Direct Aid Program

DAP recipients in previous years

The Nauru Infant Music School Program

The Infant Music Program is a music education program delivered by Brisbane Catholic Education and the Nauru Department of Education. The program provides an opportunity for infant school children and students at the Able Disable Centre to experience and enjoy the music of local artists. In 2016, as part of the Supported Work Experience Program, Anna Namaduk, visited each infant school and shared her love of song and beautiful voice with the children and teachers.

In 2017, with the support from the Australian High Commission Direct Aid Program (DAP), more local artists will have the opportunity to share their talents with the children. As part of the DAP, funds were provided to purchase musical equipment which was distributed to five infant schools and Able Disable Centre, for children and students to fully participate in the program. The Infant Music Program will enhance the music programs already existing in the schools.

The program will also organise the recording of 24 songs sung in both Nauruan and English. Each of the schools will select four songs for an artist to perform and then record with the children. The bilingual aspect of the recordings will support both the language development of Nauruan and English thus helping the children in the infant schools transition into Year 1 with basic English and fluent Nauruan.

Samvic Namaduk (keyboards) and Anna Namaduk (guitar) prepare to entertain and educate infant school children with the assistance of school staff

Direct Aid Program 2016-17: Grant Recipients Announced

The Australian High Commission is pleased to announce the following recipients of grants in 2016-17:

Nauru Chess Federation ($2500)
Funding for equipment and banners for the Chess Federation. The equipment will enable the Chess Federation to engage with the broader community and conduct tournaments involving women and people with disabilities, including international competitions.
Brisbane Catholic Education - Infant Music Program ($8821)
Funding for music equipment including music, books and hire of equipment and qualified personnel for a recording. This funding will support engagement in five infant schools and the Able Disabled Centre.
Anibare Boat Harbour Clean Up ($3679)
This project supported the clean up of the community recreational area at the Anibare Boat Harbour.

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program funded from Australia’s aid budget. It has the flexibility to work with local communities in developing countries on projects that reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development consistent with Australia’s national interest. It sits alongside Australia’s longer-term country and multilateral development strategies and with its wide geographical reach, plays an important role in supporting local community efforts towards poverty reduction.

The Ewewi Families - Bright Futures Play Centres

The Ewewi Families - Bright Futures Play Centres ('Bob the Builder') is a 2015-16 Direct Aid Program funded initiative that aims to build toys for young children attending community play centres.

The program is run by Ms Lisa McCutchen and operates from the Nibok Church Hall from 12:00-15:00 every Saturday.

The program, which relies on volunteers from the community, has succeeded in building a number of toys for young children including toy stoves, double sided black boards and easels.

Experienced carpenters mentor young men and women volunteers from age 14 and above in the construction of the wooden toys and are given the opportunity to learn a new skills and presented with a certificate for their participation.

The initial program began on 20 June, with a great turn out from the Nauru community. "Around 16 young men aged 14+ were mentored by our master carpenters, Richard and Vaesiki from Ronphos, as they created our first community play centre toys - 6 wooden toy stoves. The young men worked solidly for four hours until the job was done. Inspiring stuff, and they had a great time doing it too!" sad Ms McCutchen.

Assistant Program Manager, Ms Gay Uera (left), presents Ms Lisa McCutchen with a certificate for DAP Funding.

Direct Aid Program 2015-16: Grant Recipients Announced

The Australian High Commission in Nauru is pleased to announce the following recipients have been successful in their applications to the Direct Aid Program (DAP):

Community Friday Night Market ($4990)
Funding to purchase dedicated equipment for the night markets like lighting, marquees, tables and chairs.
Ewewi Families – Bright Futures Play Centres ($4610):
The project proposes to purchase kits to run a toy-making workshop, with the aim of bringing the community together, teaching skills to the young people who participate in the workshops, while ending up with quality wooden toys for the 0-4 age range play centres.
Nauru Indoor Soccer Association ($1820):
Funding for basic equipment to set up an indoor soccer competition in Nauru.
Nauru Wrestling Association ($3580):
Funding to support the purchase of gym equipment for training.