18 November 2013
AUSTRALIA ASSISTS REMOTE COMMUNITIES THROUGH DIRECT AID PROGRAM
Australian High Commissioner Matt Anderson has announced the recipients of the first round of the Head of Mission’s Direct Aid Program.
The DAP program has a strong focus on assisting people at the grassroots level, in the areas of health, community and education, including people living with disability and in isolated communities.
Announcing the successful applicants, Mr Anderson said the majority of successful programs were funded because they demonstrated a capacity to reduce poverty or to make a difference in the lives of Solomon Islanders across the country.
“For example, we decided to support the Live and Learn to complete its ‘Men Against Violence Against Women’ (MAVAW) project.”
Mr Anderson, who is also a White Ribbon Ambassador, said the MAVAW project aims to enlist, train and mobilise men in 10 target settlements around Honiara to champion the cause to end violence and sexual abuse against women.
He challenged the men of Solomon Islands to be role models.
“It’s simply shameful that women and girls are abused in their own homes or villages. Real men don’t rape’ he said. “Real men provide a safe and nurturing environment where women can go to the market or the plantation without fear, and where girls can come home from school or play, without fearing what will happen when the lights go out.”
Other projects funded were:
• Kalenga Clinic Refurbishment, Isabel Province
• Kwaisiwala Development Association Piggery Project, Malaita Province
• Saranga Community Learning Centre Project, Aruligo, Guadalcanal
• Tikopia/Anuta Water Tank Project, Temotu Province
• Talise Water and Sanitation Project, Guadalcanal
• New Areata Weaving and Sewing Project
• Poro Mothers Union Solar Lighting Project, Isabel Province
• Bethesda Workshop Development Project, Guadalcanal Province
• Catalina Cultural Centre Project, Makira Ulawa Province
• Nanala Community Project , Guadalcanal Province
• Christian Care Centre Water Supply Project, Guadalcanal Province
The Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program is providing close to SBD 1 million dollars for community projects in the 2013-2014 financial year. Individual grants have a limit of SBD 200,000.00.
Application forms can be collected from the Australian High Commission in Mud Alley or by email at [email protected]