The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has decided to extend an assistance of US$100,507 for a humanitarian assistance program　entitled “The Project for Construction of North Okkalapa Dhamamaydini Monastic Basic Education Middle School in Yangon Region”.

Mr. Ichiro MARUYAMA, Charge’d Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and U Tin Shein, Chairman of North Okkalapa Dhamamaydini Monastic Basic Education Middle School Construction Committee, signed the grant contract on November 1, 2012.

North Okkalapa Dhamamaydini Monastic Basic Education Middle School was opened in 1987 for the children of ethnic minority groups from border areas and poor children from neary-by wards of the monastery in order to provide basic education and religious teaching.

Although the School has been opened 25 years ago, there has been no separate school buildings yet in the monastery, and some temporary buildings in the compound are being used for teaching. Over 750 students are lacking proper teaching facilities and need a new building as early as possible. The Sayadaw (Chief Monk) and School Committee is seeking to construct a new school building but they are facing financial difficulties.

Under such circumstances, the Government of Japan has decided to provide funding for the construction of a three storeyed reinforced concrete school building with 6 class-rooms, and school furniture for North Okkalapa Dhamamaydini Monastic Basic Education Middle School through its GGP Scheme. It is expected that this assistance will provide the students with better learning environment, and further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.