Attention News Editors:

Canadian government commits $9.4 million to Canadian Lutheran World Relief projects

    WINNIPEG, July 24 /CNW/ - The Canadian government has shown its support
for the community development work of Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) by
endorsing the agency's 2008-2013 program proposal and committing almost 
$9.4 million to the $12.5 million cost.
    The half-decade plan aims to directly and indirectly benefit over 275,000
people in approximately 250 communities by improving governance, health care,
food security, nutrition, gender relations and environmental practices.
Activities will include training in crop production, irrigation, constructing
wells and latrines, education on nutrition, awareness raising about sexually
transmitted diseases, training in leadership and business management for
women, as well as community organizing. Programming undertaken will be an
extension of CLWR's current work in Zambia, Mozambique, India, Peru and
Bolivia.

    CLWR has traditionally depended on a combination of financial support
from government and individuals. Government support for this global program
comes through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and is
disbursed based on the level of funding CLWR raises from other donors.

For further information: Daranne Harris, CLWR Director of Communications
and Education, (204) 631-0504 office, (204) 612-0886 cell, dharris@clwr.mb.ca,
http://www.clwr.org