Addendum Nomination for Ambassador's Refugee Fund 2005

UNCLAS ZAGREB 001142

SIPDIS


DEPT FOR PRM: TTARGOS
DEPT FOR EUR/SCE: DROBINSON
BELGRADE FOR DSALAZAR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF HR
SUBJECT: Addendum Nomination for Ambassador's Refugee Fund 2005

REF: (A) STATE 27113 (B) Zagreb 246 (C) Selinger-Targos email


1. Post appreciates allocation of funds for two projects under PRM's

DONJI LAPAC PLAYROOM (USD 5000)


2. Background: The entire municipality of Lapac (354 square km, 2,300
inhabitants) previously had no functioning kindergartens until the Re
Red Crescent established a playroom in 2003. The playroom is situate
reconstructed building that was a destroyed high school. In 2004, th
Refugee Council (NRC) financed the playroom but will discontinue fund
2005 for financial reasons. The playroom has proven able to fill the
proper kindergarten.

Location Profile: Before the war, Donji Lapac was about 95% ethnic Se
residents left during the coQlict and the region was severely destro
region is now a mixed community: an estimated 75% of the population i
Serb while the remaining 25% is ethnic Croat (mostly Bosnian Croat se

Recipient: Croatian Red Cross' branch office would supervise.

Project: As no kindergarten or playroom facility exists in the region
facility serves as a valuable resource for the community. Currently
are enrolled - 20 Croats (from settler families) and 14 Serbs (from r
families). The playroom ethnic breakdown is the opposite to that of
structure in the Lapac municipality due to the fact that most Serb re
elderly and Bosnian Croat residents are usually young families.

Use of Funds: Funds would cover a teacher's salary to work part-time
daily),including pension and health contributions. The current teac
social worker and has received praise from previous donors. The muni
pays for utility costs.

Public Diplomacy: Post would highlight its support for an underdevelo
affected region.


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