The Malta Independent on Sunday - 14 August 2011
Malta’s overseas development assistance policy is formulated on the basis of the people’s long experience of humanitarian assistance, poverty-alleviation, and response to the suffering caused by natural disasters
Malta’s policy is based on a set of values that include solidarity, respect for human life and the dignity and freedom of every human being. This policy also provides a particular focus on geographical coverage, such as the Mediterranean and the Middle East, small States, the Commonwealth, and the countries of origin of mass migration; and on thematic issues, such as democratisation, human rights and the rule of law, ICT for development, a social security safety-net, climate change, fair trade, gender issues and children.
This year’s Overseas Development Aid (ODA) budget, administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will go towards the financing of 18 humanitarian projects in Third World countries. These projects will be carried out by Maltese charitable organisations and individuals. The total cost of these projects is €245, 000.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tonio Borg applauded the tremendous efforts made by these Maltese people to tangibly improve the standard of living of poorer people. Over the last three years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs co-financed several projects that were implemented by local NGOs in Africa, South America and the Middle East, particularly the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The ODA scheme has become more popular year after year, thanks to the hard work being carried out by Maltese organisations and individuals.
Projects and beneficiaries
Aid to Autonomous − €15,000
‘Water Project in Pawe (Metekel Zone) Ethiopia’
This project involves the installation of a sand filter system, which is a dosing pump that takes hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine. The system will be located next to a clinic that provides basic care and treatment for the poor, as the nearest hospital is very far away. This project will serve as a great incentive for a campaign on drinking water.
Caritas Malta − €15,000
Water Supply System Expansion in Cheha and Enemore Woredas in Ethiopia’
This project has to do with the expansion of a water supply system to provide safe water and promote safe hygiene and sanitation practices in the identified villages. Apart from the expansion of the water system, this project will also include capacity building programmes which ensure the sustainability of the project.
The Ghana Mission
Foundation − €15,000
Equipment for the HIV/AIDS Outpatient department of the HopeXchange Medical Centre in Ghana
The project involves the purchasing of equipment for an HIV/AIDS section at the HopeXchange Medical Centre. Treating glaucoma patients was the initial priority but having an HIV/AIDS clinic was more necessary.
Mission Fund − €15,000
Safe Motherhood for All – A Maternity Wing at Makiungu Hospital in Tanzania
This project requires the construction of a new maternity wing with underlying storage space. The objectives of this project are to provide better facilities for expectant mothers, provide better care for mothers at risk and to further reduce the infant morbidity and mortality rate.
Signum Fidei Malta − €15,000
Construction of Kindergarten Classrooms and Toilets for Children aged between 3-5 years in Peru
The project will see the construction of two classrooms and eight lavatories for children. If the kindergarten is not built, 75 children will end up without a school.
SOS Malta − €15,000
Helping to eliminate poverty in Njeru and Luwala, Uganda’
This project includes the setting up of rainwater harvesting systems and the refurbishment of several classrooms. SOS Malta has been involved in water desalination projects in Njeru for a number of years. All the materials and supplies for this project will be bought locally.
Missionary Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition − €15,000
Phase 2 of the St Joseph’s Study Centre, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The aim of this project is to construct a study centre for street children and for those who attend the school.
The project also includes lodging quarters that can be used by students as well as sick children on their way for specialised care. Daughters of the
Sacred Heart − €15,000
The Setting up of a Youth Formation Centre in Diwa (Diocese of Balanga) in the Bataan Province, Philippines
The proposed project includes the construction of a Youth Formation Centre with dormitories, a conference hall, study rooms and other facilities. Part of the allocation of this funding will be used to build a borehole at this Centre.
Sisters of Charity of St Jeanne Antide Thouret − €14,740
Initiating socio-economic development especially among women in rural South Sudan’
This is aimed at engaging untrained and uneducated women in local development processes which they will initiate and own. Among other initiatives, small enterprises and a development association will be created to provide training that will lead to more people benefiting from the project.
Centru Animazzjoni Missjunarja − €15,000
Construction of houses in Peru
The proposed project involves the construction of 30 houses to shelter and accommodate homeless families in Arequipa.
Missionary Movement Jesus in Thy Neighbour − €15,000
Hope for the Horn: Home for the Homeless Lepers in Ethiopia
This project is for the construction of a home for homeless lepers. The project will provide 70 families with shelter and accommodation. It will also include basic education, healthcare and a meal per day for 234 children.
KOPIN − €10,000
HIV/AIDS Care and Support for the people of Ijaji in Ethiopia
The project aims to provide health services to people living with HIV/AIDS, orphans and vulnerable children; to intensify and enhance the community-based care and support services as well as protective practices for vulnerable children and their families. This centre will strengthen the network, collaborations and referral systems for HIV/AIDS affected persons; give psychological and social support to HIV/AIDS affected persons, lessening their spiritual, psychological, social, and economic burden; and to reduce the stigma, discrimination and denial faced by HIV/AIDS victims by raising public awareness on HIV/AIDS related matters. This project will be of direct benefit to 50 households of people living with HIV/AIDS and 100 households of HIV/AIDS.
Inizjamed − €10,000
Providing Sustainability for Children and Youths in Kenya
The proposed project will contribute to the eradication of severe poverty in Kenya with the main objective being to provide support to a slum educational institution and a community centre in Nairobi, Kenya, and to create a sustainable environment for education and conflict prevention / resolution and community support measures.
Fr Nicholas Schembri
Farrugia − €15,000
Centre for the Formation and Training of Youth and Women & Residence Restructuring Phase 2, Peru
The proposed project is divided in two parts: Phase 2 of a residence building, and the construction of a computer class and two blocks of toilets. The residence part involves the building of toilets and a meeting hall. For both parts, existing structures will be reinforced so as to make them safer in the case of earthquakes. The project’s proposed aim is to transform the area into a hub of activity which promotes development in all aspects.
Padre Albert Gauci
OFM − €15,000
Sports Complex in Juticalpa, Olancho, Honduras
Fr Gauci submitted a proposal for a sports complex in Juticalpa, Olancho, Honduras. This complex is to be used by youths with the aim of keeping them away from drugs.
Fr Anton Grech, Izabal, Guatemala − €15,000
Continuation of a fish farm project in Guatemala
This present proposal is a continuation of the work being carried out on the fish farm in Izabal. The next phase of the project is to organise seminars and hands on training sessions to the local fishermen and local authorities on how to increase food production from the many water bodies that abound in the Izabal diocese. These training courses also aim at increasing technical expertise in the fish farming trade. There is also the intention to form links with the regional university where students will be able to receive practical training on the farm.
Fr Joseph Cremona
mssp − €15,000
Residence for use by the Aetas Community, the Philippines
The Aetas community live in the mountains and their education is only basic elementary level. This is because colleges and universities are far away and there is no good transport they can use.
The project proposed involves the construction of a residence in the parish premises which Aetas can reside in from Monday to Friday in order to be able to pursue their university studies. This residence will have enough space to provide lodgings for 12 people.
Fr Gerard Bonello
mssp − €15,935
New Block Furnishings – Joseph De Piro Middle School for Girls, Lahore, Pakistan
A proposal was submitted by Fr Bonello for funding the furnishings for a new block in Joseph De Piro Middle School for girls in Asif Town 2, Juhannabad, Lahore, Pakistan. The construction of the block was co-funded by the Ministry’s 2010 ODA projects call through CAM Youths. The immediate beneficiaries of this new grant will be girls aged 14 and 15, older girls whose education was disrupted because of home necessities, and toddlers and very young children which the older girls will bring with them.