Deadline: 25-Aug-20
The U.S. Embassy Mbabane Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for non-governmental and non-profit organizations to submit applications to manage the strategic events and programs of the American Spaces in Eswatini (ASE).
PAS manages three public engagement venues called American Spaces in Eswatini (ASE). These are located in Ezulwini (U.S. Embassy) Mbabane (Public Library), and Nhlangano (Public Library). ASE exemplify the U.S. commitment to a citizen’s right to free access to information – which is a core tenant of democracy. ASE have modern, high-technology developmental platforms that attract, engage, and inspire the audiences to bring about positive change. Through diverse informational, cultural programs and events, ASE highlight shared values, the importance of bilateral cooperation and the promotion of increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
Goals
ASE seeks to support the achievement of the following goals:
- Provision of support to the government of Eswatini’s HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 response;
- Deepened commitment to democratic governance, human rights, the rule of law, and a market-based economy free from government interference; and
- Increased participation by youth, women, and other disadvantaged groups in civil society and government.
Program Pillars
ASE focus on the following five program pillars. They:
- Provide accurate, timely, and audience-appropriate information about the United States – its history, culture, society, and values.
- Facilitate English language learning through access to English language speakers, resources, computers, and the Internet.
- Promote U.S. higher education through EducationUSA advising by providing Swati students with accurate, comprehensive, and current guidance on applying to U.S. colleges and universities.
- Foster people-to-people connections, increase understanding, and build respect with audiences in Eswatini through cultural programs.
- Support continued engagement with U.S. government alumni, connecting them to local audiences through alumni programs where credible local voices can share firsthand information about the United States and American values.
Funding Information
Applicants are awarded with the amount of $16000.
Priority Areas
The proposed people-to-people and virtual programs, activities and events should focus on the following priority areas:
- Entrepreneurship & Economic Growth: A continuum of activities that support innovation and entrepreneurship, in particular startups in the social entrepreneurship space that are sustainable and contribute to job creation; activities that encourage trade and investment and other partner relationships between entities in the United States and Eswatini that promote economic growth and prosperity.
- Education Activities: that promote quality higher education, collaboration between U.S. and Eswatini higher educational institutions, skills training, leadership and soft skills development, workforce and technical skills development, sharing of common values and inspiration, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), and general awareness of international standards and trends in education.
- Good Governance / Citizen Participation in Democracy: Activities aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in local, municipal, provincial, and national governments; freedom of speech; a free and responsible media; voter participation; and civic responsibility.
- Human Rights and Dignity Activities: that encourage women’s empowerment and gender equality, grow respect for underserved and underrepresented individuals, empower marginalized and disadvantaged communities, and encourage social inclusion, access to resources, and fundamental human rights for all.
Participants and Audiences
- The target audience is youth aged 16-35 – high school, university students, and young professionals in the four regions of Eswatini.
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Eswatini-based not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/nongovernmental organizations
- Eswatini-based public and private educational institutions.
U.S.-based, for-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/31QU4j1