Deadline: 15-Apr-24
The U.S. Embassy Conakry is pleased to announce an open grant competition to award a cooperative agreement to organize a TechCamp, a program within the U.S. Department of State’s Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau.
The Embassy’s Public Affairs Office invites proposals from established associations to coordinate and implement all logistical aspects of the workshop, as well as be a thought partner alongside U.S. Embassy and TechCamp Program staff. TechCamp expertise and planning will be provided by the U.S. State Department, and they will carry out project training management and content, as well as facilitating the workshop on the ground. The ideal implementing partner for this program will have prior experience organizing educational conferences and managing travel logistics.
The objective of this TechCamp is to strengthen democratic values and expand livelihoods by equipping media professionals and influencers with advanced skills in media literacy and strategies to effectively combat misinformation and disinformation. It focuses on enhancing critical thinking and fact-checking abilities, vital for upholding journalistic integrity and fostering informed public discourse in Guinea.
The TechCamp team recruits American and international technology experts to empower participants in making positive changes in their communities. Experts that work as TechCamp trainers could be U.S and international journalists covering breaking news around the world, content creators shaping narratives about relevant topics, U.S and international NGO leaders managing global projects and brands, American and international spokespeople conveying a public message, or practitioners leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) from a U.S and international perspective. Each workshop provides an interactive opportunity for American and international experts to learn from participants’ local issues while exposing them to accessible technology and skills to solve the challenges they are facing.
Program Objectives
- The theme of the TechCamp will be “increase citizens’ access to tools to counter disinformation while strengthening diverse, accurate information sources.”
- The grantee will be the logistical lead as the program connects participants with technology experts to co-create innovative tech solutions to real-world challenges.
- The program will promote the U.S. Embassy’s goals of Strengthening Democracy, Human Rights, and Good Governance.
- The program will utilize 20% of the budget for continued engagement with the TechCamp participants.
Funding Information
- Total available funding: $110,000 USD
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $60,000 USD to a maximum of $110,000 USD
- Length of performance period: 12 months – 18 months
- Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
- Anticipated program start date: October, 2024
Program Methods and Design
- Each TechCamp program includes a workshop and continued engagement activities: (1) a hands-on, participant-driven workshop that connects technology and subject-matter experts to participants and (2) robust continued engagement programming that allows participants to continue working on and implementing their project ideas, as well as trainers to continue to support and mentor participants months and years after the initial workshop. Once participants are selected, their preferences, needs, and goals (expressed via surveys) will be used by the TechCamp team to design the program content, select trainers, and develop continued engagement activities. Continued engagement is a key component to ensure that participants apply what they have learned and maintain contact with post and each other.
- Participant-directed: the TechCamp team designs programs based on participant input and allowing individual choice of topics to ensure relevance and maximize engagement.
- Built around small groups: small group collaboration by groups with similar goals, working closely with trainers to create project ideas from challenges and devise technology solutions they can apply directly in their work.
- Focused on specific outcomes: all major components of the program are tailored to devising tools that participants can immediately apply in their fields and report on their impact.
Key Components
- Three days
- 40-60 participants
- Approx. 8-10 trainers
- Budget max: $110,000 USD (funding will cover all programming costs for the 3 days, partner fee/overhead, and travel/accommodation/food for all trainers and participants, continued engagement)
- Continued engagement – 20% of funding reserved for continued engagement activities
Program Activities
- The grantee will be responsible for the following activities:
- Designate a member of staff to attend all planning meetings and serve as program lead
- Make all logistical arrangements to support the TechCamp workshop, including but not limited to:
- Secure and book an appropriate and properly equipped venue
- Confirm adequate WiFi connectivity
- Arrange and book all travel for participants and trainers, including international trainers and participants
- Arrange and book all lodging/transportation/per diem for all participants and trainers
- Arrange all meals for all participants and trainers during the workshop
- Provide assistance and guidance to all participants and trainers on any visa requirements necessary to facilitate their travel to the TechCamp location
- Facilitate payment for trainer honoraria (both local and international trainers) as well as payment for any small grants awarded during continued engagement
- Collaborate with the U.S. Embassy in creating graphics and branding templates provided by the TechCamp team
- Work closely with the U.S. Embassy and TechCamp team to recruit and invite participants
- Support dissemination of TechCamp survey to assess participant needs, skills, and goals of TechCamp
- Design Tech Camp to meet Embassy policy goals in close consultation with U.S. Embassy and TechCamp team
Participants and Audiences
- Educators in Media Studies
- Social Media Influencers
- Digital Media Technologists
- 10 trainers traveling from the U.S., host country, and possibly other countries in coordination with the U.S. Department of State
Priority Region: Guinea/Conakry
Eligibility Criteria
- The following organizations are eligible to apply: Designated Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Guinea.