The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, granted US$105,369for a humanitarian program entitled “The Project for Construction of Saizang Kindergarten’s Building in Chin State.” The hand-over and opening ceremony of Saizang Kindergarten’s Building was held on April 7, 2013.

Ms. Sumie ARIMA, Second Secretary of Embassy of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Township Administrator of Tiddim Township,Township Officer of Tiddim Township Social Welfare Department, Village Administrator of Saizang Village, U Nang KyintPaung, Chairman of Ciimnuai Christian Children Development Center andmembers of the School Construction Committeetogether with Village Elders attended the said ceremony.

Saizang Village is situated in Tiddim Township, the northern part of Chin State and 30 miles away from the border with India. The Saizang Kindergarten was established in 2002 in order to provide basic education to children under 5 years old. In addition to the regular education, also provides necessary services forchildren who are left alone at home while their parents are outworking. Currently about 140 children are attending there, however, the building is narrow and very aged. Since the kindergarten is very important for the villagers, the Government of Japan assisted the construction of a 28’x60’ two storied RC new building for the Saizang Kindergarten through its GGP Programme.

This assistance is expected to benefit the village dwellers and young children of Saizang Village, and further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.