The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US$ 177,818 for the following 2 projects in Bago Region:

1) The Project for Construction of Htan Pin Gone Village Basic Education Branch Middle School in Minhla Township, Bago Region (US$ 94,025); and
2) The Project for Construction of Tha Yet Taw Village Basic Education Branch Middle School in Minhla Township, Bago Region (US$ 83,793).

The above 2 projects are to assist the schools out of 493 flood affected schools requested by the Government of Myanmar to the Government of Japan for the reconstruction and rehabilitation.

The handover ceremonies of the projects took place in Minhla Township on 29 March 2018. Mr. Yusuke MATSUOKA, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, committee chairpersons, committee members of the construction projects, and local residents attended the ceremonies.

The old school buildings of Htan Pin Gone Village Basic Education Branch Middle School were damaged by the flood in 2015. Even before the flood, the learning environment was poor since there were many holes on the ceiling and decayed pillars of these buildings. In order to provide a proper learning environment, the Government of Japan has provided funding for construction of a one-storey RC building with 6 classrooms, full furniture, walkway and lavatories. The project benefits 295 students of the school.

There were two school buildings in Tha Yet Taw Village Basic Education Branch Middle School. However, one of the school buildings was partially destroyed by the flood in 2015. Therefore, the students had to study in congested condition of the remaining classroooms. In order to improve such situation, the Government of Japan, under its GGP scheme, has provided funding for construction of a one-storey Reinforced Concrete (RC) building with 4 classrooms, full furniture and lavatories. The project benefits 194 students of the school.

Japan has experienced many natural disasters in the past. Accordingly, Japan has learnt the lessons from the past disasters and introduced the concept "Build Back Better" worldwide. "Build Back Better" is to reconstruct our society after a disaster, much better and stronger than before a disaster in order to reduce potential disaster risks. Based on this concept, the new school buildings which have been constructed under the GGP scheme have stronger structure than flood affected buildings.

The Government of Japan has assisted 863 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993: the number consisting of 432 education projects, 201 healthcare projects, 140 public welfare and environment projects, 55 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. It is expected that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.