MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce the Community Peace and Restoration Fund in Solomon
Islands will be extended for another year as part of Australia's strengthened
aid program to the country.
Additional funding of $6 million means Australia's contribution to the fund
will reach $21 million by December 2004.
The Community Peace and Restoration Fund was established after the violence
of 2000 to provide support for small-scale, quick impact, community based
projects to help with the reintegration, resettlement and rehabilitation of
people affected by the conflict.
It provides a critical peace dividend direct to communities. Over 500
projects in all provinces of the Solomon Islands have now been supported by the
Fund. CPRF reaches out to all parts of the country, even some of the most remote
communities such as Lavaka on Vanikolo Island in Temotu Province where a
kindergarten pre-school has been built.
CPRF projects are spread over a variety of sectors including health,
education, community facilities, training, roads, women, youth, and agriculture.
Projects are undertaken in partnership with communities who contribute
themselves to each project. Community contributions include assistance with
project planning, labour in construction phases of water and sanitation
projects, or making a school's desks and chairs. Activities include building new
classrooms, roads improvement and maintenance, health clinics, or training
workshops on issues ranging from youth health issues to law and justice and
income generation initiatives. Projects working with youth and women are a
priority.
I would like to recognise the important work of the CPRF's Provincial
Coordinators. Twenty-seven Solomon Islanders around the country work with local
communities to implement CPRF activities. I am pleased with the way they work
directly with communities to help identify programs and projects and then
support implementation and ongoing monitoring.
The Fund plays a crucial role in progressing the peace process and providing
a catalyst for economic and social development at the village level throughout
all the provinces of Solomon Islands.
I am confident our increased support will allow the Fund to build on its
successes and along with our other development assistance and the work of the
Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands to make a significant
contribution to peace and stability in the country.
Media contacts:
Chris Kenny ( Minister's Office) 02 62777 500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489
Lyndall Sachs (Office of the Special Coordinator in Honiara) 0011 677
24699