Do you have a project idea or a passion to create change in your community? Are you looking for funds, networks and an opportunity to build your capacity in project management? Then, why don’t you apply for the “Youth for Change” mini-grant awards to get a chance to support your development project and attend our online project management e-course. You might also receive a scholarship to attend the 5th Arab Youth forum in Alexandria, Egypt and the World Youth Congress in Istanbul, Turkey!
Don’t miss it and apply now!
• YFC Mini-Grant Application Form (English)
• YFC Mini-Grant Application Form (Arabic)
Criteria for Applicants
• Male/female between the ages 16-32 from one of the following countries: Algeria Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen.
• Actively engaged in local community (previous involvement in youth organizations, projects or activities)
• Credibility of the applicant (one reference is needed)
• Fluent in spoken and written Arabic and English
• Access to regular and reliable broadband internet
• Able to use information and communication technologies (for example: blogs, e-mail, discussion forums, online chats)
• Passionate about creating positive change in your community
• A member of TakingITGlobal. Sign up!
Criteria for Youth-led Projects
• Not-for profit project targeting youth in one of these 14 priority countries: Algeria Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen.
• Relevant to major challenges/problems in the community, such as health, education, employment, participation, environment, etc.
• SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Tangible) objectives and activities
• Anticipated direct results/outcomes (measurable results directed towards the target group and society)
• Level of youth contribution and participation in the project
• Your project timeline must be from March 2010 to September 2010
• Utilization of TIG tools in project activities
• Project posted on the TIG projects page in English and Arabic
Points will be awarded for creativity, uniqueness, impact and time management
Application Process
To apply, fill in the application form in either Arabic or English and send it to Tala Nabulsi, Program Manager (yfc@takingitglobal.org) no later than 11:00 pm (GMT) by January 17th 2010, along with the following requirements:
• Recent resume and cover letter
• Digital pictures of where the project will take place, if possible, showing the need for the project
• One letter of recommendation from your supervisor at work or internship/voluntary position or school/college/university professor
• A link to your project page on TIG
Selection Process
The selection process will take place in three rounds:
1. A selection committee will review the applications and evaluate them based on the criteria outlined above in order to select 25 potential mini-grant winners. These individuals will be contacted by e-mail no later than 2 weeks after January 17th to arrange for them to attend the 5th Arab Youth Forum in Alexandria, Egypt and present their project ideas.
2. Based on the presentations and indivudal interviews at the Arab Youth Forum, 15 individuals will be chosen to receive the mini-grants and attend the project management e-course.
3. Of these 15 individuals, select winners will receive scholarships to attend the World Youth Congress in Istanbul, Turkey.
Expectations from Mini-grant Winners
• Sign a contract with TakingITGlobal and Bibliotheca Alexandrina that outlines your project activities, start and end dates, as well as your relationship with the Youth for Change team.
• Join an 8-week project management e-course prior to receiving your complete grant, where you will:
o Work on weekly assignments
o Participate actively using our online tools such as blogs, discussion boards, chatting and e-mailing
o Have a mentor to assist you with the e-course through bi-weekly online meetings and e-mails
• Send a 3-month progress report and a final report by the end of your project to the Program Manager and your country focal point. Deadline October 15th, 2010.
• Work closely with the YFC Program Manager and the focal point in your county who will be following up on the project progress through: e-mails, online meetings and attending your project activities as well as offering all the support you need
• Participate in a knowledge-sharing event in your country that will be organized by our host organization and focal point to showcase your project and share your experiences with other youth in your country.
• Participate in our online live chats.
• Offer your photo and bio to be posted on Youth for Change website as well as a quote about your experience with the Youth for Change program and your project results.
• Complete evaluation forms and surveys as part of our program monitoring and evaluation system.
Please make these opportunities available to West African youths. Thanks for the understanding.