The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has extended the assistance totaling US$ 220,439 for two humanitarian assistance programs entitled:-

• 1. “The Project for Construction of Dhamathukha Monastic Primary School in Mon State”, USD 98,875.
• 2. “The Project for Road and Bridge Construction between Shwe Taw and Kaw Lone Sein Villages in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State”, USD 121,564.

The hand-over and opening ceremonies of the monastic primary school building in Mon State and the road and the bridge in Kayin State were held at each location on 5 March 2014 respectively.

At the ceremony of Dhamathukha monastic primary school in Mawlamyine Township, Mon State, Mr. Masahiro FUJIKAWA, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Thet Win, Minister for Bamar National Race Affairs of the Government in Mon State, Dr Toe Toe Aung, Minister for Development Affairs of Mon State, U Nai Lawi Aung, Minister for Electric Power and Industry of Mon State, committee chairman and committee members of the school construction project headed by Chief Monk Sayardaw, students and local residents attended.

The monastic school project will benefit over 300 students, who were studying under insufficient environment in old religious buildings. Under such circumstances, the Government of Japan provided funding for one school building including toilets and necessary furniture at the school.

At the ceremony of the road and the bridge in Kayin State, Mr. Masahiro FUJIKAWA, U Maung Maung Aye, Shwe Taw village tract Administrator, committee chairman and committee members of the road and the bridge construction together with local residents attended.

The raod and the bridge between Shwe Taw and Kaw Lone Sein Villages will benefit about 8,600 population who were facing difficulties in socio-economic situation due to the bad conditions of roads and bridges.

Japan has conducted 669 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under this GGP scheme since 1993. Among them, 301 education projects, 170 health care projects, 133 public welfare and environment projects, 30 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects are included. It is expected that these assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.