THE United States Embassy has awarded K2.5 million to six Zambian community-based organisations to help promote civic participation, press freedom, entrepreneurship and creative expression among the youth.
In a statement, Tuesday, US Embassy public Affairs Officer Sean McIntosh announced that the funds were channelled to six individual community-based organisations as grants.
“Today, the US Embassy announced the awarding of grants totalling over K2.5 million (US $126,000) to six Zambian community-based organisations through its Public Affairs Section Small Grants Programme. The grants will promote civic participation, press freedom, entrepreneurship, and creative expression among youth,” McIntosh stated.
He outlined that US taxpayers were proud to support Zambia Free Press Initiative, among five others, to enable them participate in press freedom campaigns and entrepreneurship activities for the benefit of their communities.
“The American people are proud to support Zambian communities with the hands-on opportunities to mobilise their own ideas and resources, and expand their organisational and project management knowledge. The funds go directly to Zambian communities to respond directly to issues affecting their communities and, ultimately, enhance the welfare of Zambians,” explained McIntosh, adding that the financial support was targeted at helping Zambian organisations address issues affecting their communities, which included improving health and education to advance democracy and good governance.
Grants awarded will support the following projects: Zambia Free Press Initiative, award: K694,000 (US $34,700); Continental Leadership Research Institute, award: K399,600 (US $19,980); Enlight Abilities, award: K374,920 (US $18,746); Lutombi Kawana Integrity Foundation, award: K395,140 (US $19,757); Sotambe Film Institute, award: K262,960 (US $13,148) and Umodzi Arts, award: K398,800 (US $19,940).
