RFAs: Promoting the Sustainability of the +ChicasTec Skills 4 Girls Initiative (Peru)

UNICEF is inviting grant applications to continue and expand the +ChicasTec initiative in Peru, helping adolescent girls develop digital skills, Front-End Programming, and Web Development capabilities. The project focuses on strengthening Technical-Productive Education Centres (CETPROs), empowering girls to pursue STEM careers, and promoting gender equality through technology education, with an indicative budget of 238,630.00.

UNICEF +ChicasTec Grant Overview

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking grant applications to strengthen digital skills development and technology education opportunities for adolescent girls in Peru.

The initiative aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the +ChicasTec model by transferring its educational and operational management to Technical-Productive Education Centres (CETPRO) while strengthening support from Local Education Management Units (UGEL).

By investing in digital education and institutional capacity, the programme seeks to increase girls’ participation in technology, reduce gender disparities in STEM fields, and improve future employment opportunities.

Programme Objectives

The initiative seeks to:

Expand digital skills education for adolescent girls.
Promote programming and web development training.
Encourage girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Reduce gender stereotypes in technology-related professions.
Strengthen the education sector’s ability to deliver technology-based training.
Ensure the long-term sustainability of the +ChicasTec model.
Build institutional capacity within CETPROs and UGELs.
Improve employability and socio-emotional skills among participants.

Focus Areas

The grant supports projects related to:

Digital skills development
Technology education
Front-End Programming
Web Development
Girls’ education
STEM education
Gender equality
Adolescent empowerment
Skills development
Employability
Education system strengthening
Capacity building

Funding Information

Indicative Budget: 238,630.00
Funding supports implementation of the +ChicasTec model, institutional strengthening, training, educational materials, and programme delivery activities.

What is the +ChicasTec Model?

The +ChicasTec model is an educational initiative that helps adolescent girls gain practical digital skills while preparing them for future careers in technology.

The model combines:

Front-End Programming training
Web Development education
Practical digital learning
Socio-emotional skills development
Employability preparation
Career guidance in technology

The programme also works to overcome gender stereotypes that often discourage girls from entering technology and innovation careers.

Expected Results

The initiative aims to achieve several key outcomes, including:

Two CETPROs in San Martín de Porres and Carabayllo independently implementing the +ChicasTec model.
Standardized operational manuals, educational tools, and implementation processes.
Strengthened institutional capacity within CETPROs.
Improved technical support from Local Education Management Units (UGEL).
Increased participation of adolescent girls in technology education.
Better accountability and participation mechanisms throughout programme implementation.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants should be capable of implementing education and digital skills programmes aligned with UNICEF’s objectives.

Projects should demonstrate the ability to:

Support adolescent girls in acquiring digital skills.
Strengthen technology education systems.
Deliver programming and web development training.
Build institutional capacity.
Work with CETPROs and UGELs.
Promote gender equality in education.
Implement participatory and accountable programme management.

Applicants should also have experience managing education, youth development, or digital skills initiatives.

Why This Grant Matters

Digital skills are becoming essential for education, employment, and entrepreneurship. However, girls continue to face barriers in accessing technology education and STEM careers.

This initiative helps address these challenges by:

Expanding opportunities for girls in technology.
Increasing access to quality digital education.
Strengthening vocational education institutions.
Improving employment readiness.
Building sustainable education systems.
Supporting gender equality in STEM.
Encouraging long-term institutional ownership of successful education models.

How the Programme Works

The project follows a sustainability-focused implementation model.

Step 1: Institutional Strengthening

Support CETPROs with standardized tools, manuals, and operational processes.

Step 2: Capacity Building

Train CETPRO and UGEL staff to independently manage and support the +ChicasTec model.

Step 3: Student Training

Deliver programming, web development, and digital skills training to adolescent girls.

Step 4: Participation and Accountability

Create mechanisms that allow beneficiaries to participate in programme implementation and provide feedback.

Step 5: Long-Term Sustainability

Transfer management responsibilities to local education institutions for continued implementation.

How to Apply

Interested organizations should:

Review the complete UNICEF funding announcement and eligibility requirements.
Prepare a proposal aligned with the programme objectives.
Demonstrate experience in education, digital skills development, or adolescent empowerment.
Describe the implementation methodology and expected outcomes.
Include institutional capacity-building strategies.
Explain how participation and accountability mechanisms will be integrated.
Submit the application before the official deadline through the designated UNICEF application platform.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Clearly explain how the project will strengthen digital education for girls.
Demonstrate experience in education or technology programmes.
Include measurable outcomes and performance indicators.
Present a realistic implementation plan.
Show how institutional sustainability will be achieved.
Highlight gender-responsive approaches.
Explain collaboration with education institutions and local stakeholders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting proposals without measurable outcomes.
Failing to demonstrate institutional capacity.
Providing weak sustainability plans.
Ignoring gender equality objectives.
Omitting beneficiary participation mechanisms.
Presenting unrealistic implementation timelines.
Failing to align activities with UNICEF priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is organizing this grant?

The grant is offered by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

What is the main purpose of the initiative?

The programme aims to strengthen digital skills and technology education opportunities for adolescent girls in Peru while ensuring the sustainability of the +ChicasTec model.

What technical skills will participants learn?

Participants will receive training in Front-End Programming, Web Development, digital skills, employability, and socio-emotional competencies.

Which institutions will benefit?

The initiative focuses on strengthening Technical-Productive Education Centres (CETPROs) and supporting Local Education Management Units (UGELs).

What is the indicative budget?

The initiative has an indicative budget of 238,630.00.

Which locations are included?

The programme specifically supports CETPROs located in San Martín de Porres and Carabayllo in Peru.

What long-term impact does the programme seek?

The initiative aims to create a sustainable education model that enables local institutions to independently continue delivering high-quality digital skills training for adolescent girls.

Conclusion

The UNICEF +ChicasTec initiative represents an important investment in girls’ digital education and gender equality in Peru. By strengthening vocational education institutions, building digital competencies, and creating sustainable education systems, the programme seeks to prepare more adolescent girls for future opportunities in technology while promoting long-term institutional capacity and inclusive economic development.