CHARSADDA: First Assistant Secretary of South and West Asia Division, Australia`s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Paul Robilliard on Thursday said his country would continue supporting the initiatives aimed at promoting concept of development at grassroots level.

`I feel proud to be among you after I witnessed your avowed commitment to change your living standards,` he told community activists during a visit to Azizabad village of Charsadda district.

Mr Robilliard along with Australian High Commissioner Peter Heyward, Australian DFAT executive officer Anna Oldmeadow and Australian High Commission counsellor (development) Greg Ellis visited the AusAid (Australian government)-funded projects in the village.

The projects, including infrastructure and livelihood programmes, were completed through the community with Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) as im-plementing partner.

Wadood Khan, one of the community activists, briefed visitors about the projects and the achievements of organisations involved.

`We can handle any crisis with ease now with mutual cooperation. SRSP not only united us but also encouraged us to raise our problems at all proper forums, he said.

Mr Wadood said a visible change had occurred in the people`s living standards after they underwent training in various trades.

Mr Robilliard said he was honoured to see that the Australian help had brought about such a change.

`I belong to an agricultural family and I know the importance of agriculture in the prosperity of people,` he said.

Later, SRSP chairman Munawar Humayun and chief executive officer Masoodul Mulk briefed visitors about the aims and achievements of the organisation.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl MPA Fazl Shakoor Khan and assistant commissioner Saiful Islam were also present on the occasion.