The United States Embassy in Apia recognised 11 organisations and 10 individuals at a grantee ceremony at the embassy in Vailima yesterday. 

These organisations received funding from the U.S. Embassy Apia’s 2018 Public Diplomacy Grants programme as well as other funding support. The initiative is a small competitive programme offering grants of up to US$10,000 (T$26,412) to local non-government organisations. 

United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, Scott Brown told the gathering that becoming a recipient of the grant is not an easy task, it’s a long and arduous and competitive process. 

“So for those who stuck with it, thank you and well done,” Mr. Brown said. The grant also fosters close relations between the United States and Samoa, and Mr. Brown emphasised this in his remarks.  

“At regional and international level, our countries work together to advance democratic practices by advancing the rule of law, judiciary form, promoting civil education in civic education, prioritising human rights and advocating for equal rights for minorities and women, on a local scale, we address environmental and health issues, support the advancement of science and technology, foster freedom in information and independent media, support N.G.O. capacity building, encourage educational development and promote youth development programmes. 

“We look forward to supporting many more programmes in the future.”

Also present were participants of this year’s International Visitor Leadership Programme (I.V.L.P.), which is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange programme. 

“This programme is in the form of short terms visits to the U.S. where current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience the country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts,” Mr. Brown said. 

Some of the organisations and individuals who were honoured included the Samoa Victim Support Group, Samoa Gridiron, Samoa Women’s Association of Growers, Animal Protection Society, Samoa Aids Foundation, Nobesity Samoa, Samoana Jazz & Arts Festival, Turn a Life Around – American Corner Grant, Ministry of Education, Sports & Culture – American Corner Grant, Mose Mose – Professional ICT Fellows, Talatalaga Matau Matafeo – Professional ICT Fellows, and Lenora Tuipoloa Utuva – Professional Tourism Fellows.