2007-12-21
The Honourable Beverley Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, continues the federal government's commitment to international development by announcing close to $8 million in funding to support eight development projects by Canadian universities. In the last few weeks, Government of Canada representatives held a series of events announcing funding to these initiatives.
Our Canadian universities will be helping developing countries such as Mali, Madagascar, Tanzania, Bangladesh, China, Bolivia and Mozambique. The Government of Canada’s support to these projects will contribute to eradicate poverty and global diseases by increasing the ability of the people of these countries to manage their natural resources, their livestock, their businesses and their institutions.
The projects are funded through the University Partnerships in Cooperation and Development Program (UPCD) of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) administers the projects on behalf of CIDA.
"This unique partnership will help to achieve development successes and make a difference to improve health and the environment, reduce poverty and contribute to sustainable livelihoods for people in developing countries," said Claire Morris, President of the AUCC. "Universities everywhere help build the foundation for prosperity, and these projects offer opportunities for engaging our students and faculty in good governance and sustainable development."
Member universities of the AUCC will manage each project. They include: Université Laval, Université de Montréal, Huron University College, University of Manitoba, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University, and University of Victoria.
Description of the projects
Université Laval (Quebec City, Québec) – Fighting poverty with agriculture and forestry management – Mali – $ 1,000,000
This project will provide training in forest and agricultural land management practices, to increasee the number of trees planted on farms and in fields. Trees in Mali are used for medicinal products, firewood, fertilizer, and in food production. The more trees planted, the greater the positive impact on the standard of living. The project will also serve as a model for a national strategy in forestry and agricultural management.
Université de Montréal, (Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec) – Improving animal and human health – Madagascar – $ 999,884
The project will strengthen the veterinary program at the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar, updating rural veterinary practices and farm animal care, as well as encouraging local farmers to use a significant portion of their livestock to help feed their families. The project will take place in four different regions of the country.
Huron University College (London, Ontario) – Increasing civil society participation in poverty reduction – Tanzania – $ 882,000
The objective of the project is to increase the access that non-governmental organizations and other civil society organizations have to databases, networks and other information that will give them the knowledge and tools they require to participate in the Tanzanian national debate on poverty reduction. This debate will lead to development of a national policy to address this issue.
University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Manitoba) – Environmental management – Bangladesh – $999,000
This groundbreaking initiative will unite environmental protection, micro-credit, and good governance into a powerful tool for sustainable development. The resources and knowledge of universities in Canada and Bangladesh will be combined with that of non-governmental agencies and local governments to generate community-based economic growth partnered with environmental protection activities. For example, rural women will be encouraged to establish ‘green’ micro-businesses through existing micro-credit programs.
University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Manitoba) – Responding to HIV/AIDS – China – $998,000
This project with the West China School of Public Health located in Sichuan, Chengdu, will focus on building and improving the expertise within the school, for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. The school provides public health training for all of West China.
University of Calgary (Calgary, Alberta) – Water management in Bolivia – $1,000,000
This project will provide Bolivians with increased support in water management, water protection and water conservation, resulting in better access to abundant, clean water leading to improved health. This project is linked to the National Water Resource Strategy, the National Watershed Plan and the National Desertification Plan.
Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, British Columbia) – Community economic development – Bolivia – $ 990,000
The project will establish a practical university-based training program in community economic development in five regions in Bolivia. The training that people will receive through this project will help communities to develop local economies and enterprises that are both equitable and sustainable.
University of Victoria (Victoria, British Columbia) – Southern oceans education and development – Mozambique – $1,000,000
This project will develop a coastal aquaculture system, or under water farming so people can produce food for themselves and for the community, providing needed employment and increased food security. The project will also improve the understanding and skills of university professors and staff, and their work with local communities. The instruction will come through a Brazilian partner, which completed a similar program and now has the capacity to share knowledge and skills.
The University Partnerships in Cooperation and Development Program holds regular competitions open to universities across Canada, and the selection process is overseen by an independent committee of peers. The selection process is co-ordinated by the AUCC, a national organization representing Canadian universities.
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Information:
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: (819) 953-6534
E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
