Fiji’s Rural Communities Continue to Benefit from Australian Development Funding Assistance

23 June 2010

Two villages and a school in Cakaudrove province are the latest beneficiaries of continuing Australian government support for community and education projects in Fiji.

Australian funding assistance of $26,028, under the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program (DAP), has enabled Viani village in the district of Navatu to construct 12 flush toilets and Navakaka village to construct footpaths.

Nawi Catholic Primary School in Buca Bay also received over $5,000 for renovation works which included replacement of the old roof, applying a fresh coat of paint and cement plastering work on classroom verandahs.

Visiting the projects, Australian High Commission official, Mr Timothy Wilcox, said the Australian Government was happy to contribute to development projects which improve living standards in rural communities.

Mr Wilcox also told students at the Nawi Catholic Primary School that the Australian Government was particularly pleased to be able to assist in uplifting education in rural areas through improved teaching facilities.

The Direct Aid Program is a small grants program which supports small-scale projects with a strong development focus.

So far this year, 34 rural communities and schools around Fiji have received DAP funding totaling $314,400 for various development projects.

The Loreto Catholic Primary School in Levuka was also able to re-stock its library this year with new books purchased through a DAP grant of $7,900.

The school’s library was destroyed at the height of Cyclone Gene in 2008.

Further information on the Direct Aid Program may be obtained from the Australian High Commission or by visiting the following website:
www.fiji.highcomission.gov.au

**ENDS**