The Combined Services Third World Fund (CSTWF) has published its annual report for 2014. The fund awarded 68 grants for projects in 16 developing countries during the year under review. €172,900 of the total amount granted went to educational projects.

The fund was established in 1980 by trade unions representing staff in the Civil Service, An Post and other state agencies. The fund relies on voluntary contributions of employees and pensioners that join the fund. The contributions (roughly 1 or 2 cents in every €10) are deducted at source from pay or pension. Since its foundation, the fund has made in excess of 1,800 development grants and over 40 emergency aid grants totalling €8,000,000.

Joe Maher, formerly of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) explained, “The Fund places a high value on education as it is central to development, enabling people to overcome poverty. It is the “helping hand” rather than the handout.”

The report shows that €41,400 in grants were given to health projects. Other sectors to benefit from grants made were agriculture, community development, and the provision of water and sanitation.

The full annual report is available here.