Establishment of a University Partnership in Journalism with Herat 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 Herat University in the field of journalism. 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. 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 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.Overall authority for this cooperative program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is “to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries…; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations… and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and other countries of the world.” The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation.