Speeches

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia M. Blaser's
Remarks to the Self-Help and Democracy and Human Rights Fund Program Recipients

Thursday, September 24, 2009
U.S. Embassy

Representatives of the grantee organizations;
Members of the press and media; and
Honored guests

It gives me great pleasure to be here today on behalf of the United States government to award eleven NGOs and community groups one million six hundred and twenty thousand rupees to implement their respective projects as part of our Self Help and Democracy for Human Rights Fund program.

I want to stress today that the engagement between the United States of America and the Republic of Mauritius is not just government to government and not just Embassy to government. It truly comes from the American people who, even in these tough financial times back home, seek to encourage civil society and support the progress and well-being of the people of Mauritius. Non-governmental organizations and community groups are a key part of the social and economic development of Mauritius, and express some of the most important aspirations of the people.

The Ambassador’s Special Self Help Program was established in 1968 by the United States government, with the intent of improving basic economic, social, and environmental conditions at the community level, and encouraging grass roots initiatives to solve problems. Our program is designed to respond to requests from local communities for assistance with small community development projects that have an immediate impact on people's lives.

Self Help activities, by definition, involve a significant contribution by beneficiaries of the funds, while the U.S. Embassy serves primarily to assist the beneficiaries in achieving their goals. The Democracy and Human Rights Fund Program operates on this same principle of helping dynamic organizations advance democracy and human rights through funding progressive, effective and sound programs.

Over the years we have worked hard to ensure that the assistance from the Self Help Program is equitably distributed throughout Mauritius, and we have also sought to broaden the range of sponsored activities, so that more NGOs benefit from the program. Today, I am delighted by the diverse projects selected. Here are just some of the ways our grants today are helping: they are providing support for people with epilepsy, diabetes, and hearing impairments; capacity building for groups helping HIV-AIDS sufferers; educational support for the vulnerable in deprived areas, and assistance in the reintegration into society of ex-detainees and drug addicts. I am confident that these projects will have a positive, direct impact on the lives of many Mauritians.

I would like to commend the organizations here today for their initiatives and efforts to better their communities. I congratulate each of you for taking the steps you have taken to make a difference.  We receive hundred of applications each year, and it is difficult to choose among so many deserving projects.  Your selection as a grantee is an opportunity for your hard work and dedication to be recognized and supported. The designers and implementers of these projects are the real heroes of this ceremony today. It is a pleasure and an honor for me as a representative of the American people to play a part in the great work you are doing.

Thank you.