On 26th November, 2014. Mr. Tateshi HIGUCHI, Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar, Mr. Katsuyuki MATSUOKA, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Shoichi WATANABE, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Dr. Hla Oo, Social Affairs Minister of Mon State, U Toe Toe Aung, Development Affairs Minister of Mon State, U Thet Win Oo, Burma National Affairs Minister and Transportation Minister of Mon State, U Khon Phe Mya, Paoh National Affairs Minister, U Saw Aung Kyaw Thein, Karen National Affairs Minister, U Htay Lwin, Hluttaw Vice President, Director of Department of Education in Mon State, Township Administrator, Head Monk, teachers and students, committee chairman and committee members of the construction project and local residents attended the handover and opening ceremony of the Myo Daw Oo Monastic Primary School was held in Mawlamyaing Township, Mon State.

The Japanese Government, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has extended the assistance of US$82,021 for a humanitarian assistance program entitled “The Project for Construction of Myo Daw Oo Monastic Primary School in Mawlamyaing Township, Mon State.”

The Myo Daw Oo Monastic Primary School was opened in 2004 and the number of students has increased year after year. Since its opening, students had to study in congested rooms of the monastry building as there was no separate school building and students were disturbed by noises and could not concentrate on their studies. Under such conditions, the Japanese Government decided to support construction of a two-storey RC building with lavatories, water supply and sets of full furniture. This support will benefit about 180 students of the school.

The Japanese Government has conducted 695 various grassroots projects in Myanmar under its GGP scheme since 1993. The number consists of 317 education projects, 175 healthcare projects, 136 public welfare and environment projects, 31 infrastructure projects and 36 projects in other fields. It is anticipated that this assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Myanmar and Japan, which marks its 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.