On February 19 and 20, 2014, the hand-over and opening ceremonies of Myeik Taung Basic Education Post Primary School in Myeik Township and Palaw No.7 Basic Education Primary School in Palaw Township, Taninthari Region, constructed under the Japan’s Grass-Roots Assistance were held at respective project sites. Mr. Kei MAEDA, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Lwin Ko Oo, District Administrator of Myeik District, U Tin Shein, Deputy District Education Officer in Myeik and U Kyaw Swa, Township Administrator, Daw Sein Sein, Township Education Officer in Palaw and the departmental officials, respective committee members and local residents attended each ceremony.

At the ceremony, Mr. MAEDA said that those school projects are the special presents from the Japanese People for the children, who play important role for the future of Myanmar. He told the school children that they should do their best since education is critical for the development of Myanmar. He also pointed out that after the second world-war, Japan paid attention on education sector development and therefore it became a developed country in the world today. He also expressed his wish to the students, teachers and local residents to pay attention on maintenance of the school building for long-term utilization. Finally, he showed his wish that the students from those schools will develop their career successfully and will contribute to the establishment of brighter future of Myanmar.

U Lwin Ko Oo, District Administrator and U Tin Shein, Deputy District Education Officer in Myeik and Daw Sein Sein, Township Education Officer in Palaw respectively mentioned in their speeches about the current reform of education system in Myanmar and needs of the education sector during the transition period. They expressed their appreciation to the Japanese Government and its people for providing assistance in their respective town in Taninthari Region.

The Japanese Government granted USD123,408 for construction of Myeik Taung Basic Education Post Primary School with a two-storey RC building comprised of 10 classrooms equipped school furniture and USD107,754 for construction of Palaw No. 7 Basic Education Primary School with a one-storey RC building comprised of 5 classrooms equipped with school furniture.

The Government of Japan has planned to continue its assistance in education sector of Myanmar in future as well and it is expected that this assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relation between Japan and Myanmar in the year of 60th anniversary for establishment of diplomatic relation.