Australian Government Funding to FRIEND supports Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation

27 August 2010

Australian government funding provided to the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprise N Development (FRIEND) aims to support rural development and poverty alleviation in Fiji.

Opening the new FRIEND headquarters at Tuvu outside Lautoka this morning, Australia’s Acting High Commissioner Ms Judith Robinson said Australia’s total aid to Fiji for 2010-11 is estimated at F$65.9 million (A$37.2m).

“Our development assistance program aims to ensure essential services are maintained, particularly in health and education. It also focuses on supporting enterprise development and increasing livelihood opportunities by assisting civil society organisations like FRIEND in their efforts to assist vulnerable groups,” Ms Robinson said.

In addition to opening the new FRIEND headquarters, Ms Robinson also handed over the keys to two new vehicles for use in the central and western divisions. A third vehicle will also be purchased to assist with FRIEND’s efforts to increase the marketing and sale of its products.

Commending the organisation’s work in rural and marginalised communities, Ms Robinson said FRIEND had grown steadily since commencing in 2002 to become a household name.

“We’re proud to have been part of FRIEND’s journey,” she said. “Our assistance to FRIEND reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to rural development and poverty alleviation in Fiji through building resources around communities and supporting the utilisation of local resources.”

The Australian government has provided approximately F$1.17 million (A$660,000) to FRIEND over the last five years to assist the organisation to help women increase their skills in managing resources, and provide skills and income generation for vulnerable groups (in particular hearing and speech impaired youths and ex-prisoners).

Since 2000, Australian government funding through Civil Society Organisations for community-based programs in Fiji has totaled F$11.5 million (A$6.5m).

“We acknowledge these partnerships play a crucial role in improving the lives of the people in Fiji,” Ms Robinson said.

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