Applications for AHC Direct Aid Program

Applications for AHC Direct Aid Program

June 9, 2011 - The Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program forms a small but important element of the Australian Government’s overall aid program. While most of Australia’s aid is channelled through the Solomon Islands Government, the Direct Aid Program provides vital assistance directly to communities to help them improve their living standards, particularly in the areas of health and education.

Although hundreds of applications for funding were received in the last year, very few were received from the more remote communities throughout the country. Overall, 39 projects worth over SBD1.2 million were approved in the last financial year, with the funding going toward the construction of classrooms, health clinics, water tanks, and projects designed to develop local industry.

As part of a campaign by the Australian High Commission to promote awareness of the Direct Aid Program and to encourage applications from remote communities likely to benefit most from the program’s funding, Australian High Commission officials, Third Secretary Rachel Small and Second Secretary Eric Wawra, visited Temotu recently to speak to communities about the program.

Over the course of a four day program, the officials visited villages around Lata and the Reef Islands, giving presentations about the program and providing communities with application forms. The Australian officials also spoke to the Provincial Government to ensure that messages about the program were disseminated widely throughout the province.

Applications for funding under the Direct Aid Program are accepted throughout the year, with a committee meeting to review applications every three to four months. Applications can be obtained from the Australian High Commission office in Honiara.

ENDS

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