Chapter Eight: NGO, Volunteer and Community Programs

Non Government Organisations, volunteers and community programs are an important component of Australia's aid. These programs draw on the special skills and expertise in the Australian community to enhance the delivery of Australian aid and promote community engagement with development issues.

Non Government Organisations

NGO program estimate

$26.4 million

Non Government Organisations (NGOs) play an important complementary role in delivering a high quality aid program. Besides mobilising public support for aid, NGOs are well placed to strengthen civil society due to their strong links with communities in developing countries and partnerships with local organisations. They also provide specialist skills for community development, thereby maximising the potential for long-term sustainable development.

The AusAID-NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) supports accredited Australian NGOs to undertake cost-effective, practical, direct and tangible poverty reduction activities. Under this scheme, the Australian Government supplements funds provided by the Australian community. In 2003-04, funding for the ANCP will be $25.6 million. Australia will work cooperatively with NGOs on program delivery, enhancing administration and accountability as well as supporting improvements in project design, management, implementation and evaluation.

The AusAID/NGO joint Committee for Development Cooperation will continue to improve the quality of AusAID and partner NGO systems, procedures and mechanisms, including streamlining procedures and processes for project funding.

Volunteer program

Volunteer program estimate

$21.6 million

Volunteers foster community involvement in the aid program, providing opportunities for Australians to help reduce poverty through skills transfer and institutional strengthening. Within the Australian community, volunteers are also able to share their experience and knowledge of other countries when they return home. This has enriched Australian society and strengthened links between Australia and its neighbours.

The Australian aid program now provides funding to Australian Volunteers International, AESOP Business Volunteers, Interserve and PALMS Australia. It also includes the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program, providing opportunities for young Australians to share their skills and knowledge in the Asia-Pacific region. Within the Volunteers Program, funding for Australian Youth Ambassadors has again increased, from $6.2 million in 2002-03 to $7 million in 2003-04.

Currently, accreditation of volunteer sending agencies is being undertaken to ensure that Australia is funding professional, well managed and community based overseas volunteer sending agencies that deliver quality development outcomes aligned with Australia's aid program objectives. In addition, the Volunteer Program has integrated volunteers within Australia's broader aid program, including the placement of a number of volunteers in assignments that support the Virtual Colombo Plan.

Outreach activities and development education

Informing Australians about the benefits that aid delivers to people in developing countries in our region is a high priority for the Australian Government. Expenditure on media, outreach, publications, internet and global education activities for 2003-04 will be $2.7 million. The Government will continue to inform greater numbers of Australians about the aid program through a multi-faceted approach, including:

proactive communication strategies for both print and electronic media;

outreach activities at shows, trade and business fora, AusAID seminars, universities and schools;

global education in primary and secondary schools;

AusAID's flagship magazine, Focus, and other agency publications; and

online delivery of information and development of online services for specific stakeholders.

In 2003-04, innovative outreach, online services, media and publications programs will be developed to engage Australia's rural communities, non-educated professionals and young people. Professional development and supporting curriculum material will also be provided to 16,000 Australian primary and secondary teachers to assist in teaching global education.

Speeches, media releases and publications can be found on the AusAID internet site <http://www.ausaid.gov.au> or by contacting the Public Affairs Group on (02) 6206 4840.

Academic and research program

Sound development research can play a significant role in improving development outcomes and help target aid efforts. In 2003-04, Australia will implement the first full program of research under a new Development Research Strategy. The Strategy aims to improve the quality and relevance of Australian supported research, both to guide the aid program and broader government responses to development issues.

Australia will spend approximately $1.5 million on corporate research in 2003-04. Funding under the Australian Development Research Program will support research on capacity building and collaborative research with Canada on conflict-related issues.

Well targeted research will also enhance Australia's influence in international policy debates. For example, a new water research program with initial funding of $1 million will provide a link to Australian knowledge and expertise on water.

International seminar support scheme

The International Seminar Support Scheme (ISSS) assists participants from developing countries to attend development-oriented seminars both in Australia and overseas. The scheme helps to develop knowledge, technical expertise, networks and policies for achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty in developing countries. Applications for support will continue to be assessed against the ability to show tangible and practical development-related outcomes. In 2003-04, $0.8 million will be provided to the scheme.