The Japanese Government, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US$478,088 for the following humanitarian assistance programs:

1) “The Project for Upgrading of Medical Facilities in Kyaukkyi Township, Bago Region” (US$114,548)
2) “The Project for Construction of Myitta Ward Basic Education Post Primary School in Kyaukkyi Township, Bago Region” (US$121,854)
3) “The Project for Construction of Madaukkalay Basic Education Primary School in Shwekyin Township, Bago Region” (US$121,937) and
4) “The Project for Construction of Pwekone Ward Basic Education Post Primary School in Shwekyin Township, Bago Region” (US$119,749)

The handover and opening ceremonies of the projects took place in the respective project sites in Kyaukkyi Township and Shwekyin Township, Bago Region on 4th and 5th June 2015. Mr. Kota WATANABE, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Col Thet Tun, Bago Region Minister for Security and Border Affairs, U Saw Jubilee San Hla, Bago Region Minister for Karen National Affairs, Daw Soe Soe Nwet, Deputy Director for Bago Region Education Department, Dr. Daw Khin San Myint, District Medical Officer, governmental officials, Committee Chairman, committee members of the construction projects, and local residents attended the ceremony.

The school buildings in Myitta Ward of Kyaukkyi Township, and Madaukkalay Ward and Pwekone Ward of Shwekyin Township were outdated. Moreover, the students had to study in very congested classrooms. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government, under its GGP scheme, provided funding for construction of a two-storey R.C.C building with 8 classrooms, lavatories and full furniture in Myitta Ward, Kyaukkyi Township as well as construction of a one-storey R.C.C building with 5 classrooms, lavatories and full furniture in Madaukkalay Ward, and a two-storey R.C.C building with 8 classrooms, lavatories and full furniture in Pwekone Ward, Shwekyin Township. The projects will benefit 1,113 students for the three schools.

There were insufficient number of medical equipment and the existing medical equipment were outdated in Kyaukkyi township hospital, Natthankwin station hospital and Mone station hospital. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government, under its GGP scheme, provided funding for 19 types of medical equipment in each hospital.

The Government of Japan has assisted 726 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993; the number consisting of 328 education projects, 192 healthcare projects, 138 public welfare and environment projects, 33 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. It is anticipated that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Myanmar and Japan.