Finnish embassy fights poverty

The embassy of Finland has signed two funding agreements with Positive Vibes and the Legal Assistance Centre. The agreements, which were signed this week  as part of the embassy’s Fund for Local Cooperation, amounts to approximately N$2 420 500.
The Local Cooperation Fund supports the overall aim set for the development policy of Finland: the eradication of poverty by means of economically, socially and ecologically sustainable development.
Positive Vibes was granted a total amount of N$772 500 for a one year project, which aims at advocating and promoting the rights and issues of children and youth at local and national levels through media production and active participation in children’s community groups.
The Finnish funded project will focus on the Khomas, Karas, Oshana and Omusati regions and involve parents, caregivers, regional and local leaders, national leaders and media practitioners. Positive Vibes is a local NGO which facilitates dialogue between youth and their caregivers, decision makers and service providers with a view to enable the poorer segments in society, to better advocate for change in their communities and society as a whole.
Legal Assistance Centre was granted a total amount of N$1 645 650 for core support of the organisation in 2012-2013. Among several activities, the funding will be used for the implementation of projects addressing gender and children’s rights, the rights of people living with HIV, the rights of indigenous peoples, the rights of rural residents, the rights of people living in informal settlements, the rights of prisoners and the rights of people who are arrested.