NCD groups receive Aus-AID funding

By GRACE AUKA
FIVE groups in the National Capital District have received funding totaling K363,739 from AusAID for community projects aimed at improving health, education, gender equality and disability services.
The five community groups are Moukele community development committee, Young Women’s Christian Association of PNG, BADU Incorporated land group, Cheshire disability services of PNG and UPNG theatre arts strand.
The funding was made available through the Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen (SPSN) programme.
With the help of SPSN, training would be provide to help  improve health, education and disability services as well as promote gender equality and the rights of people with special needs.
SPSN programme director Jeremy Syme said priority would be  given to projects that provided training, experience, skills transfer and helped build capacity among organisations and individuals.
“These include key partners, communities and eligible organisations, local government, networking diverse groups and individuals within the workforce,” Syme said.
“One of the main  aims of the programme is to deliver immediate results for the participating communities and organisations, while also bringing behavioural and attitudinal changes,” he said.
On behalf of the community groups Gima Keimelo from the Moukele community, thanked AusAID and SPSN for the funding.
“Your actions will help overcome our hardship that we have faced throughout the years and we believe that we will work effectively and meaningfully on how to implement these projects, “Keimelo said.