K257m for grants

By VERONICA FRANCIS
EMPOWERING individuals will enable them to effectively contribute to nation-building in a holistic manner, programme director of Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen (SPSN) Peter Aitsi said.
The National learnt that the Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen (Strengthen the People, Strengthen the Nation) programme, which is worth  A$100 million  (K257 million), will help the government at all levels to work more closely with non-government and private sector organisations throughout PNG, to better meet the needs of communities.
According to Aitsi, the programme is in its implementation stage, adding it is a community development programme designed to improve the lives of everyday Papua New Guinean.
He said they had already established an office in Port Moresby which would cater for the Southern Region.
Another one has been set up in Mt Hagen for the Highlands, Madang and Lae.
“We are in the process of negotiating with the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and Morobe provincial government to put field officers in those provinces in two months time,” he said.
Aitsi revealed that more than 50 organisations had shown interest in the programme, adding they would mainly target organisations with existing capacity.
It is understood that the four-year programme funded by AusAID will provide grants to organisations committed to issues such as improved health and education outcomes in communities, better support for maternal and child health issues and for those living with HIV/AIDS, gender equality (including addressing violence against women) and increased participation for all people, particularly people with disabilities.
SPSN will also support participating organisations to contribute towards more accountable and transparent practices, by supporting the organisations to be PNG partners in good governance. 
Aitsi revealed that the national and provincial governments were key partners in this programme, adding the expression of interest for the programme would close this Friday.