USAID, East Africa is seeking applications from qualified U.S. and non U.S. organizations and institutions, in the form of partnerships or consortia that include DRC organizations, to fund a five (5) year program entitled Developing and Strengthening Services and Systems that Support Family Cohesion and Respond to the Separation of Children in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This is full and open competition, under which any type of organization, large or small, commercial (for profit) firms, faith-based, and non-profit organizations in partnerships or consortia from geographical code 935, are eligible to compete. In accordance with the Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreement Act, USAID encourages competition in order to identify and fund the best possible applications to achieve program objectives.
USAID intends to provide approximately $6,000,000 – $8,000,000 over five years.
Objectives and Intended Results of the Program
The objective of this program is to develop and strengthen systems to support the protection and wellbeing of children and families and to prevent and respond to family separation. The majority of program activities will be carried out at the local level in Mbuji Mayi/Mwene Ditu and Bukavu and will involve work with governmental bodies, organizations, community groups, and other relevant local and international actors, including UNICEF. Technical exchange and coordination with key governmental, NGO, and civil society actors at national level is also expected.
The intended beneficiaries of USAID assistance through this RFA are children without adequate family care who risk separation and children who are already outside of family care. This includes children who are orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS18 and other difficult circumstances and children who are currently living in dangerous environments, such as children living on the streets and engaged in hazardous child labor, children illegally detained by the police, and children who are being sexually exploited. Particular attention will be given to girls and the children of young girls.
While most program activities are to be carried in the target areas of Mbuji Mayi/Mwene Ditu and Bukavu, some activities also foreseen at the national level related to information exchange, coordination, harmonization of approaches, and advocacy.
Result 1 – Unnecessary separation of children from their families is reduced.
Result 2 – Children outside of family care are able to achieve family and community reintegration or acceptable alternatives.
Result 3 – Services and systems to prevent and respond to family separation are more effective and sustainable
Last date for submission of application is November 30, 2011.
For more information and details, visit this link and search by Funding Opportunity Number SOL-660-11-000003.
