H.E. Mr. Tateshi HIGUCHI, Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar, and Chairpersons of the Construction Committees from Ayeyarwady Region and Mon State concerned signed the grant contracts for four projects on 7 February 2018. The Government of Japan, under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, will provide a total of US$ 376,392 as follows:

1. The Project for Construction of Tei Chaung Village Monastic Middle School in Mawlamyinegyun Township, Ayeyarwady Region (US$ 116,001) ;
2. The Project for Construction of Bon Kyaw Monastic Primary School in Ngaputaw Township, Ayeyarwady Region (US$ 87,991) ;
3. The Project for Construction of Sat Kwin Village Sub Rural Health Center in Kangyidaunt Township, Ayeyarwady Region (US$ 78,390) ; and
4. The Project for Construction of Kada Ahtet Basic Education Primary School in Paung Township, Mon State (US$ 94,010).

In Tei Chaung Village Monastic Middle School, the students are studying in a poor learning environment. Although there are 2 school buildings including a religious building, these buildings cannot accommodate all the students. Therefore, the students of 3 grades are studying in a hall-type classroom. What is worse, G7 students have to study under the eaves of the building. In order to provide an appropriate educational environment, the Government of Japan will support construction of a two-storey Reinforced Concrete (RC) building with 6 classrooms and full furniture. The project will benefit 286 students of the school.

The school building in Bon Kyaw Monastic Primary School was constructed in 2004 by the donation from the community. However, the number of classrooms is not enough and some of the students have to study in the religious building. During the religious events, these students cannot use that building and study fewer curriculums than scheduled. In order to tackle the issue, the Government of Japan will support construction of a two-storey RC building with 6 classrooms and full furniture. The project will benefit 279 students of the school.

Sat Kwin Village Sub Rural Health Center has provided medical services for villagers since 1962. As the center is located in the village administrative office, there is no privacy for women. Due to the lack of proper delivery room and necessary medical equipment, pregnant women have to deliver babies at home under unsanitary conditions. In order to provide a proper hygienic environment, the Government of Japan will support construction of a one-storey RC rural health center, a staff quarter and medical equipment. The project will benefit 4,893 residents of the village.

One of the school buildings of Kada Ahtet Basic Education Primary School was constructed in 1954. There are many holes on the walls, decayed pillars and rusted window frames. However, the students have to use this building due to the shortage of proper classrooms. In order to secure an appropriate learning environment, the Government of Japan will support the construction of a two-storey RC building with 6 classrooms and full furniture. The project will benefit 219 students of the school.

The Government of Japan has assisted 846 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993: the number consisting of 417 education projects, 201 healthcare projects, 139 public welfare and environment projects, 54 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. It is anticipated that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.