LUSAKA – Today, the U.S. Embassy announced the awarding of grants totaling over K2.5 million ($126,000) to six Zambian community-based organizations through its Public Affairs Section Small Grants Program. The grants will promote civic participation, press freedom, entrepreneurship, and creative expression among youth.
The U.S. Embassy’s Director of Public Affairs and spokesman, Sean McIntosh, recognized the commitment and leadership of the grantee organizations, which are working to raise awareness and build capacity among youth so that they can participate in civic and entrepreneurship activities for the benefit of their communities.
“The American people are proud to support Zambian communities with the hands-on opportunities to mobilize their own ideas and resources, and expand their organizational and project management knowledge,” said Mr. McIntosh. “The funds go directly to Zambian communities to respond directly to issues affecting their communities and ultimately enhance the welfare of Zambians,” he added.
The U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section Small Grants Program delivers financial support directly to Zambian organizations that seek to address issues affecting their communities. These include improving health and education for Zambians, advancing democracy and good governance, promoting inclusive economic prosperity, and enhancing peace and security.
Grants awarded today will support the following projects:
Continental Leadership Research Institute
AWARD: K399,600 ($19,980). Project Title: Realizing the Hidden Power of Youth: Promoting Civic Participation in Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, Chipata, and Livingstone.
Enlight Abilities
AWARD: K374,920 ($18,746). Project Title: Promoting Disability Participation, Human Rights, and Voting in Chipata and Chadiza Districts of Eastern Province.
Lutombi Kawana Integrity Foundation
AWARD: K395,140 ($19,757). Project Title: Film Making Course Focusing on Documentaries to Aid the Film Growth Industry in Lusaka.
Sotambe Film Institute
AWARD: K262,960 ($13,148). Project Title: Business Mobile Film Making Training.
Umodzi Arts
AWARD: K398,800 ($19,940). Project Title: Community Theater for Development: Rural Outreach to Promote Political Processes, Good Governance, Civic Participation and Conflict Prevention in Western and Southern Province.
Zambia Free Press Initiative
AWARD: K694,000 ($34,700). Project Title: Building Capacity of Practicing Journalists in Investigative Reporting, News Gathering and Fact-checking Skills
Applications for the next round of Public Affairs Section Small Grants Program will open on October 31, 2020 and will close on January 31, 2021. The guidelines, project criteria, and the application are accessible at: https://zm.usembassy.gov/education-culture/small-grants-programs.
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