Description
The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo announces an open competition to administer the Congo American Language Institute (CALI), pending the availability of funds. CALI is an English Language Program of the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since 1962, CALI has provided quality English instruction to government officials, students preparing for studies abroad, and other professionals in the city of Kinshasa. CALI supports cultural and educational programming by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. CALI offers a six-level program of English instruction: beginner to advanced classes. For advanced English speakers, CALI offers additional courses, including business English, advanced conversation, TOEFL preparation, and writing skills. CALI provides both on- and off-site English courses for several local and international companies, government agencies, the United Nations and NGOs. In addition, CALI offers several English training and outreach programs targeting underserved populations, called the Access Microscholarship Programs. CALI implements professional development events for teachers and other education administrators throughout Democratic Republic of the Congo. Public Diplomacy Goals The funding opportunity announced in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) strengthens and expands English language learning opportunities for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially students, professionals, and government officials. The NOFO aims to support the Department of State’s initiatives to promote and strengthen English language teaching and learning in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The framework for the relationship between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, which focuses on improving governance, promoting peace and security, combating corruption, advancing human rights, and creating conditions for greater U.S. investment and economic growth. Public Diplomacy programming supports this framework through communication with Congolese and international audiences, education and cultural programming, and professional and educational exchanges. English language programs are a key component of our efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are based on an enduring program that has engaged key audiences in the DRC and provided professional, educational, and personal opportunities for Congolese program participants. Proposals funded under this award will further the U.S. Embassy to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s public diplomacy goals as follows: 1. Promote economic growth through development of a broader cohort of English-language competent employees, entrepreneurs, and public sector representatives who can interact with international and U.S. partners. 2. Strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo through shared information, experiences, exchanges, and/or expertise. 3. Strengthen civil society and local organizations to build long-term, self-sustaining relationships and institutional linkages between U.S. and Congolese organizations, including capacity building support for Congolese organizations. 4. Promote community cohesion through positive messages and inclusive perspectives that increase social tolerance and counter extremist narratives.