The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, granted USD109,045 for a humanitarian assistant program entitled “Parlikaritulut Monastic Post Primary School in Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region” in 2012.The hand-over and opening ceremony was held at the school in Shwe Bo on November 20, 2013.

The said ceremony was attended by Ms. Sumie ARIMA, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Maung Ko, the chairman of school building construction committee and members headed by Chief Monk Sayadaw, students of the schools and local people.

Two temporary school buildings were built of bamboo and thatch, and they have not been used for long term. At present, 231 students are attending the classes of grades one to six under 10 teachers. Because of insufficient classrooms, the children have to study even under the trees and in dark store room. Moreover, the school does not have enough school furniture, and the children have to sit on the bare ground for their study. Although the School Management Committee is trying their best for collecting donated money from the township dwellers once a month, it only covers for regular monthly operation and cannot collect enough money for construction of a school building in need.

Under such circumstances, the Government of Japan provided funding for the construction of one stored RC school building with 6 classrooms, toilets, and school furniture for Parlikaritulut Monastic Post Primary School in Shwebo Township through its GGP Scheme. The Government of Japan has helped various grass-roots projects in Myanmar and 271 schools have been improved under GGP scheme counting from 1998. It is expected that this assistance will provide the students with better learning and sanitation environment and further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.