U.S. Department of State’s RELO Pakistan Offers Grant for English Language Professional Development in Pakistan

• Not-for-profit organizations
• Civil society/non-governmental organizations
• Public and private educational institutions

The Regional English Language Office (RELO) in the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy Islamabad of the U.S. Department of State (hereafter referred to as “RELO Pakistan”) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). RELO Pakistan’s purpose in funding projects under this opportunity is to improve human capacity by creating a better educated and more skillful workforce. This program will increase participants’ English language proficiency, employability, and leadership and critical thinking skills, enabling them to become productive members of their community and society.

PDS Islamabad invites all eligible organizations (see Section C for Eligibility Requirements) to submit proposals for grants that address the project components listed below.

Proposed budget cannot exceed $500,000 and will have a project duration of up to three (3) years. Each proposal should address the ability to implement all three program components outlined in this NOFO.

Effective English language teachers can prepare Pakistanis, especially youth, to better participate in the global community and prepare them for success in the workplace, thus contributing to economic growth. The three program components announced in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) include (1) Professional Development for English Language Teachers from Non-Mainstream Institutions; (2) Professional Development for novice Pakistani English language teachers; and (3) Professional Development for Transgender Youth and for Afghan Teachers, Students, and Young Professionals Residing in Pakistan. These program components will expand language learning opportunities for the Pakistani people, especially youth and marginalized populations. The award seeks a U.S. or Pakistani partner to promote the development of English language skills, knowledge of current English Language Teaching (ELT) pedagogies, and the leadership skills of select English language teachers, students, and young professionals, particularly from underserved, minority communities.

This NOFO aims to support the Department of State’s initiatives to promote and strengthen English language teaching and learning in Pakistan through the following program components:

1. Professional Development for English Language Teachers from Non-Mainstream Institutions

2. Professional Development for Novice English Teachers

3. Professional Development for Transgender Youth and for Afghan Teachers, Students, and Young Professionals Residing in Pakistan.

Public Diplomacy Goals

Public Diplomacy programming prioritizes communications and interaction with international audiences, educational and cultural programming, and professional and educational exchanges.

English language programs are a key component of U.S. Government Public Diplomacy efforts in Pakistan, creating valuable opportunities for the Mission to engage key audiences, as well as providing lasting and meaningful professional, educational, and personal opportunities for Pakistan-based program participants.

Proposals funded under this award will further the U.S. Mission to Pakistan’s following public diplomacy goals:

1. Strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Pakistan through shared information, experiences, exchanges, and/or expertise.

2. Strengthen civil society and local organizations to build long-term, self-sustaining relationships and institutional linkages between U.S. and Pakistani organizations, including capacity building for Pakistani organizations.

3. Promote community cohesion through positive messages and inclusive perspectives that increase social tolerance and counter extremist narratives.

More information about the Regional English Language Office can be found at:

https://pk.usembassy.gov/education-culture/relopakistan/

RELO Islamabad’s purpose in funding three program components under this NOFO is to improve human capacity by creating a better educated, inclusive, and more skilled workforce. Professional development for English language teachers and students in Pakistan will improve teachers’ and students’ English language proficiency and increase their classroom effectiveness, particularly for participants from marginalized and underserved communities. To this end, RELO Islamabad invites proposals that address all three program components listed in the NOFO.