Australian High Commission
A
women’s group in Lorengau will hold sewing classes and create clothes and
handicrafts for sale after receiving 20 electric sewing machines from
Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Deborah Stokes.
Ms
Stokes last Thursday officially handed over the machines to the Pihi Lorengau Women’s
Group during a visit to Manus Province.
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| Australian High Commissioner HE Ms Deborah Stokes with members of the Pihi Lorengau Women's Group during the presentation of the 20 sewing machines. |
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| Australian High Commissioner Ms Deborah Stokes presenting a sewing machine to Pihi Lorengau Women Group Representative Ana in Manus. |
“I
am delighted to provide the women of Manus with more opportunities to enhance
their sewing and business skills, display their talent and generate income,” Ms
Stokes said.
Empowering
women and girls to enable them to reach their full potential and enjoy equal
opportunities is crucial for the future prosperity and viability of this
country.
“The
Pihi Lorengau Women’s Group are deserving recipients of these machines through
Australia’s Direct Aid Program.
“I
look forward to seeing exhibitions and sales of unique and wonderful Manusian clothes
and crafts to boost tourism and contribute to the Manus Provincial Government’s
Medium Term Integrated Development Plan.
“I
wish to acknowledge the important role of Lorengau Town Mayor, the Hon Ruth
Mandrakamu, and Manus Acting Provincial Administrator Andrew Posong in advocating
for this project.”
Sewing
classes and exhibitions are to be held at the Provincial Women’s Conference
Centre.
The
Direct Aid Program is a flexible small grants program funded by the Australian
Government to advance developmental objectives and address humanitarian
hardship.
The
program is available on a not-for-profit basis to individuals, community
groups, non-government organisations and other entities engaged in development
activities.
The
program focuses on supporting small-scale development projects and activities
that involve the beneficiaries in the identification, design and management of
the projects.
For
more information about the Direct Aid Program visit www.png.embassy.gov.au
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