government’s GGP Scheme for its longer life. He added in his remarks that by taking care of the school building for longer life, Myanmar people can pay back to the goodwill of Japanese people and Japanese Government.

The Government of Japan has provided US$ 87,613 for construction of 100’x30’ one storey RC school building with 5 classrooms, toilets and school furniture for Winka Village Basic Education Primary School through its GGP Scheme. Japanese Government has plan to support the development of education sector of Myanmar in the future too. It is expected that this assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.