28 July 2014

Australia supports women’s hostel and child care facility

Australia is supporting a women’s hostel and child care facility project through its Direct Aid Program.

Australian High Commissioner HE Ms Deborah Stokes commended efforts initiated by Sr Mary Drum and the Catholic Church’s Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart to successfully launch the new facility within their residential grounds at Gerehu on 19 July.

Australia provided K60, 000 to help complete the facility with lights, generator power and a metal lockup cupboard. The facility now has the capacity to provide 40 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms to assist single mothers with children and single women.

Ms Stokes said: “We are pleased to be part of a project that will assist and empower women and especially mothers who can leave their children in a safe environment while they go out to earn an income.”

The facility is designed to provide day care for thirty pre-school aged children of mothers who need to work to support themselves and their children.

In addition to Australia’s support, the project received considerable support, financial and in-kind, from the PNG business community.

“The Direct Aid Program supports small-scale, community-driven development and humanitarian projects for Papua New Guineans,” Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Deborah Stokes, said.

Papua New Guineans who want to make a difference in the development of their communities are encouraged to apply for a grant from the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program.

Individuals, organisations and community groups engaged in development and humanitarian activities on a not-for-profit basis can apply.

The guidelines and application form can be downloaded at www.dfat.gov.au/direct_aid_program

Applications can be submitted in writing to the Direct Aid Program Coordinator by email: [email protected] or by mail to: Australian High Commission, Locked Mail Bag 129, Gotwit Road, Waigani NCD.