The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has extended the assistance totaling US$ 680,224 for four humanitarian assistance programs entitled:-

• 1. “The Project for Construction of Nan Han Nwe Village Basic Education Middle School in Kalay Township, Sagaing Region.” (US$ 117,668)
• 2. “The Project for Construction of Sub Rural Health Centers in Falam Township, Chin State.” (US$ 99,179)
• 3. “The Project for Construction of No.3 Basic Education High School in Haka Township, Chin State.” (US$ 313,745)
• 4. “The Project for Construction of Tan Ta Lang Basic Education Branch High School in Tan Ta Lang Township, Chin State.” (US$ 149,632)

The hand-over and opening ceremonies of these four projects were held in Kalay Township in Sagaing Region and Falam, Haka and Tan Ta Lang Townships in Chin State on 14th , 15th and 16th June 2014 respectively. Mr. Kota WATANABE, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Chin State Chief Minister together with State Ministers, District and Township Administrators, District and Township Education Officers, District and Township Medical Officers, respective teachers and midwives, committee chairman and committee members of each project and local residents attended these ceremonies.

250 students at Basic Education Middle School in Kalay Township, 1,798 students at No.3 Basic Education High School in Haka Township and 385 students at Basic Education Branch High School in Tan Ta Lang Township who were studying under insufficient environment in old buildings will directly benefit from the improved learning environment including new school buildings with necessary furniture and toilets provided by Japanese Government’s GGP scheme.

Sub Rural Health Centers in Falam Township will benefit about 2,400 people who were using old buildings with insufficient medical equipment. The Government of Japan has provided funding for the buildings equipped with medical facilities through its GGP scheme.

It is expected that these assistances will provide a better public healthcare situation for the local ethnic people in Falam Township and better learning environment for the students in Kalay, Haka and Tan Ta Lang Townships.

Japan has conducted 688 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under this GGP scheme since 1993. Among them, 311 education projects, 175 healthcare projects, 136 public welfare and environment projects, 31 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects are included. It is expected that these assistances will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar, which marks its 60 years anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.