Deadline: 29 September 2016
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mali is seeking applications from eligible organisations with an aim to improve the quality and accessibility of education for Deaf and Blind Children (DBC) through the promotion of inclusive education practices.
The purpose of this Annual Program Statement (APS) is to solicit innovative concept papers from international and local organizations that can propose the best approach for blind and deaf inclusive education in Mali. This is in response to USAID commitment to extend from the design and implementation of USAID programming to advocacy for and outreach to people with disabilities (PWD).
The U.S. government’s education programs that assist the Government and the people of Mali are a long-term effort to ensure that Malian children and youth have equitable access to quality relevant education. It is expected that the activities that will be funded will contribute to improving early grade reading skills, promoting community engagement for more accountability and better learning outcomes; and increasing equitable access to relevant education services for conflict- affected children and youth.
Objectives
- Increasing the number of deaf and blind children attending primary school;
- Enhancing early grade reading outcomes for deaf and blind learners;
- Improving inclusive education delivery systems.
Focus Themes
- Conflict-sensitivity
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment,
- Science, technology and innovation
Areas for Programming
- Accessibility;
- Inclusive quality education;
- Parents and community engagement;
- DBC in conflict-affected environment and deaf and blind girls’ access to quality education; policy development and implementation;
- National and local systems strengthening;
- Capacity building of disabled people’s organizations (DPOs), Association des parents d’ élèves (APEs), Association des mères d’élèves (AMEs), and Comité de gestion scolaires (CGSs);
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment; science, technology and innovation; and
- Public private partnerships among others.
Funding Information
- Under this APS, USAID intends to fund several awards ranging from $20,000 to $300,000.
- Depending on funds availability, the total amount to be awarded for this program is $882,000, with a maximum of $400,000 available in year 1.
- The anticipated period of performance of each individual award is expected to be a minimum of 12 months and maximum of two (02) years.
Eligibility Criteria
- This APS is issued worldwide as a public notice to ensure that all interested and qualified organizations have a fair opportunity to submit applications for funding.
- Overall, concept papers that involve disabled people organizations (DPOs) and local partners or private sectors are encouraged.
- Eligible organizations could include: Local and International Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations, faith-based organizations (FBOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), civil society organizations (CSO), Colleges and Universities, private organizations and international non-governmental organizations, professional organizations and or associations, and other international organizations.
- Other U.S. Government departments and agencies may not apply for USAID funding under this APS.
- All applicants must be legally recognized.
- Local entities are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
This is a two-step application process:
- Concept Papers: Interested applicants can submit their concept papers electronically via given website.
- Full Application: If the initial review indicates that the concept paper merits further consideration and funds are available, USAID/Mali will request a full application, with additional instructions from the Agreement Officer. The Full Application will offer the applicant an opportunity to explain its technical approach in more detail.
For more information, please visit grants.gov.