Establishment of a University Partnership in Journalism with Balkh University, Afghanistan

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to establish a University Partnership between a U.S. four-year college or university and Balkh University in the primary field of journalism with supporting activity in English for Specific Purposes. The strengthening of higher education in Afghanistan is a compelling and critical need. There is a shortage of professionals and leaders to meet the needs of reconstruction, growth and poverty reduction. It is essential to establish high academic standards at the university level to improve the quality of the education sector, and crucial to support developments in the field of journalism. Accredited U.S. four-year colleges and universities meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to pursue institutional or departmental objectives in partnership with Afghan universities. The means of achieving these objectives may include faculty exchange, curriculum development, and outreach to or collaboration with professionals and other members of the communities served by the participating institutions. The timeframe for achieving the objectives must be clearly outlined in the proposal.