12 Non Government Organisations to Benefit from AusAID K3.7 Million

Head of the Australian Aid Program in PNG, Stuart Schaefer, receives a stone
axe from one of the grant recipients, K1 Association.

TWELVE Non Government Organisations will benefit from AusAID funding of K3.7 million kina to deliver community development projects across Papua New Guinea.

A total of K3,729,700 will be made available through the AusAID funded Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen Program’s medium and large grant scheme.

The grants will enable organisations to enhance Education, Health and Gender Equality outcomes for communities in Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands, New Ireland, West New Britain, Western Province and the National Capital District.

The Funding Deeds were handed over to the successful organisations by the Head of the Australian Aid Program in PNG Stuart Schaefer and SPSN Program Director Jeremy Syme in Port Moresby on Thursday, Sept 20.

“So far this year AusAID has provided K3 million in small grants in six provinces and K6 million in medium and large grants.  The grants will improve health and education services, promote gender equality and support disability inclusive development,” said Mr Schaeffer.

SPSN Program Director Jeremy Syme praised the dedication of those involved saying: “these groups have made sizable community contributions to the total cost of these projects which really shows their commitment”.

Under these grants:

• Five organisations will receive funding for agriculture and life skills projects targeted at improving education and gender equality. The recipients are; Highlands Vanilla Extension Service (K156,460), K1 Association (K458,825), Ginigoada Bisnis Development Foundation (K388,294), Fly Development & Community Organisations Services (K159,915) and the Foundation for People and Community Development (K351,784).

• Grants will also support training and awareness raising programs for women.  The Salvation Army will receive K152,489 for their Village Health Volunteer program focusing on safe motherhood and Anglicare PNG will get K374,000 to promote literacy for women and girls. 

• Two media projects have also been funded to produce broadcast outputs that will target health issues.   Tribalvoice Artslink (PNG) will get K474,300 to produce an educational television drama series while the Islands Resource Management Ltd will get K457,550 for community driven TV outreach.

• The environmental NGO, Centre for Environmental Law and Community Rights (CELCOR), will receive K487,480 for legal education and governance training, while Mahonia Na Dari will receive K108,606 for curriculum development and teacher training on marine conservation.

• Red Cross PNG will receive K159,997 for a disaster reduction project in NCD.

SPSN Grants Coordinator Mary Carlua with representatives from
Red Cross PNG display the Grant Agreement after the signing ceremony.
Red Cross received support to run a disaster reduction program in NCD.

Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen is a democratic governance program implemented as a partnership between the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia.

 AusAID will provide K50 million through SPSN in small, medium and large grants over the next two years to assist civil society and Non-Government Organisations deliver community development projects which will improve the lives of communities across Papua New Guinea.

SPSN provides grants and capacity building to organisations promoting gender equality and improving access to health, education and disability services.