European Union boosts NGO work

National, Normal
Source:

By ANCILLA WRAKUALE

SEVEN non-governmental organisations are successful recipients of the grant award from the European Union under its non-state actors programme.
The beneficiaries were Research and Conservation Foundation in PNG (Goroka),  Lutheran Development Services (Lae), Centre for Enviromental Law and Community Rights (Madang and Northern), Foundation for People and Community Development (NCD, Madang and Eastern Highlands), Help Resources (Wewak), Partners in Community Development (Madang) and Caritas PNG (19 Catholic church diocese).
The  EU-funded programme was implemented by the Community Development Department.
The EU involvement was aimed at supporting NGOs in their capacity to enhance effective service delivery and good governance.
EU was involved in good governance and capacity building of non-state bodies since 2007 with a total budget of around K20 million.
The recipients would receive a total of about K1.2 million or between K126,000 and K200,000 each.
Acting head of the EU delegation to PNG Roberto Cecutii stressed that civil society organisations played a key role in delivering services and making people accountable for public funds.
Thus, it was important to recognise their work.
The seven NSAs would undergo  three days training starting today, on how to manage their money to ensure they achieved what they proposed for.
Research and Conservation Foundation in PNG said it was grateful for the funding.
Its education programme manager Saygion Tiu said the grant would enhance capacity building with their development partners in promoting biodiversity activities at Komperi valley in the Kainantu district.