One award of $62 million will be made, with applications due in just over a month on July 12th.
The United States Agency for International Development, via offices in Kabul, is funding an activity that aims to empower Afghan youth with a focus on girls and young women by preparing them with market-relevant technical and soft skills. USAID intends that participants will see enhanced income, increased food security and economic resilience through the program.
According to the NOFO available at grants.gov, outcomes from the funding opportunity include:
1) Improved post-secondary technical and vocational education or learning opportunities for youth, with a focus on market-relevant, skills-based learning within the agricultural sector and its related value chains.
2) Youth, particularly girls and young women, acquire market-relevant skills to improve livelihood opportunities and engage in climate resilient agricultural value chains in their home, community, or other settings.
The period of performance is 5 years, with an estimated start date of October 1st of this year. Eligibility for the award is not restricted, meaning organizations that have not been awarded by USAID and faith-based organizations may apply.
A consortium may offer the best chance of winning. From the NOFO: “Given the multi-faceted nature of the Activity, a consortium approach is welcome and encouraged, including both local and international partners with expertise in relevant programmatic areas, such as basic education, higher education, youth empowerment, agriculture, economic growth, and/or democracy and governance.”
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