The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US $180,611 for

1) The Project for Construction of Kyoet Kone Village Basic Education Branch Middle School in Budalin Township, Sagaing Region (US $53,486); and
2) The Project for Construction of Myoma No. 2 Ward Basic Education Branch Middle School in Pinlebu Township, Sagaing Region (US $127,125).

The handover ceremonies of two schools for the above projects took place in Budalin and Pinlebu Townships in Sagaing Region on 25 and 26 March 2019 respectively. Mr. Keisuke Amimoto, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Myint Han Htun, Pyithu Hluttaw elected representative Budalin constituency, Sagaing Region, U Min Naung, Pyithu Hluttaw elected representative Pinlebu constituency, Sagaing Region, committee chairpersons, committee members of the construction projects, and local residents attended the ceremonies.

The Kyoet Kone Village Basic Education Branch Middle School was experiencing a shortage of classrooms and the four school buildings including the staff quarters used for teaching were in bad condition. In addition, the school did not have sufficient desks and chairs since it received graduates from nine surrounding primary schools. In order to tackle these issues, the Government of Japan provided funding for the construction of a one-story reinforced concrete building with three classrooms with full furniture. The project benefits 339 students attending the school.

The school buildings of Myoma No.2 Basic Education Branch Middle School seriously deteriorated with cracks on the walls and leaks on the roof. Due to the lack of classrooms, students studied in tight space within these decayed buildings. The desks and chairs were also not sufficient in numbers and in poor condition. In order to secure an appropriate learning environment, the Government of Japan provided funding for construction of a one-story reinforced concrete building with six classrooms with full furniture and lavatories. The project benefits 542 students attending the school.

The Government of Japan has assisted 904 grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993, including 467 education projects, 200 healthcare projects, 140 public welfare and environment projects, 61 infrastructure projects and 36 others. This assistance is expected to further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.