Australia is strengthening its partnership with Solomon Islands civil society organisations through new civil society grants, amplifying voices of the people and deepening the longstanding connections between Australia and Solomon Islands.
Additional grant funding under the Civil Society Strengthening Program (CSSP) will sipport the Solomon Islands National Youth Council (SINYC), Solomon Islands National Council of Women (SINCW), Dreamcast Theatre, National Disability Forum Solomon Islands (NDFSI) and the Men’s Care Initiative through the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM).
The grants will help the organisations expand their work in youth leadership, women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, community engagement, social awareness and family wellbeing.
CSSP has provided around SBD 17 million over three years to support over 50 civil society organisations, peak bodies, non-government organisations, community-based organisations, media organisations and faith-based organisations across the Solomon Islands.
The program aims to help civil society organisations strengthen their governance, organisational capacity and sustainability, better serve their members, advocate for community priorities and contribute to national development.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said civil society organisations play a vital role in building inclusive, resilient and prosperous communities.
“Civil society organisations are trusted voices within communities and make an important contribution to Solomon Islands’ development,” High Commissioner Roach said.
“Australia is proud to support organisations that are empowering women, young people, people with disabilities and communities across Solomon Islands. These grants reflect our ongoing commitment to locally led development and strong partnerships with Solomon Islands civil society.”
Through the grants, the Solomon Islands National Youth Council will host Provincial Youth Council Annual General Meetings, strengthen youth participation and leadership opportunities, while the Solomon Islands National Council of Women will continue to champion women’s leadership and advocacy through a National Women’s Fair.
Dreamcast Theatre Solomon Islands will use their grant to expand the ‘herART Co Storytellers Collective’ (a women’s art initiative for emerging photographers and filmmakers) and launch the film premier of their World War II sharing a dramatization of local Solomon Islanders’ perspectives.
The National Disability Forum Solomon Islands will host a National Government Dialogue to strengthen advocacy and promote the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in decision-making and budget processes.
Through the Faith-Based Support stream of CSSP, the Men’s Care Initiative under the Anglican Church of Melanesia will expand programmes that promote positive masculinity, respectful relationships and stronger family and community wellbeing.
The grants form part of Australia’s broader support to strengthen civil society organisations as key partners in achieving inclusive and sustainable development outcomes in Solomon Islands.
