H.E. Mr. Ichiro MARUYAMA, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and each representative of recipient organizations from Mon State, Rakhine State and Ayeyarwady Region signed grant contracts for three projects on 24 January 2019. The Government of Japan, under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, will provide a total of US $346,127 as follows:

1. The Project for Construction of Ah Byaw Village Basic Education Primary School in Ye Township, Mon State (US $ 81,945) ;
2. The Project for Construction of Than Shin Pyin Village Basic Education Branch Middle School in Mrauk-U Township, Rakhine State (US $ 126,605) ; and
3. The Project for Construction of Nyaung Pin Ga Yet Village Basic Education Branch High School in Maubin Township, Ayeyarwady Region (US $ 137,577).

Ah Byaw Village Basic Education Primary School is located in Ye Township, Mon State. Although one of the school buildings was seriously damaged by termites and decaying, students have to study in this building due to lack of proper building. In addition, the students are exposed to wind and rain while they are studying in a temporary hut, due to the lack of proper walls and ceilings. In order to provide an appropriate educational environment, the Government of Japan will provide assistance for construction of one-storey reinforced concrete building with 4 classrooms and full furniture. The project will benefit 53 students attending the school.

In Than Shin Pyin Village Basic Education Branch Middle School, one of the school buildings was constructed 55 years ago and seriously decaying. However, over 80 students have to study in this building because of shortage of classrooms. In order to provide an appropriate educational environment, the Government of Japan will provide assistance for construction of a one-storey reinforced concrete building with 6 classrooms, full furniture and lavatories. The project will benefit 222 students attending the school.

Nyaung Pin Ga Yet Village Basic Education Branch High School is the only one high school in the surrounding 8 villages. Therefore, many students who have graduated from other primary or middle schools attend this Branch High School. Although there are 7 school buildings, one of the school buildings cannot be used because this building is in danger of collapse. 6 buildings cannot accommodate all the students and students of multiple grades are studying in a staff house. In order to secure a proper learning environment, the Government of Japan will provide assistance for construction of a two-storey reinforced concrete building with 6 classrooms and full furniture. The project will benefit 620 students of the school.

The Government of Japan has assisted 886 grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993, including 456 education projects, 200 healthcare projects, 140 public welfare and environment projects, 55 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. It is expected that this assistance will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.