13 civil society projects benefit from a new round of EU funding

The minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs, Nabil De Freij, and the ambassador of the EU in Lebanon, Christina Lassen, launched yesterday 13 new projects submitted by several non-civil society organisations operating in the country for funding from EU-designed Afkar III program. The announcement of winning organisations was accompanied with a presentation which portrayed the progress and initiatives funded by the above program in its (Euro 10 million) third phase. It also outlined the conditions required to secure the European grants (which will cover close to 80% of the value of each project). On the occasion, De Freij, revealed that 73 undertakings participated in the transparent tender according to the European standards of assessment and selection. A specialized team assumed the selection with the participation of European observers, De Freij noted, adding that such projects cover as well remote rural areas. The third phase of AFKAR, the minister explained, aims to promote socio-economic development and reform, with focus on building the capacities of the civil society and inspiring partnerships between its constituents. Below are a selection of the winning projects:

-  A project submitted by LPHU to strengthen the role of tourism through the adoption of inclusive eco-tourism and supporting policies.

- Another submitted by the Lebanese Association for Rural Development seeks through its project to assess the needs and build the capacities of civil society organizations and cooperatives to achieve the needed socio-economic development in Akkar, north of Lebanon. This will be realized through the "strengthening the institutionalization of 65 community organizations by training and building partnerships with donors and the private sector.

- A Makhzoomi Foundation project which aim to promote social and economic development through the empowerment of civil society and motivating sustainable development in the Beqaa.

- Finally, a Family Planning Association project that seeks to promote the socio-economic conditions of women in marginalized areas in the south. (Al Diyar, June 8, 2016)