The handover and opening ceremonies of two Basic Education Primary Schools (respectively in Byike Gyi Village and Zee Ngu Village) in Kyaunggone Township and Thamine Basic Education Primary School in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region took place on 21st May 2015.

The ceremonies were attended by Mr. Sachio OTAKI, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Dr. Htein Win, Regional Hluttaw Deputy Speaker, U Thein Soe, Regional Hluttaw Representative, U Win Maung, Deputy Director for Regional Education Office, Committee Chairmen, committee members of the construction projects, and local residents.

At the ceremony of Byeik Gyi Village Basic Education Primary School, U Win Maung stated “We are thankful to the Japanese Government and its people for the support as the Myanmar Government is focusing on education sector development. We are glad to see the constructed building. With our feelings of gratitude, the students, teachers and local residents would have to make the effort to maintain this school building for long-term use.”

Following that speech, Mr. OTAKI stated “We appreciate the efforts of the committee, the construction company and the people concerned for the implementation. We hope that students study and play vigorously in this school to be future leaders of Myanmar.” He concluded the speech wishing for a long-lasting Japan-Myanmar friendly relations.

The Government of Japan provided US$230,981 under the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme for (1) The Project for Construction of Two Basic Education Primary Schools in Kyaunggone Township, Ayeyarwady Region and (2) The Project for Construction of Thamine Basic Education Primary School in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region. The Government of Japan, under its GGP Scheme, is planning to continue various assistances in the future, and anticipates that it will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.

[Comment from Mr. OTAKI]
3 hours drive observing great reaches of fields, from bustle of Yangon took me to the elementary school where we had the handover ceremony. While in the car, I could not stop wondering that this calm village may be a better place to live than developed Yangon, and that it's also important to maintain their lifestyles. I got off the car in anguish.
What awaited me was an enthusiastic welcome. Local politicians thanked me repeatedly, the headmaster never stopped shaking my hands, and students exploded in joy and hope. And I will never forget the lusciousness of Myanmar cuisine they served.
This ceremony made me realize how our support unfailingly reaches the hearts of Myanmar people. We must go on.

Lovely student warmly welcoming Mr.Otaki at Thamine School	Group photo with students at Thamine School	Group photo with students at Byeik Gyi School	Ribbon cut ceremony at Byeik Gyi School