18 September 2014
Australia supports Highlands community projects
Five Jiwaka communities will promote better health, education and income opportunities for their people, with the support of Australia and the Jiwaka Provincial Government.
The community-driven projects are co-funded by the Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen (SPSN) small grants program and the Governor of Jiwaka, William Tongamp.
Two projects will improve income generation opportunities for women. The East Kambia Coffee Growers Group received K79, 400 for a farming and micro finance project and Jimia Nazarene Youth received K71, 100 for a poultry and piggery project.
The Kukumbmasi Women’s Group received K79, 000 to build water supply and sanitation facilities in Minj to ease the burden of collecting clean water.
A new school library will be built in remote Kuima Primary School with funding of K79, 900, and NEPS Human Development Foundation received K78, 000 to build a community learning centre in Banz.
Australia is providing K388, 600 to the projects, Governor Tongamp is contributing 10 per cent required and the communities are providing the balance.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes said: “The sources of funding is significant as it reflects people and government working together to better meet the needs and priorities of women, men and children in communities.”
Australia also provided K236, 000 to three community groups in the Western Highlands Province – the Pit Potato Farmers Group, Kuiyamu Community Development Association and the Waike Health Community Project – for farmer training and water and sanitation projects.
Australia through SPSN has provided K13 million in small grants to support community driven initiatives in health, education, law and justice, gender equality, disability and civic awareness across PNG.
Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen is an Australian Government funded program, working in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea to provide grants and capacity building to organisations promoting gender equality and improving access to health, education and disability services.