EU approves €221 mln grant to Myanmar to promote quality education

EU member states have decided to approve a €221 million (Ks356 billion) grant for Myanmar to expand quality education across the country.

Ambassador of the European Union to Myanmar Mr. Kristian Schmidt made the announcement in his message of greeting at the Europe Day ceremony held at the Kempinski Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday evening.

“We will channel this grant directly to the Ministry of Education, a sign of our partnership and trust, and that we share your government’s ambition to dramatically improve Myanmar’s education outcomes,” said Mr. Schmidt.

“We think education is the best possible investment in your country’s democratic future”.

Union Minister for the Office of the Union Government U Thaung Tun also attended the ceremony and extended a greeting and thanks.

The EU is already the world’s leading donor, accounting for 57 per cent of global official development assistance (ODA) in 2017. All of the assistance is donated in the form of grants.

Last night’s event opened with the national anthem of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the anthem of the European Union (EU).

The event included dinner and the taking of commemorative photos of the union minister, the ambassador and other guests.

The ceremony was also attended by Union Election Commission Chairman U Hla Thein, Constitutional Tribunal of Myanmar Chairperson U Myo Nyunt, union ministers Dr. Myo Thein Gyi and U Kyaw Tin, deputy ministers, Hluttaw representatives, ambassadors, departmental heads and other invited guests.

Myanmar News Agency

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar