FSM Information Services
Press Release
President Panuelo Launches Social Protection Community Grants
Palikir, Pohnpei—On June 4th, 2021, His Excellency David W. Panuelo—President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—launched the FSM Social Protection Community Grants in an opening ceremony. Developed by President Panuelo and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Social Protection Community Grants are a key component of the Nation’s larger Social Protection infrastructure.
Citizens will recall that ADB is generously providing 14 million dollars ($14,000,000) for the purpose of the FSM’s Social Protection programming. Of this amount, two million dollars ($2,000,000) are allocated for assisting Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and community groups. The community-based COVID-19 awareness grant is intended to strengthen awareness of COVID-19, inclusive of education on handwashing and social distancing, distribution of soaps, masks, and informational materials, and piloting a gender-based violence hotline in Pohnpei State.
The Kolonia Town Taskforce received an award of $42,392.50 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Madolenihmw Students Organization (MSO) received $32,000 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Kolonia Senior Citizens Association received $12,500 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Moch Youth received $17,116 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Kitti COVID-19 Task Force received $40,000 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Oneop Island Youth Association “Ateneki” received $50,000 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Ati Saram Satawan Association received $43,620 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Utwe Women Organization received $50,000 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Tamil Resources & Conservation Trust received $50,000 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Kosrae Catholic Community received $12,409.70 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Chuuk Women Council received $41,500 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Kids of Ruu Community received $39,224 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
Sower received $38,319.12 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Sekere Community Youth Association received $37,000 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Enimwahn Development Association received $49,150 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Madolenihmw Municipal Government COVID-19 Task Force received $50,000 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
The Nett Indigenous Women Council, Inc. received $50,000 to support their efforts in COVID-19 prevention activities.
“Each of you submitted the applications and fulfilled the criteria we required,” said Acting Secretary for the Department of Health & Social Affairs, Marcus Samo. “You were selected because of what you submitted.”
“We thank ADB for their generous support of our FSM Social Protection Programming,” President Panuelo said. “Your work as NGOs and community groups, women’s groups, and youth groups, across the Nation, will ensure that our country can safely handle the COVID-19 Pandemic when it reaches our country, and help ensure that we prosper beyond it as we come closer to our vaccination targets.”
A working group, consisting of public servants from the Department of Health & Social Affairs and the Department of Finance & Administration, is tasked to review applications for the COVID-19 Social Protection Community-Based Grant. Applications continue to be accepted and processed.
The highly anticipated Low-Income Assistance Program is scheduled be launched during the week of June 7th to 11th.
