U.S. Government Funds 19 Local Projects.

The U.S. Government, through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund (SSHF) and Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) has extended $160, 000 in small grants to 19 community-based projects.  At a ceremony held in Lilongwe, 13 SSHF grantees signed agreements amounting to $90, 000 while six DHRF projects were granted $70,000. 

Speaking at the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Malawi Alan Eastham said the SSHF mainly focuses on projects that address urgent development needs at the local community level and that the projects should support high-impact, quick-implementation activities that benefit a large number of people.

“The projects involve a significant local contribution in labor, material or cash and should be a direct response to the initiative and aspirations of the local community,” said Ambassador Eastham.  

On DHRF, the Ambassador said the fund supports and strengthens democratic institutions, values and practices.  He added that the fund increases civic and political awareness and promotes the development of capabilities of Malawian organizations.

Ambassador Eastham urged project managers to manage the projects prudently to ensure transparency and accountability. 

The Special Self-Help Fund has been in operation in Malawi since 1966.  So far $3,072, 770 has been disbursed to various projects while Democracy and Human Rights Fund has operated in Malawi since 1988.