The United States Agency for Information Development (USAID) has awarded a grant of US $23 million (£18m) to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The grant is to strengthen self-reliance and resilience in Tibetan communities in South Asia and will be paid over the next five years (October 2016 – September 2012).
The funding originates with the United States government and is being routed through USAID. It will be used mainly to fund improved livelihood for Tibetan refugees, and for leadership development.
Dr Lobsang Sangay, Sikyong or Tibetan Prime Minister
Dr Lobsang Sangay, the Sikyong, or Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile said in a press conference that for improving livelihood the grant will be used for, “integrated development projects, non-banking financial cooperation and maintaining cultural aspects of Tibetan communities which are very important”.
For the leadership component, Dr Sangay said, “It’s essentially building human resources and capacities of Tibetan people as a whole. Our focus is on CTA and staff at the moment”. He explained that the CTA has already started two to three week training courses for senior CTA staff and that this will continue.
Sikyong said the first year will be mainly for assessment and the remaining four years will be about actual implementation of the new initiatives. He requested that all Tibetans take part in the assessment programmes so that their concerns, aspirations and proposed projects can be considered.
In addition to support for developments for health and education and for the sustainability of Tibetan settlements, funds will be allotted to building community libraries with wifi, community workshop centres and playgrounds.
USAID is the lead United States Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realise their potential.
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