The Japanese Government, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US$384,613 for two humanitarian assistance programs entitled:

1. “The Project for Construction of Thamanya Village Basic Education Post Primary School in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State.” (US$262,711) and

2. “The Project for Construction of Kyar Inn Gyi Village Basic Education Middle School in Kyar Inn Seik Kyi Township, Kayin State.” (US$121,902)

The handover and opening ceremonies of the projects took place in Hpa-an Township and Kyar Inn Seik Kyi Township in Kayin State on 2nd and 3rd August 2015. Mr. Yuichiro FUNAI, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Saw Win Htein, Kayin State Minister for Finance, U Saw Has Lawla, Kayin State Minister for Forestry and Mines, Committee Chairmen, committee members of the construction projects, and local residents attended the ceremonies.

Without having any school building, the students at Thamanya Village Basic Education Post Primary School had to study in one monastery. When there was event at the monastery, the classes had to be suspended. In addition, since the monastery building was a hall type, the students were disturbed by noise. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government, under its GGP scheme, provided funding for construction of a two-storey R.C.C building with 12 classrooms, full furniture, lavatories and water supply. The project will benefit 897 ethnic Kayin and Paoh students of the school.

The two buildings at Kyar Inn Gyi Village Basic Education Middle School were outdated and there was no enough classroom for the increasing number of students. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government, under its GGP scheme, provided funding for a two-storey R.C.C building with 6 classrooms and full furniture. The project will benefit about 300 ethnic Kayin students of the school.

The Government of Japan has assisted 727 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, 34 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. It is anticipated that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.