Book Translation Program in Kyrgyzstan

Deadline: 30-Apr-22

The U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through the Embassy’s Book Translation Program (BTP).

BTP focuses on the translation and distribution of American books in the Kyrgyz language, offers a unique and popular way to connect with Kyrgyz audiences, particularly rural youth, while supporting the growth of the Kyrgyz language across the country. The program helps strengthen relations with local ministries and officials by providing high-quality books in Kyrgyz, the state language. The program helps facilitate outreach to Kyrgyz speaking audiences, which is a mission priority.

The program provides funding for copyright acquisition (if required), translation, printing, and distribution of the title, along with follow-up programming, such as workshops, master classes, website creation, and contests. PAS expects to fund two projects with an average award amount of $25,000 per title and a minimum print run of 3,000 copies. Books will be distributed by the grantee, the U.S. Embassy, and partners to educational institutions, public libraries, and American Spaces throughout the Kyrgyz Republic. The BTP will fund awards on a competitive basis conducted by panel review.

Objectives

By the end of 2024:

Increase access to books in one to two of the priority themes for at least 10,000 Kyrgyz-speaking readers
Increase understanding of at least one of the priority themes by engaging at least 200 beneficiaries for through follow-on programming such as workshops or discussion sessions.
Increase beneficiaries’ awareness of USG-supported programming opportunities in connection with the following themes mentioned below.

Priority Themes

FY2022 proposals may include fiction or nonfiction titles and must focus on one or more of the following themes:

STEAM: Includes any combination of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Environmental Conservation: Primarily focused on raising awareness of the need to protect the environment, and how to accomplish that. Particular priority will be given to projects focused on air quality issues.
Business Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship: Includes economic independence, business empowerment, and sustainable development, ideally targeted towards marginalized groups, underrepresented groups, and vulnerable populations to improve the business climate.
Civic Engagement and Rural to Urban Migrations: Raising awareness of civic engagement, especially regarding issues related to rural to urban migration, and the marginalization of rural communities.

Funding Information

Estimated Award Ceiling: $30,000
Estimated Award Floor: $15,000
Length of Project Period: 24 months
Number of Awards Anticipated: Up to 3 awards (Pending availability of funds)

Priority Audience: Primarily Kyrgyz-language speaking young professionals and youth aged 15-35, whose access to information and diverse perspectives is limited by the scarcity of Kyrgyz translations of international publications.