Description
The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon announces a funding opportunity for an organization to expand American Spaces programming by leading activities in four regions of Cameroon. The programming goals from the previous year encompassed the enhancement of soft skills, entrepreneurship, media literacy/ disinformation, environmental and climate change awareness, and promoting good governance. In the fiscal year 2023, the programming extended to all four American Spaces and comprised virtual and in-person initiatives and events. This year, key programming areas should include entrepreneurship and soft skills development, media literacy and countering disinformation, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) American Spaces are the U.S. government’s primary cultural and information centers abroad, providing free and open access for communities worldwide interested in learning more about the United States. In Cameroon, there are four American Spaces: The American Center in Yaoundé, the University of Buea American Corner, the American Corner Garoua, and the American Corner in Douala. The American Center Yaoundé regularly collaborates with the other three Corners for joint programming. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: For FY 2024, American Spaces Cameroon wishes to expand these programs to other regions of Cameroon by hosting camps and pop-up American Spaces focused on entrepreneurship and soft skills development, STEAM training, media literacy, and countering disinformation. The grantee will host at least four regional workshops and camps on the following: · Create innovative STEAM programs to engage youth in the selected regions while utilizing United States Government alumni and subject matter experts. · Train students, young professionals, and jobseekers on soft skills development, entrepreneurship, and innovation to promote positive community engagement and increase employability. · Build a better-informed citizenry by increasing participants’ critical thinking and media literacy skills. Workshops should train youth on how to identify misinformation and examine the potential interests behind specific media stories. Participants and Audiences: The primary target audience is young Cameroonians, aged 18 – 30 and the principal method of engagement will be through in-person programming with partner institutions. Virtual engagement may be a part of the overall strategy, augmenting in-person programming, when possible, and acting as the primary method of engagement, when necessary. Preference will be given to proposals that prioritize and maximize the needs of the audience while limiting overhead, equipment, and other expenses that do not directly support program participants. A successful proposal will develop a robust monthly calendar of activities spanning at least 12 months. American Content: Proposals must include an element of American expertise, American resources on the topic at hand, or American cultural or societal experience relevant to the topic. This may be accomplished by incorporating U.S.-origin materials, theories, or other resources, or the involvement of American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) – or Cameroonian alumni of U.S.-sponsored exchange programs – that will promote increased understanding of U.S. values, culture, policy, and/or perspectives. The following types of activities are not eligible for funding: ● Scholarships for study in the United States or to fund conference attendance or study tours to the United States ● Activities that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship ● Construction activities ● Programs that support specific religious activities ● Fund-raising campaigns ● Cash prizes for participants