Australia donates $1.9M to community organisations [1]
Monday, June 15, 2020 - 17:57
The Australian Government has contributed AUD$1.9m to community organisations in Tonga earlier this month, to provide safe water supply, teach hand hygiene, and support agricultural development to protect against the impact of CoViD-19.
The funding will also help to respond to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Harold, which hit Tonga in April.
Non-government organisations including MORDI Tonga Trust, Live and Learn Tonga, and Caritas have all received funding.
The funding will go towards installing water tanks in homes and schools, and teaching hand hygiene. In addition, organisations will provide support for agricultural development to improve food production and generate income, as well as counselling people who are suffering in the crisis.
Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Mr Adrian Morrison said Australia is committed to supporting Tonga to be better protected from the global CoViD-19 crisis, and from the impact of future disasters such as cyclones.
“We are pleased to support the excellent work of local Tongan organisations to build resilience with clean water, health promotion, and agriculture skills.”
Tongan organisations will be supported by their Australian counterparts, including CARE Australia, Live and Learn Australia, and the Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations (CAN DO)/Caritas Australia.
Projects under this funding are expected to be completed within 12 months.
This funding is in addition to AUD$8m already provided to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance to reduce the impact of CoViD-19 in Tonga.