YANGON, Feb. 13 -- The Japanese government has granted 899,665 U.S. dollars for four projects under its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP)scheme in three regions and states in Myanmar, official media reported Thursday.

The grant contracts signed Wednesday covered construction of four schools in Bago and Taninthayi regions as well as in Kachin state, said the New Light of Myanmar.

The four school projects will benefit 4,480 students, who are now studying under insufficient learning environment in old school buildings.

The assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.

Japan has helped in 663 grass-roots projects in Myanmar since 1993, of which 295 education projects are included.