Rural Reading Program

Description

1) Objective

The Rural Reading Program, funded by the Public Diplomacy (PD) section of the U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe under the U.S. Department of State, aims to enhance English literacy, communication skills, and critical thinking among secondary school girls in rural areas of Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe. The program will utilize books by U.S. authors that emphasize leadership, equality, and women’s empowerment, applying U.S.-style pedagogy with a focus on open discussion and constructive debate.

The grantee will partner with the U.S. Embassy to select five rural schools, engaging 30 students and two English teachers per school. Key activities may include film screenings, writing workshops, essay competitions, and a graduation ceremony, alongside the provision of necessary resources such as solar lamps to facilitate participation. The program’s overarching goal is to support the participants in becoming leaders in their schools and communities.

2) Eligibility

Eligible applicants include U.S. and Zimbabwean not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society/non-governmental organizations, and public and private educational institutions. For-profit entities are not eligible. While cost-sharing is not required, it is encouraged.

3) Location

Actions must take place in Zimbabwe.

4) Budget

The total program funding is $24,000, with an award ceiling and floor both set at $24,000. The grant covers a performance period of 12 months from the date of the award.

5) Application

The application deadline is 31 July 2024. Applicants must submit a proposal that clearly aligns with the program’s goals and objectives, providing specific details on the project’s execution, including a budget narrative and table in U.S. dollars. Required forms include the completed application, detailed projected budget, SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B.