"The European Union’s EUR 221 million grant to the Ministry of Education has been provided as a sign of partnership and trust, and as a sign that the European Union shares our Government's ambition to dramatically improve the education outcomes in Myanmar. Education is the best possible investment in our country's democratic federal future. Since 2016, the Government has significantly increased budget allowance for the education sector every fiscal year. So, the EU support will also supplement the Government's investment in education." – said Dr Myo Thein Gyi, Union Minister of Education at the official launch of the Education Sector Reform Contract of the European Union with Myanmar.

The ceremony took place in the presence of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and was attended by Union Minister of Education Dr Myo Thein Gyi, Union Minister of Planning and Finance U Soe Win, and other ministry officials. The European Union and its Member States were represented by EU Ambassador Kristian Schmidt,  Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Doleček and Danish Ambassador John Nielsen.

Ambassador Kristian Schmidt reiterated the EU's strong commitment to support the country's education reforms: "The EU is very proud to be Myanmar’s partner in reforming and improving education. With knowledge and skills come hope, opportunities for a better life, open mind-sets and the ability to take part in society and shape the future  — we believe youth in Myanmar deserves better schools and training to free their potential."

Between 2019 and 2022, the EU will provide EUR 175 million, through direct financial transfers to the Ministry of Education's budget, to assist the implementation of reforms outlined in the National Education Strategic Plan 2016-2021 focusing on equal access to better quality secondary education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). A further EUR 46 million is allocated for technical assistance to help the government achieve these goals.

Read the speech of EU Ambassador Kristian Schmidt at the launch event of the Education Sector Reform Contract: