He described the role of community-based organisations as important in the implementation of the embassy’s programmes, adding that such assistance was meant for limited-resource, but committed community groups that are already working together to achieve common goals. “These communities receive financial assistance to complete the construction of classrooms, footbridges, grain storage facilities, and water wells, or to implement other viable initiatives they have identified. We are glad to collaborate with organizations in both urban and rural settings to develop local infrastructure and promote community development,” said the Ambassador.
Dr Donatus Fai Tangem of ‘The National Travelling Theatre’ said the award would enable his organization carry out a campaign against mob justice in five localities in the North West and South West Regions; using a combination of workshops and theatre performances to help draw attention to the issue and change attitudes to the growing trend in these areas.
The assistance programme has two components viz the Self Help Programme and Democracy and Human Rights Fund. The Self Help Programme funds projects in the categories of water supply and sanitation, social services and social assistance. This year, over FCFA 45 million will be disbursed to fund eleven projects in seven regions. The projects will work on the construction of eight wells, three classrooms, two health centers, one block of latrines, one food storehouse, and one cassava-drying area. In addition, one project will work on the purchase and installation of a grinding machine. On the other hand, Democracy and Human Rights Fund programme provides assistance through grants to indigenous organisations that implement small, short-term, highly targeted activities designed to support human rights and democratic institutions. This year, over FCFA 30 million will be disbursed to support four projects in the country.
