The handover and opening ceremony of Shwedaung Monastic Post Primary School in Bago Township, Bago Region took place on October 29, 2014. This ceremony was attended by Mr. Taro WATANABE, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Nyan Win, Chief Minister of Bago Region, Bago Region Minister for Development Affairs, Head Monk, teachers and students, committee chairman, committee members and local residents.

At the ceremony, U Nyan Win, Chief Minister of Bago Region, stated that “the monastery schools had been approved with the vision that all children must be literate and educated. Now in Bago Region, there are 26 monastery schools totaling 11,084 students. In addition to planning cooperation between monastery schools and Township education offices, the Government has been supporting monastery schools through a monthly stipend for the monastery school teachers.” He concluded his speech by expressing his sincere gratitude to the Japanese Government and its people for supporting the construction of the new school building.

Following that speech, Mr. Taro WATANABE, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, stated, “This new school building is a present from the Japanese people to the schoolchildren who are future leaders of Myanmar. The Government of Japan is offering assistance to upgrade and strengthen Myanmar’s education sector. We have assisted 317 education sector projects such as school renovation and new school construction in this country. Due to high need for assistance and the importance of the sector, Japan will continue its assistance to education. We appreciate the efforts of the construction committee, company and the people concerned for the implementation. This project would not be successful without their efforts.” He concluded the speech wishing for a long-lasting Japan-Myanmar friendly relations.

The Japanese Government provided US$ 95,785 under its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme for the construction of the Shwedaung Monastic Post Primary School in Bago Township, Bago Region. The Government of Japan, under its GGP Scheme, is planning to continue various assistances in the future. The Japanese Government anticipates that this assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar, which marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

U Nyan Win and Mr. Taro WATANABE, during rhe ribbon cut ceremony in front of new school building	With students in new classroom	Welcoming with Myanmar dance	Welcoming with Myanmr songs