US Ambassador funds 13 grants across Malawi
United States (US) Ambassador Robert Scott has awarded K138.9 million to 13 local organisations through the US Ambassadors’ Special Self Help, US Ambassadors’ Pepfar Small Grant Programme, and Julia Taft Small Grant.
Scott presided over the signing ceremony where he said the American people are proud to partner with the beneficiary communities.
He said: “Through these projects, we can contribute to improving the living standards of your communities. You have seen a vision of a better life for your families, of clean drinking water for your communities, of a safe place for your girls to go to school. And through your commitment and contributions, the American people are proud to partner with your communities to make these visions a reality.”
The 13 grant recipients include Centre for the Development of People (Cedep) from Lilongwe, St John’s Hospital from Mzuzu, Caring for Persons with Disabilities from Blantyre, Foundation for Community and Capacity Development from Nkhotakota, Positive Steps Malawi from Balaka, and Foundation for Civic Education and Social Empowerment from Balaka.
Others are Nthumba Community Day Secondary School from Mzimba, EWS Foundation and Associates from Ntchisi, Kasupe Community-Based Organisation and Tisange Mushroom Association from Mzuzu, Mvera Aids Support Organisation from Dowa, Moto Briquetting Solutions from Mzimba and Kasungu Wildlife Conservation for Community Development Association from Kasungu.
The Small Grant Programmes are designed to support community-driven development projects that address grass roots economic and social issues.
The programme selects projects that improve basic economic or social conditions at community and village level; have a high-impact, can be quickly implemented, and benefit a large number of people; involve a significant local contribution in labour, material, or cash; are within the ability of the local community to operate and maintain; are a direct response to the initiative and aspirations of the local community; and make income-generating activities possible.