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 Home > News & Policies > March 2008

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2008

Statement by Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Director Jay Hein Recognizing Award of New Partners Initiative Grant

KIGALI, RWANDA - White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Director Jay Hein today delivered the following statement at an event in Kigali, Rwanda, to recognize the award of a grant under the New Partners Initiative (NPI) of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR):

"Thank you Admiral Ziemer for the introduction. I am pleased to join you here today at the Resource Center for the Blind to announce the award of approximately $1.46 million (USD) grant to Handicap International Rwanda under the New Partners Initiative of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

"Handicap International Rwanda's award will enable it to build the capacity of community-based organizations and disabled-persons organizations, in order to increase their involvement in the national response to HIV/AIDS. In addition, the program will scale up HIV prevention services for people with disabilities and their family members. HIV care and support will also be strengthened and scaled up to include People with Disabilities who are HIV-positive, as well as disabled orphans and vulnerable children.

"Handicap International Rwanda was one of fourteen organizations recommended for funding in the second round of NPI. President George W. Bush launched the New Partners Initiative on World AIDS Day 2005. It is part of a broader effort within PEPFAR to work with new partners, including community and faith-based organizations. The program is designed to enhance the technical and organizational capacity of the new partners and their sub-partners, in order to ensure high-quality and sustainable HIV/AIDS programs owned by communities. This is the type of effort we see here today.

"This effort is also part of President Bush's larger vision for 'compassion in action' around the globe. Under President Bush's leadership, the U.S. Government has vastly expanded the battle against disease, poverty and other challenges in Africa and around the world. Faith-based and community organizations, like Handicap International Rwanda, are essential partners in this response.

"Today, I am pleased to present Handicap International Rwanda with a signed copy of the award announcement for their signature. Thank you for your partnership and for the good work you are doing and will continue to do. We look forward to watching your program grow with the support of the U.S. Government."

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