OpportunityTitle: Youth Debate Training and Competition
CategoryExplanation: Public Diplomacy
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: Eligibility is open to all non-profit, non-governmental organizations. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. For profit entities are not eligible to be the prime recipient of an award under this NOFO. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. Per Section D, applicants must submit proof of their non-profit status with their proposal submission (e.g. proof of 501(c)(3) status, Afghan NGO license). Applications that do not include proof of non-profit status will not be considered. Individuals are not eligible for an award under this NOFO. Please refer to Section D for funding restrictions.
Description: This cooperative agreement will fund debate training and a series of debate competitions throughout Afghanistan, culminating in a final round of competition in Kabul, Afghanistan. This youth debate program will create opportunities for women and men between the ages of 18 and 30 from provinces across Afghanistan to develop important skills for successful civic engagement, including public speaking, critical thinking, team-building, and in-depth research. Through the process of preparing for and participating in co-educational debate training and competitions to be conducted in English, participants will learn a widely recognized debate format while gaining in-depth knowledge of debate themes from multiple perspectives. Participants will also learn to support arguments with evidence and anticipate objections. The Recipient may engage subject-matter experts (e.g., university faculty, civil society activists, qualified debate instructors) to lead pre-debate research sessions via Skype or in-person. The debates will be amplified through social media and other means to reinforce lessons learned and encourage post-debate engagement among participants and broader society. All debate themes will be approved by PAS and all debate competitions will be conducted in English.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: Inquiries
GrantorContactText: Jason Brenden, Grants Manager, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Kabul, Afghanistan