Minister Paradis announces support to increase access to basic education, improve water and sanitation systems and provide access to microfinance in Honduras and Guatemala
October 14, 2014 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced Canada’s support toward a project implemented by the Canadian Rotary Collaboration for International Development (CRCID) in Honduras and Guatemala.
The Government of Canada has worked in collaboration with Canadian Rotarians since the late 1970s and with the CRCID since 1986 to partner on projects to improve the lives of people around the globe. The Rotary approach of community-level fundraising increases the engagement of individual Canadians and strengthens the bonds of friendship between the developed and developing world. Canadian Rotarians and the Government of Canada have worked closely together on eradicating polio. Prime Minister Harper launched the “Pennies and More for Polio” fundraising drive to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a global program initiated by Rotarians.
By increasing access to basic education in Guatemala, and by improving water and sanitation systems and providing access to microfinance in Honduras, this new project will provide increased opportunities for vulnerable people to enjoy improved household income and welfare.
“Canada is once again partnering with the Canadian Rotary Collaboration for International Development to support impoverished families in Honduras and Guatemala,” said Minister Paradis. “Through the Improving the Quality of Life of Vulnerable People in Central America project, more children from low-income households will have access to education, more small businesses will have access to micro-financing and business training, and entire communities will have improved water and sanitation systems. Our government is proud to continue our longstanding relationship with Canadian Rotarians and we recognize and commend the high quality of local engagement on international development issues that Rotarians bring to the table."
One of the goals of Canada’s Strategy for Engagement in the Americas is to increase security and improve socio-economic conditions for the most vulnerable groups in the region.
Louis Longchamps
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6581
louis.longchamps@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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