22 June 1999

Charities Board awards International grants in Wales

Efforts by four Wales-based groups to secure funding to help international causes were rewarded today with the International grants announcement by the National Lottery Charities Board. Among those who will benefit from the total of £329,488 awarded in Wales are children in India and the terminally ill and their carers in Swaziland.

Board Member, Jeff Carroll who represented Wales on the UK Committee awarding the grants said, "Wales can be proud of the voluntary work undertaken here to address the causes of poverty and inequality and improve the quality of life of some of the most vulnerable people in the world. Today’s awards reflect the traditional concern in Wales for humanitarian issues as well as more recent concerns about global environmental issues."

Sustainable Alliance, based in Machynlleth, was awarded £99,692 to promote practical and environmentally sustainable energy use in Somalia by coordinating and training local partners with specific focus on extending the use of improved charcoal and wood stoves. Bringing international issues closer to home, Powys Environment & Development Education Centre, Llanidloes, will use its £88,615 grant to raise awareness of global interdependence working with local government, schools and youth groups.

The other two grants were awarded to Llandudno based North Wales Medical Aid to Tamil Nadu, India, (£67,201) to improve the education levels of village children by building a child development centre and a science theme park and Usk-based Friends of Swaziland Hospice (£73,980) to improve health provision and awareness of palliative medicine in Swaziland through in-house training.

Roy Norris, Charities Board Director for Wales said, "The Charities Board offers funding through the International grant programme to support voluntary organisations addressing international humanitarian issues. We are sensitive to the fact that there is never enough money to fund all the worthy applications we receive but are keen to encourage any voluntary group seeking advice on funding projects in Wales or internationally to contact the Charities Board."

Groups seeking application forms for Charities Board grants or further information should call 0345 273273.

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