JANUARY NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE NOW
Click here to download this file
If you cannot read PDF files please use the contact page to ask for a word copy.
APIDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - NOVEMBER 2009
The 2009 AGM was held on November 14th. The minutes, including reports are available for download in:
RTF formatClick here to download this file
PDFClick here to download this file
CHRISTMAS APPEAL - OVER !!
Thanks to all those who supported this appeal. The good news is that if you are looking for an original gift for your colleagues, family and friends any time, you can still support our work in this way.
The following gifts will help the work of APIDS:
TONGA: In Tonga, you could elect to contribute to efforts to help people with disabilities who have been affected by the recent tidal wave. Or you could help pay for a Tongan member of a Disabled Peoples Organisation to attend computer classes so they can improve their chances of employment. Just $5 will make a big difference in Tonga!
TUVALU & KIRIBATI: Why not contribute towards awareness programs about the rights of people with disabilities in Tuvalu and particularly the rights of women with disabilities in Kiribati? Only $10 will help bring women with disabilities from outer islands of these remote countries to these important programs. Experience in other countries has shown that these simple get-togethers can make a huge difference to the dignity and inclusion of women with disabilities in a range of social, economic and community activities.
PNG, SOLOMON ISLANDS & VANUATU: Why not help improve communications for Disabled People’s Organisations in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands or Vanuatu? Their members are spread far and wide and communications is challenging. Just $40 will contribute to the costs of computer hardware and software, or the costs of transport for members to come together to discuss and plan their activities.
TIMOR-LESTE: Why not assist a new Disabled Peoples Organisation in Timor Leste visit remote areas to find people with disabilities and link them up with each other for advocacy and training opportunities? Just $20 will help build this important community-based organisation so it can help improve the rights of people with disabilities.
SAMOA: In Samoa, the Disabled People’s Organisation is ready to make its plan for the next few years, building on its recent achievements, so is seeking support for a retreat for board members and staff. Your contribution could help make a real difference to the lives of people with disability, as determined by their own organisation – why not contribute $60 to Samoa this Christmas?
FIJI: Finally, for those keen to support Fiji, your contribution of $30 or any amount really, will help keep the Disabled People’s Organisation going for all its members, in difficult times.
Please note all donations $2 and over are tax deductible.
Order your cards by writing to 49 Rubiton Court, Gisborne, VIC 3437 or emailing apids2009@gmail.com. If you would like to support our work you can also donate online at: www.ourcommunity.com.au/apids
TWO NEW DIRECTORS APPOINTED
At the AGM on 14th November, Sally Baker and Kate Nelson became directors of APIDS. All existing Directors have retained their positions.
17th November 2009: SAMOA - TONGA TSUNAMI FUNDRAISING APPEAL RAISES $3000
Thanks to the generosity of members and supporters, approximately $3000 was raised to help people with disabilities and their families who were affected by September's Pacific Tsunami.
APIDS is working with Nuanua O le Alofa in Samoa and Naunau o 'e Alameite Tonga Association on the planning and implementation of activities to meet the needs of people with disabilities who were affected.
Watch this space for updates on these activities. Thank you for your support.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FUNDING FOR PACIFIC DPOS OCTOBER 26 2009
APIDS Directors are pleased to announce that the following grants have
been made for the 2009/10 financial year, and were remitted today:
Fiji Disabled Peoples Association (FDPA)
$1,000 for operational costs
Te Toa Matoa (Kiribati)
$1,000 for a women with disabilities rights awareness program
PNG Assembly Of Disabled Persons,
$1,000 to purchase a second computer for the office.
Nuanua O Le Alofa Inc. (Samoa)
$1,000 in order to conduct a retreat for NOLA board and staff in order to review the current constitution, formulate a new strategic plan for the years 2010-2012 and revisit existing policies and governing process for the organisation
Disabled Peoples’ Association of Solomon Islands
$1,000 to purchase a UPS for their computer and help in meeting internet costs; at the moment they are using dial-up cards that cost 100SBD
Ra’es Hadomi Timor Oan (Timor Leste)
$1,000 to pay the costs of training for the management committee in coordination and management skills.
Naunau ‘o e Alamaite Tonga Association
$1,000 to provide computer training in 2010 for people with disabilities
Disability Promotion & Advocacy Association (Vanuatu)
$1,000 to provide transport to members who live in remote places in
order to participate in meetings and DPA events.
Fusi Alofa Tuvalu
$500 for a disability awareness program (a smaller allocation is made as this is our first grant to Tuvalu)
ORGANISATIONS FOR THE DEAF
The Gallaudet University Center for International Programs and Services (CIPS) has just launched the World Deaf Information Resource Project, which is meant to disseminate contact information for deaf organizations around the world. Its website location is at cips.gallaudet.edu/wdi.xml
NEW PARTNER
APIDS would like to welcome Fusi Alofa Association Tuvalu as the ninth partner organisation.Talofa to all in Tuvalu.
VANUATU DPO WEBSITE
Congratulations to DPA Vanuatu who have recently launched their website. Find out more about DPA Vanuatu at www.dpaav.org
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT
APIDS has raised almost $20,000 in our fundraising campaign. We welcome donations at any time. Read the fact sheets for Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Timor Leste, Tonga and Vanuatu to give you some greater insights into what APIDS is doing in partnership with Pacific DPOs to promote the rights of people with disabilities in the Pacific.
Fiji Click here to download this file
Kiribati Click here to download this file
Samoa Click here to download this file
Timor LesteClick here to download this file
TongaClick here to download this file
Vanuatu Click here to download this file
You can make a tax deductible donation by sending a cheque to APIDS Foundation Fund at 49 Rubiton Crt, Gisborne, V 3437 or by using credit card facilities at Our Community www.ourcommunity.com.au/apids
PACIFIC SISTERS WITH DISABILITIES
The report "Pacific Sisters with Disabilities: At the Intersection of Discrimination" May 2009, co-authored by President Daniel Stubbs and Sainimilli Tawake is now available on line.
This study aims to identify the issues and challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities in the Pacific and to analyse social and economic factors impacting on their human rights. Women and girls with disabilities experience disadvantages and discrimination based on the combination of both disability and gender-based discrimination, known as 'intersectional discrimination'. Responses targeted to their specific issues and needs are therefore required to ensure that they enjoy the same rights as all others, including disabled men and/or their non-disabled peers.
The link is:
www.undppc.org.fj/_resources/article/files/Final%20PSWD%20BOOKLET.pdf
What is APIDS?
Australia Pacific Islands Disability Support (APIDS) was established as a non-profit company in 2005 to assist disabled peoples’ organisations to contribute towards the alleviation of poverty for people with disabilities in Pacific Island countries. APIDS supports disabled peoples’ organisations to meet the objectives they have prioritized for themselves.
You can donate to APIDS at www.ourcommunity.com.au/apids Donations $2 and over are tax deductible.
Australia Pacific Islands Disability Support Limited partners with the World Relief Overseas Aid Fund by acting as its agent for fundraising and the delivery of relief and development projects in developing countries. www.worldrelief.org.au/
