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Irish Development Funding in China

In-Country Micro-Projects Scheme

On behalf of Irish Aid (www.irishaid.gov.ie) , the Embassy of Ireland administers a fund for small development projects around China. Known as the In-country Micro-Projects Scheme, it is designed to provide support to local non-governmental organisations working in a selected number of developing countries where Irish Aid does not have a Bilateral Aid Programme. 

Aim of the scheme

The aim of the scheme is to work in partnership with local non-governmental organisations in support of projects that address the root causes of poverty in a way that is strategic and cost effective, enhances local capacity and ownership, and is consistent with the Embassy’s other programmes of work in China.

Focus of the scheme

The focus of the scheme is on small-scale development projects implemented by local non-governmental organisations, which for the purposes of the scheme are defined as:

Indigenous, locally managed, not for profit organisations that are independent of the state and are formed voluntarily by members of society to address the root causes of poverty in their respective communities

Organisations eligible for consideration under this definition include registered NGOs, community based organisations, faith-based organisations involved in development work, cooperatives, farmer associations and trade unions. 

Priority sectors

• Basic Education:The particular focus will be on primary education.  Other basic education interventions such as pre-school, adult literacy, and junior secondary must be explicitly justified on the basis of their links to disadvantage.  Projects should address quality, equity and access in education, have a clear poverty focus, and be consistent with government policy.
   
• Primary Health Care:  The focus here is on providing accessible, equitable, and affordable basic primary health care targeting disadvantaged communities, at a point closest to the community, and as part of an overall integrated health service provision from primary through to tertiary level.  Examples include support for community based health care, outreach programmes, health education and training of health workers. 
  
  
• Water and Sanitation:Including provision of small-scale water points, water collection and storage systems, latrines, and community hygiene education.  Project applications will need to demonstrate a strong level of community involvement and management for long-term sustainability, as well as a health education component.
  
  
• Micro-enterprise development:  Including small enterprise development and employment creation schemes as well as micro-credit schemes that reflect good practice, are based on a thorough feasibility study and a sound business plan, have a realistic chance of achieving their overall objectives, and are sustainable.  
  
  
• Training: Including community leadership training; capacity building for key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, HIV/AIDS, water and sanitation; non-formal skills training that is clearly linked to local employment opportunities and that targets women, unemployed youth, street children and the disabled.  
  
  
• HIV/AIDS:The focus here will be on community-based programmes aimed at prevention, treatment, care and support, and that are consistent with good practice.  Examples include information, education and communication campaigns, behavioural change projects, community based home care and orphan care projects. 

For further information about ICMPS in China, contact the Embassy at beijing@dfa.ie

Summary of Projects funded by the Embassy around China

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