The Japanese Government, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has extended assistance of US$228,659 for two humanitarian assistance programs:

1. “The Project for Construction of New Building for Thaw Ka Myaung Youth Development Center and Monastic Middle School in Bilin Township, Mon State” (US$121,025)
2. “The Project for Construction of Two Sub Rural Health Centers in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State” (US$107,634)

The handover and opening ceremonies of the two projects took place in Bilin Township, Mon State and in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State on 9th and 10th March 2015 respectively. Mr.Taro WATANABE, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Zaw Min, Kayin State Chief Minister, U Saw Aung Kyaw Min, Kayin State Hluttaw Speaker, Hpa-an Township Medical Officer, Bilin Township Administrator, local government authorities, head monk and school teachers, midwives, students, respective committee chairmen, committee members of the construction projects, and local residents attended the ceremonies for the projects.

The school buildings in Thaw Ka Myaung Monastic Middle School were outdated and monastic buildings were used as student classrooms. Under such conditions, the Japanese Government supported construction of a two-storey R.C building with full furniture. The project will benefit the 286 students of the school.

There were no Sub Rural Health Center buildings in Pa-on village and Pawt-Htaw village of Hpa-an Township prior to this project. The medical staff had to provide medical healthcare services in rented residential houses. Under such conditions, the Japanese Government supported construction of two Sub Rural Health Centers including staff quarters with medical equipment and furniture. The project will benefit 7,745 people from 4 villages.

The Government of Japan has assisted 714 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993, the number consisting of 327 education projects, 182 healthcare projects, 137 public welfare and environment projects, 33 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. The Government of Japan hopes that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Myanmar and Japan.