AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY, BEIRUT

AUSTRALIAN FUNDING BENEFITS UNDERPRIVILEGED COMMUNITIES IN ZGHARTA

On 26 March 2015, Australia’s Ambassador-Agréé to Lebanon, Glenn Miles, visited two development projects in Mejdlaya and Kfaryashit funded through the Australian Embassy’s Direct Aid Program.

The Embassy contributed USD5,100 to the Technical School of Zgharta for the establishment of a language and IT centre. The Providence House of Ageing received over USD30,000 for the purchase of new beds, mattresses and other mobility equipment.

“I am impressed by the outstanding work done by civil society organisations in this region,” said Mr Miles.

“Unfortunately, development needs in the country remain high. I am pleased that the Australian Embassy is able to assist, through the Direct Aid Program, to alleviate hardship among some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in Lebanon.”

This year, the Australian Embassy has allocated USD300,000 through its Direct Aid Program (DAP), to eleven development projects in the fields of health, education and rural development. DAP targets projects that require a small injection of funds, but have a significant and direct impact on the lives of marginalised people. Since 2004, more than 100 project in Lebanon have benefited from the program.