UCC is delighted to be named as one of 14 recipients of grants to civil society organizations for development projects aimed at the improvement of the lives of poor and vulnerable communities around the world. The grants provided under the Civil Society Fund will deliver a wide range of development and human rights-related projects worldwide. They will contribute to climate-smart agriculture among smallholder farmers; support the provision of quality education to under-served communities, with a particular focus on girls and children with disabilities; promote the rights, inclusion and participation of vulnerable groups, including people living with disabilities, older people, and minority and indigenous peoples; and promote better access to safe economic opportunities. Ireland’s partnership with civil society recognises the importance of civil society organisations in delivering essential services and support to the most vulnerable, and in bringing about positive change.
Announcing the funding, the Tánaiste Micheál Martin said:
“In a time where the world is faced with unprecedented challenges, the broader repercussions of which are most acutely felt by vulnerable communities, I am pleased to announce funding for these fourteen organisations who work in close partnership with local communities. Their projects will contribute to tackling poverty and inequality, work to mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote the protection of and respect for human rights.”
In UCC, the grants will be used to support third-year students on the BSc International Development to undertake work placements in Africa and Asia, where they will gain experience of development organizations and contribute to important socioeconomic, environmental and human rights projects.
The Co-Director of the BSc International Development programme, Dr Edward Lahiff, spoke of the long-term partnership with Irish Aid and the valuable contribution the students are making to international development: “For 15 years, UCC has been sending students to low-income countries to gain direct experience of the work of development organisations and to prepare them for professional employment in the sector. We are enormously proud of the work of our students and the ongoing contribution of our graduates to meeting the challenges of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals throughout the world.”
For more read
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/9a8a3-tanaiste-micheal-martin-and-minister-sean-fleming-announce-funding-of-1649-million-for-civil-society-organisations/