30 January 2014

Australian grant a boost for Manus women

A women’s group in Lorengau will hold sewing classes and create clothes and handicrafts for sale after receiving 20 electric sewing machines from Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Deborah Stokes.

Ms Stokes today officially handed over the machines to the Pihi Lorengau Women’s Group during a visit to Manus Province yesterday.

“I am delighted to provide the women of Manus with more opportunities to enhance their sewing and business skills, display their talent and generate income,” Ms Stokes said.

“Empowering women and girls to enable them to reach their full potential and enjoy equal opportunities is crucial for the future prosperity of PNG.

“The Pihi Lorengau Women’s Group are deserving recipients of these sewing machines through Australia’s Direct Aid Program.

“I look forward to seeing exhibitions and sales of unique and wonderful Manusian clothes and crafts to boost tourism and contribute to the Manus Provincial Government’s Medium Term Integrated Development Plan.

“I wish to acknowledge the important role of Lorengau Town Mayor, the Hon Ruth Mandrakamu, and Manus Acting Provincial Administrator Andrew Posong in advocating for this project.”

Sewing classes and exhibitions are to be held at the Provincial Women’s Conference Centre.

The Direct Aid Program is a flexible small grants program funded by the Australian Government to advance developmental objectives and address humanitarian hardship.

The program is available on a not-for-profit basis to individuals, community groups, non-government organisations and other entities engaged in development activities.

The program focuses on supporting small-scale development projects and activities that involve the beneficiaries in the identification, design and management of the projects.

For more information about the Direct Aid Program or Australia’s engagement with Manus can be found at www.png.embassy.gov.au