Today the Australian High Commission’s Counsellor for Development Cooperation, Joanne Choe launched a publication on the achievements of the Fiji Community Development Program (FCDP).
Launched at the Civil Society Forum at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami, the publication titled “FCDP Achievements in the Last Three Years” illustrates FCDP’s significant accomplishment in surpassing its projected targets since the program was launched.
“As the Australian Government’s program for civil society support in Fiji, it’s encouraging to see FCDP meet and surpass its targets. This achievement directly reflects the hard work, dedication and results achieved by our CSO partners,” Ms Choe said. “This CSO Forum is an opportunity for the Australian Government to share what we’ve learned and hear directly from stakeholders on how to improve our civil society engagement going forward.”
Since 2012, FCDP has successfully supported 65 civil society organisations, reaching 113,000 beneficiaries (51 per cent female, 88 per cent in rural areas) in 540 communities and 208 schools. Through its project offices in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa, FCDP has delivered 84 grants to civil society organisations, supporting four key areas: (i) Livelihoods and Food Security, (ii) Health (including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), (iii) Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Response, and (iv) Community Development Planning.
“The achievements presented today would not have been possible without partnerships,” said FCDP Program Officer Ilisapeci Rokotunidau. “The program has engaged with Civil Society Organizations, Australian-funded Development Programs, relevant Government agencies and most importantly with communities.”
The program has been extended for a second phase to May 2017. Phase 2 will continue to focus on strengthening CSO service delivery to support disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised communities in closer partnership with the Fijian Government.
Australian High Commissioner Margaret Twomey opened the three-day CSO Forum this morning. Hosted by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Forum provides an opportunity for DFAT to share the findings of its 2015 civil society sector analysis and to hear from stakeholders on future programming including coordination, collaboration and partnerships to ensure effective engagement.
Press Release