By Judith Kajuma
The United States government has provided $370 900 in small grants support to community-based organisations in nine provinces.
Handing over the awards, US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols said the funding would assist Zimbabwean communities unlock their potential as well as improve their economic situation.
“The people of Zimbabwe face great economic challenges, but everywhere I go I see great potential and determination. The United State will continue to help the people of Zimbabwe through programs that help communities unlock their own potentials and improve their living standards,” Ambassador Nichols said.
The small grants funding focuses on supporting small scale and short-term community projects that bring about improvements in people’s lives. The onetime grant help local organisations and communities start up or continue sustainable projects designed to economic or social conditions.
This year the Embassy through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund, PEPFAR Small Grants, the Julia Taft Refugee Fund and the African Regional Democracy Fund has benefited eighteen organisations from all provinces.
“Each grant we sign today is matched by your communities’ investments of time, planning, materials and labour. While the US government may provide initial funding for these projects, the ownership and long-term success of the activities rests with you and your communities for many years after the life of these small grants,” he said.
The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund started in Zimbabwe in 1980 soon after independence has benefitted and sustained many communities.
