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Development Cooperation
The Direct Aid Program
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible, small grants scheme for development activities managed by Heads of Australian Missions in approximately 45 countries. The emphasis of the program is on alleviating basic humanitarian hardships.
Interested persons are invited to request a DAP application Form from Sadie Poliah, DAP coordinator via e-mail at Sadie.Poliah@dfat.gov.au
Port of Spain has contributed funding to the following projects:
St. Kitts Democratic Institute
The Australian High Commission in Port of Spain provided funding under its discretionary aid program for the Department of Gender Affairs of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Social and Community Development and Gender Affairs in St Kitts and Nevis to facilitate the Democratic Institute. The St. Kitts Democratic Institute contributes to the development of women as leaders and decision-makers. In addition, it aims to change entrenched attitudes in St Kitts and Nevis that women are, and remain uninterested in becoming leaders in political and other fields and ineffective in that regard.
The Democratic Institute consisted of a series of workshops conducted by the Department of Gender Affairs to increase the participation of St Kitts and Nevis women and youth in the political process. Sessions focus on identifying roadblocks for women in the political process and sensitising participants to the impact this has for gender equality. The institute selected participants possessing leadership capabilities and an interest in the political process.
Launched on 14 June 2005, 14 sessions were conducted weekly, concluding with a graduation on October 11 th. The sessions helped prepare 20-25 Democratic Institute participants to run for elected office, manage political campaigns and/or work as political organizers. Local experts presented on topics including Transformational Leadership, Communication, Working with the Media, the Federation’s Constitution, Surmounting Challenges to Leadership, Managing a Campaign, and understanding International Instruments.
(Pictured above) His Excellency Mr John Michell, Australian High Commissioner, with students of the Democratic Institute workshop at the Foundation for National Development on Thursday 27 September 2005.
Agape Training Centre
The Australian High Commission under the auspices of the High Commissioner's discretionary aid program contributed funds to the Agape Training Centre in Arima for purchasing of computer room equipment and building works. The Agape Training Centre is a non-profit community-based NGO located east of Port of Spain. The Learning Resource Centre provides remedial classes for children at a primary and secondary level. The Canadian and British High Commissions in Trinidad have also contributed funds to this project.
Pictured are Ms Barbara Muzic(right), First Secretary at the Australian High Commission, H.E Mr Howard Strauss, High Commissioner for Canada and Joan La Croix School Principal (left) with students at the opening this new facility.
Women in Action for the Needy and Destitute
The Australian High Commission under the auspices of the High Commissioner's discretionary aid program contributed funds to WAND's Women in Action for the Needy and Destitute - to equip the Machine Department at the Eternal Light Community Vocational School located in East Trinidad. This non governmental organisation was responsible for constructing the new building in which the school is housed. This institution provides skills training programs for displaced teenagers residing at Eternal Light Homes and elsewhere.
Pictured at the official opening of the school on 7 December 2005 are His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Mrs Simone de la Bastide. Chairman of WAND
The Lorna Lashley Save the Children Foundation
The Australian High Commission recently donated $TT47,287 to the Lorna Lashley Save the Children Foundation through the High Commissioner's Discretionary Aid Program. Pictured above is the High Commissioner (holding shovel), HE Mr John Michell, at a sod turning ceremony held in Tobago 11 January 2006 at the site where a shelter building is to be built. Ms Lorna Lashley (centre) is assisting the High Commissioner.
The Lorna Lashley Foundation is a non profit charitable organisation. Its mission is to provide a safe, secure, temporary shelter for children between the ages of five and twelve years for boys and five and seventeen years for girls, who are victims of, or at risk of abuse.
Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
The Australian Government's overseas aid program is a Federal Government funded program that reduces poverty in developing countries.
The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) manages the program.
Australia, through AusAID, works with other governments, the United Nations, Australian companies and non-government organisations to design and set up projects which tackle the causes and consequences of poverty in developing countries.