Rarotonga recipients of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Social Impact Fund (SIF) signed their official contracts yesterday.

Thirty two ‘expressions of interest’ had been received by the ministry, 28 proposals were filed, of which 16 were approved; this is also the first time the highest number of Pa Enua (11) have received the SIF funds.

The SIF Manager Princess Raukete said the project is worth $200,000 and is rolled out on an annual basis, this year the sum totaled to $193,390.45 for the approved proposals.

These funds are very important for the Civil Society Organisations and the Not for Profit Organisations, as they fill in the gaps in our society, said Raukete.

Secretary of Internal Affair Anne Herman said “we are proud of those community groups who are doing work for the most vulnerable, for our children, for our persons with disability, for our men and women who are disadvantaged in whatever way.

 “If we are strong in our family this will radiate within our community and vice versa,” said Herman.

The $200,000 SIF project and the three year SIF funded programme of $800,000 adds up to a $1million fund that government has put aside, “even through these Covid times especially for the community groups.”

The board members were acknowledged for going through and analyzing the proposals.

The Rarotonga SIF recipients are: Apii Te Uki Ou, Rarotonga Sailing Club, Te Kainga o Pa Taunga, Te Punanga Oraanga Matutu, Vaimaanga Community Centre.

The Pa Enua SIF recipients are: Aitutaki - Arenikau Taskforce Patrol, Aitutaki Volunteer Fire Brigade, Vaipae Oire Vainetini, Toa Moana Oe Vaka Club; Mangaia - Puna Tavaenga, Puna Tamarua and the Apostolic Church Youth; Penrhyn - Omoka Women Organisation, Omoka CICC Youth; Pukapuka - CICC Boys and Girls Brigade Youth; Mitiaro - Te Ngaru Tu o Nukuroa.