PRM is interested in innovative NGO proposals addressing the long-term needs of Afghan refugees as well as their host communities in Pakistan.PRM will consider proposals from NGOs with proven track records in implementing refugee assistance programs. Higher consideration will be given to organizations that have well-established operations in Pakistan. As in past years, PRM generally supports activities in the areas of: vocational training and preparation for sustainable livelihoods; basic and maternal/child healthcare; primary education, teacher training, and provision of materials and equipment; prevention of and response to gender-based violence (GBV); water and sanitation systems rehabilitation and repair; and supplemental feeding and nutritional programs. The following activities are priority areas for PRM in FY09: a. Provide or improve access to basic and maternal/child healthcare.b. Provide access to primary education for boys and girls. Educational programs may include teacher training and rehabilitation of existing school facilities.c. Conduct vocational training in marketable skills and, as necessary, provide the required tool set for the profession. Programs should seek to identify skills that would be marketable in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Programs must include a description of how program activities will fit into a phased transition strategy to locally available services or to self-reliance strategies. Programs should also include clear and effective plans for moving from relief to sustainability under local or national structures. This must be included even in camp-based situations where local services remain limited. PRM will give particular consideration to NGOs that may be able to present projects that either coordinate with or fit into the UN-proposed Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas/Refugee Affected Areas (RAHA/RAA) Initiative. All projects should seek to address the particular needs of women and children.For more details on this specific opportunity, please click on the "Full Announcement" Grants.gov link above. For PRM's General NGO Guidelines, please click the Grants.gov "How to Apply" link above. If affter reviewing both documents you have further technical questions, please contact Program Officer Norman Hastings at 202-663-3683 (
[email protected]) or Program Analyst Amy Wendt at 202-663-3622 (
[email protected]). Funding opportunity announcements and PRM's general NGO guidelines are also on PRM's website.