PRESS RELEASES

U.S. Ambassador Signs Eleven Self Help Grant Agreements Totaling to Rs 1.1 Million for Rodriguan NGO Projects

February 15, 2008

On February 21, 2008, at the Office of the Commissioner, Ambassador Caesar Cabrera of the United States Embassy, Mauritius, will sign grant agreements on behalf of the United States Government to fund eleven Self-Help projects, ranging from HIV/AIDS awareness programs to self-sustaining small businesses, for a total amount of Rs 1.1 million. The U.S. Embassy selected eleven beneficiaries from the many non-governmental organizations and community groups that submitted proposals in April of last year.  The chosen projects range widely in nature, scope, and geographic coverage, however, they share a common goal in assisting Rodriguan organizations improve conditions in their communities.

Since 1968 under the Special Development Assistance Program Grant Agreement between the United States Government (USG) and the Government of the Mauritius, the USG has made funds available under the Ambassador's Special Self Help Program to fund micro community projects.  The program’s primary objective is to improve basic economic, social, and environmental conditions at the local community level and to encourage grassroots initiatives to solve problems. Self Help activities, by definition, require a significant contribution of money and time from the beneficiaries.  The U.S. Government contribution plays a primarily catalytic role.

This year, a record number of Rodriguan non-governmental organizations and community groups submitted project proposals, which resulted in an increase number of grants awarded.