EU funds 12 civil society projects

nicipalities receive a major
part of allocations

The European Union will fund 12 projects as part of the AFKAR III Program, for a total of $3.7 million, a statement by the EU said on February 17.

“AFKAR aims at reinforcing the capacity of Lebanese civil society organizations as actors for socio-economic development and reform,” the statement said. AFKAR is administered by the Office of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR).

Several calls for proposals were made to reach the following NGOs. The Association for Forests proposed environmental action that targets several villages. Dialogue Association put forward an initiative to secure the social and economic rights of Hermel residents. EMDAD is the third winning initiative. Its project is focused on developing day care centers for the elderly in seven municipalities.

The fourth project is by Fair Trade Lebanon, which intends to improve the capacity of rural municipalities. The Institute for University Cooperation has proposed strengthening the olive sector, in the fifth project. The sixth NGO, Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement, proposed an initiative to increase the employability of young people by developing their skills.

Among the winners are also: the Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union; the Makhzoumi Foundation; the Safadi Foundation; The National Association for the Rights of Disabled People; Al-Amal Al Baladi, which targets local economic development activities; and the Planning and Development Agency that aims to improve the capacity of civil society organizations and government bodies in Hermel, Baalbek and other areas.