The Japanese Government, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has extended the assistance of US$ 112,346 for a humanitarian assistance program entitled “The Project for Construction of Letpadan No.1 Basic Education High School in Letpadan Township, Bago Region.”

The handover and opening ceremony of the No.1 BEHS was held in Letpadan Township, Bago Region on 20th October, 2014. Ms. Satomi KIKUCHI, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Thi Ha, Township Administrator, Bago Region, District and Township Education Officers and governmental officials, teachers and students, committee chairman and committee members of the construction project and local residents attended this ceremony.

The old building of the school was built in 1956. Local woods of this building had to be replaced with new ones several times. The GI sheet roof leaked and could not protect students from rain. Moreover, the building did not have good ventilation and sun lighting due to the non-systematic room structures. The Japanese Government supported the school to build a new two-storey building with full school furniture. This will benefit more than 1,800 students of the BEHS.

The Japanese Government has conducted 694 various grassroots projects in Myanmar under its GGP scheme since 1993. Among them, 317 education projects, 175 healthcare projects, 136 public welfare and environment projects, 31 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects are included. It is anticipated that this assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Myanmar and Japan, which remarks its 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.