The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US$ 214,870 for

1) The Project for Construction of Thar Tha Na Yaung Chi Monastic Post Primary School in Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State (US$ 110,658) and
2) The Project for Construction of Zay Yar Thi Ri Monastic Post Primary School in Mawlamyaine Township, Mon State (US$ 104,212).

The handover ceremonies of new school buildings for the above 2 projects took place in Kyaikmaraw and Mawlamyaine Townships on 29th May 2018. Ms. Ayano SUZUKI, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Daw San Wint Khine, Minister of Pa-O Ethnic Affairs, Mon State Government, committee chairpersons, committee members of the construction projects, and local residents attended the ceremonies.

Since Thar Tha Na Yaung Chi Monastic Post Primary School did not have any school building, students had been using the monastery building as classrooms. Therefore, the school had to be closed when religious ceremonies were held. Also, many students were studying in a limited space due to lack of classrooms. In order to provide an appropriate educational environment, the Government of Japan provided funding for construction of a two-storey Reinforced Concrete Construction (RC) building with eight classrooms and full furniture. The project benefits 101 students attending the school.

Although the school building of Zay Yar Thi Ri Monastic Post Primary School was old and decaying, students had been studying in the unsafe building, due to the lack of alternatives. In order to tackle these challenges, the Government of Japan provided funding for construction of a two-storey RC building with eight classrooms, full furniture and five lavatories. The project benefits 191 students attending the school.

The Government of Japan has assisted 866 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993: the number consisting of 435 education projects, 201 healthcare projects, 140 public welfare and environment projects, 55 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. It is anticipated that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.