Australian Embassy Direct Aid Program is now open for applications
The 2014-2015 Australian Embassy Direct Aid Program (DAP) is now open for applications. DAP is a small-scale grants program which targets humanitarian need. The 2014/15 DAP round will support projects with a focus on sustainable development, health, education, gender and women’s empowerment and poverty with a focus on nutrition and support for vulnerable groups. Projects focused on capacity building, including governance and human rights are also eligible.
The objective of the program is to support projects that address basic developmental hardship and reduce poverty. Projects that are community based and participatory in nature will be highly regarded. The Australian Embassy welcomes projects that involve beneficiaries directly through the identification, design and management of projects.
In past years, DAP has provided financial support to a wide range of social and community development projects throughout Laos in areas such as health, education and agriculture. In 2013/14, DAP provided funding for construction projects in schools around the country such as:
• To construct Ban Kinak Secondary School Building, Khong district, Champasak Province
• To construct the dormitory and toilets for Ban Koumkio Primary School, Phongsaly Province
• To renovate library and toilets for Thanaleng Primary School, Vientiane Capital
• To improve access to safe drinking water for two villagers in Vapy District, Salavan Province
• Macadamia Pilot project in Champasak Province
• To construct twenty culvert drains for the road of Phujong village, Nan district, Luang Prabang Province
• To purchase the Mortuary Refrigerator and Patient monitor for Champasak Hospital
• To purchase the Children’s eye surgical instruments for the National Ophthalmology Centre and the medical equipment for Children hospital
(150 beds) in Vientiane Capital
• To purchase a new respiratory ventilator for Vangvieng Hospital.
Individuals, community groups, local government agencies and NGO’s engaged in development activities on a not-for-profit basis, are encouraged to submit applications for funding.
DAP application forms and guidelines are available in Lao and English from the Australian Embassy or online at the Australian Embassy website www.laos.embassy.gov.au. Applications should be addressed to the DAP Coordinator, Australian Embassy, Vientiane and sent by 30 September 2014 at 17:00 pm. Applicants should note that it is a lengthy process and decisions on funding will not be made prior to October 2014.
It is a requirement of the Australian Government that any construction projects funded through DAP should meet or exceed Australian standards and ensure that all materials are ASBESTOS free. Further information on asbestos can be found in the DAP guidelines or by contacting the Australian Embassy.
For further information on DAP please contact the Australian Embassy on telephone 021 353 800.