The amounts and types of information made available during the internet era have been unprecedented throughout the world, but not in Cuba. The restrictions that the Cuban government has placed on the distribution of information, including access to the internet, have left many citizens yearning for greater access to unfiltered information. During the last 20 years, various independent civil society groups (CSGs) and networks have been filling this void by distributing uncensored information and knowledge throughout the country. These initiatives serve as an alternative to state-sponsored sources of information. A number of independent CSGs and networks also provide a safe place where individuals can conduct research and analysis on a range of religious, literary, cultural, economic, and philosophical themes or topics.
In pursuance of ensuring the free flow of information in Cuba, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), represented by the Bureau of Latin America and the Caribbean (USAID/LAC), Office of Cuban Affairs is seeking applications for Cooperative Agreements for a three-year Civil Society program entitled “Facilitation the Free Flow of Information.”
Under this award and subject to the availability of funds, USAID’s LAC/Office of Cuban Affairs intends to support multiple cooperative agreements totaling up to $2 million a year for a total request of $6 million over the three-year period.
The intent of this project is to increase the flow of uncensored information to, from, and within the island by strengthening the ability of independent CSGs and networks to provide information to the communities that they serve.
It is expected that the program will support information dissemination using a range of traditional and new media technologies that can be found in the country. For example, USB drives, CDs and DVDs are relatively simple technologies that can store large quantities of data that can be easily shared. Information contained on these devices can be targeted to the interests of populations that civil society groups and networks serve. Selected websites can be cached and used for research purposes. Use of social media is small but growing, and it is expected that this program will increase the use of social media to reach broader segments of the population. Use of laptops as a platform for dissemination of information is expected to continue. While it is expected that some distribution of traditional print media such as books, magazines, newspapers and pamphlets will be supported, the focus of the program is on using and introducing the most appropriate technologies for achievement of program objectives. Materials provided through independent CSGs and networks should enable participants to make informed decisions about issues that affect them on a daily basis and help them think critically about local, national, and global events.
In addition to providing information and analysis, it is envisioned that this program will promote services provided by independent CSGs and networks that facilitate the free exchange of ideas. A wide range of events and activities that are of interest to the communities may include (but are not limited to) the exchange and debate of ideas, discussions on topics of common concern, the presentation of plays and movies, lectures and book discussions, events for children and youth, other cultural activities. It is expected that this program will provide the training and technical assistance that will facilitate an increase of demand-driven activities which will promote community involvement and the development of social capital among individuals.
Deadline for submitting the applications is July 18, 2011
For more information and details, please visit this link and search the Funding Opportunity Number USAID-W-OAA-GRO-LMA-11-022613.
