U.S. Embassy accepting Applications for English Language for Professional Journalists in Kazakhstan

Deadline: 09-Jul-20

The Embassy of the United States of America is seeking applications from qualified educational institutions or non-profit organizations to implement the program entitled “English Language for Professional Journalists in Kazakhstan.”

Project purpose

• Goal: Journalists apply English language skills to improve the quality and diversity of media information in Kazakhstan
  • Objective 1:  Kazakhstani journalists apply increased English language skills in their workplace
  • Objective 2: Program participants and alumni maintain English language skills through continued engagement with other English-speaking journalists
  • Objective 3: The informal network is created to support interest in peer-to-peer English language practice.

Expected Results

• The Embassy expects that participants of the program will gain practical and theoretical knowledge of journalism and English language skills applicable in their daily work. They expect participants should demonstrate measurable increases in their English language proficiency and ability to apply those skills in real-life situations. The English language courses should help selected participants gain practical skills to improve the quality of their work, to broaden their theoretical background in journalism, and improve English in reading, listening to, and discussing news and current events. A successful grantee will not only report on journalists’ academic progress but also hold focus groups at the end of the sessions to learn how, if at all, journalists report applying their skills in their workplaces.
• The participants should also show progress in the use of English to access information and report news stories. They should be encouraged to submit links to materials produced with sources or skills they developed through the course and should share anecdotal feedback on how they are able to use the knowledge and skills gained during the course in their work.
• The Embassy expects that networks of alumni in several cities of Kazakhstan will become an efficient and effective way of sharing and distributing information on a peer-to-peer level.

Funding Information

• The award floor is set at $140,000; the award ceiling is set at $200,000.
• The period of performance is 12-18 months with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2020.

Target Beneficiaries

The U.S. Embassy to Kazakhstan plans to provide the opportunity for broadcast, print, and online news journalists from at least seven different cities in Kazakhstan to gain skills in English language required for their professional needs. The envision holding classes in Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Aktau, Karaganda, Kostanay, Oskemen and Shymkent, although prospective grantees may propose alternate or additional cities in their proposals.

Eligibility Criteria

• This funding opportunity is limited to non-governmental, non-profit, and for-profit organizations registered in Kazakhstan. Applications from organizations registered outside of Kazakhstan, political groups carrying out partisan activities, and charity organizations will not be considered. Only one concept paper may be submitted per eligible organization or individual. Kazakhstan-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.
• Qualified applicants should have demonstrated at least 5 years of relevant experience. This experience should be documented in the organization’s proposal. The Embassy reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering similar programs and/or federal grant awards. Applicants must have existing facilities or the capacity to develop active partnerships with instructors and teaching sites in Kazakhstan, particularly in Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Aktau, Karaganda, Kostanay, Oskemen, and Shymkent, or other sites where the English language classes will take place.
• Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
• To be eligible for a grant award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and political affiliation
• Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the Recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub-awards issued under this grant award.