The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US $353,007 for

1) The Project for Construction of Pinlon No.1 Basic Education High School in Loilen Township, Shan State (US $166,607); and
2) The Project for Construction of Pinlon No.2 Basic Education High School in Loilen Township, Shan State (US $186,400).

The handover ceremonies of two schools for the above projects took place in Loilen Township, Shan State on 22 January 2019. Mr. Yoshimasa KASAI, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Daw Nan Mya Htwe, Shan State Hluttaw elected representative for Loilen Consistency No.1, Brig-General Zaw Zaw Naing, Deputy Commander of Eastern Central Command, chairpersons and members of committee for construction projects, and local residents attended the ceremonies.

Pinlon No.1 Basic Education High School is situated in Pinlon town which is famous for the historical peace agreement in Loilen Township, Southern Shan State. At this school, more than 80 students were studying in one classroom which can normally accommodate only 50 students, and some of the students were studying in resting room for teachers due to lack of space. In order to provide an appropriate educational environment, the Government of Japan provided funding for construction of a two-storey reinforced concrete construction building with 8 classrooms and full furniture. The project benefits 2,161 students of the school.

At another school in Pinlon town, Pinlon No.2 Basic Education High School, students were also studying in congested classrooms under uncomfortable learning environment in old school buildings. In addition, some students were studying at military facilities outside the school compound since the school buildings were not enough to accommodate all the students. In order to tackle this problem, the Government of Japan provided funding for construction of a two-storey reinforced concrete construction building with 10 classrooms, full furniture and lavatories. The project benefits 1,963 students of the school.

The Government of Japan has assisted 883 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993, including 453 education projects, 200 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.