The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US$ 403,481 for

1) The Project for Construction of Fanthen Village Sub Rural Health Center in Tantalang Township, Chin State (US $114,211); and
2) The Project for Construction of Zay Thit Basic Education Branch High School in Hakha Township, Chin State (US $163,934); and
3) The Project for Construction of Farrawn Village Basic Education Branch Primary School in Tantalang Township, Chin State (US $125,336).

The handover ceremonies of one Sub Rural Health Center and two schools for the above three projects took place in Tantalang and Hakha Townships on 14 and 15 February 2019. Ms. Suzumi SEKINE, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Pau Lun Min Thang, Minister for Social Affairs of Chin State, committee chairpersons, committee members of the construction projects, and local residents attended the ceremonies.

Fanthen Village Sub Rural Health Center has provided medical services for villagers since 1982. As the building of the center seriously deteriorated and due to lack of delivery room and necessary medical equipment, pregnant women had to deliver babies at home under unsanitary conditions. In addition, since there was no staff quarter, a mid-wife had to sleep at the health center and a public health supervisor stayed at the village administrator’s house. In order to provide an appropriate hygienic environment, the Government of Japan, under its GGP scheme, has provided funding for construction of a one-storey reinforced concrete building, a staff quarter, solar panels and medical equipment. The project benefits 1,483 residents of Fanthen village and the nearby villages.

At Zay Thit Basic Education Branch High School, they were using three temporary huts which were made of GI roof and tarpaulin wall due to the lack of school building. In this area, it rains a lot in rainy season and the temperature goes down to 10 degree Celsius in dry season. Therefore, the students were exposed to the extreme weather conditions during their studies. In order to provide an appropriate educational environment, the Government of Japan, under its GGP scheme, has provided funding for construction of a two-storey reinforced concrete building with 8 classrooms and full furniture. The project benefits 1,208 students of the school.

At Farrawn Village Basic Education Branch Primary School, since they did not have enough school buildings to accommodate all students, third and fourth grade students were using a building which was located one hour away by walk from their compound. In addition, even the students from kindergarten to second grade were using the old and deteriorated building which faces imminent risk of collapse. In order to provide an appropriate educational environment, the Government of Japan, under its GGP scheme, has provided funding for construction of a one-storey reinforced concrete building with 5 classrooms, full furniture and lavatories. The project benefits 117 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.