Australia’s Direct Aid Program supports three more community-led projects

Three communities in Solomon Islands’ provinces of Makira/Ulawa, Malaita and Guadalcanal are the latest beneficiaries of the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) in Solomon Islands.

During a signing ceremony at the Australian High Commission in Honiara on 24 June 2022, Counsellor (Political) Kevin Playford and Second Secretary John Russell congratulated the project recipients and encouraged them to ensure the projects benefitted as many community members as possible.

The three successful community-led projects include an admission ward for Aroa Clinic in Northwest Malaita, a new classroom building for Lambi Kindergarten in West Guadalcanal and a water supply project in Mwanihuki village in Makira/Ulawa.

Project recipients were encouraged to complete their projects in a comprehensive and timely manner.

Speaking on behalf of the project recipients, Miriam Adifaka gave assurances that their community members would work hand in hand to ensure the projects were completed in the given timeframe.

“We convey our heartfelt gratitude to the Australian Government and its good people. The signing of three new projects under the program signifies the ongoing unwavering assistance and support rendered by the Australian Government to the people of Solomon Islands,” she said.

Ms Adifaka highlighted that Lambi Kindergarten in West Guadalcanal is now among many other schools in Solomon Islands that have benefitted from Australia’s support, including through DAP.

“I believe that the successful completion of our new funded projects will greatly benefit our constituency, communities and Province,” she added.

The Australian High Commission wishes all Project Coordinators well as they implement their projects together with their communities. We look forward to visiting their projects and communities in due course!

With the three new projects, this brings the total number of DAP-funded projects to fifteen for the 2021-2022 Australian financial year.

DAP is a small grants-based program, which supports community-led projects. It is a flexible scheme managed by the Australian High Commission in Honiara. The emphasis of the program is on alleviating basic hardships and improving living standards.

Applications are available free of charge on our website or can be picked up from the Australian High Commission in Honiara.