The Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking public input through a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Regional Support for Post-Pandemic Equitable Education," aimed at addressing educational inequities in Latin America and the Caribbean exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The RFI invites individuals and organizations to provide insights, data, and recommendations regarding gaps in access and quality of education for marginalized groups, including migrants, children with disabilities, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. This initiative is crucial for developing future programs that enhance educational equity and inclusivity in the region. Interested parties must submit their responses by October 29, 2023, and can direct inquiries to Hannah Weatherford at hweatherford@usaid.gov or by phone at 202-460-3342.

Spanish Version.pdf

Spanish.pdf

The USAID Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on September 29, 2023, seeking public input to design a regional education initiative addressing post-pandemic inequities in education across Latin America and the Caribbean. The RFI's deadline for responses is October 29, 2023. It aims to gather insights on the educational challenges faced by vulnerable populations exacerbated by COVID-19, notably regarding access and quality in schooling. 

Participants are encouraged to share data and recommendations related to specific vulnerable groups affected by educational disparities, such as migrants, children with disabilities, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Key questions focus on identifying gaps in educational access and quality, promising interventions, and understanding the roles of local organizations and technology in advancing inclusive education. Importantly, this RFI is not a solicitation for applications or funding; instead, it acts as a preparatory step for potential future programs aimed at enhancing educational equity. Responses must adhere to specified formatting and submission guidelines.

This RFI offers the opportunity for individuals and organizations to provide the USAID/LAC Bureau with context, data, and recommendations specific to the questions asked in this RFI. This RFI is open for comments from any interested U.S. and/or Non-U.S. organizations and universities. We especially encourage responses from organizations that are either run by or have direct experience working with one or more of the marginalized groups described below. USAID reserves the right to (or not to) incorporate any and all comments into a funding opportunity or ultimately an award. Additional information, if any, on this RFI will be posted on both SAM.Gov and Grants.Gov. Submitting a response to this RFI does not give respondents any advantage in applying for any future funding opportunities with USAID.USAID/LAC is interested in learning what gaps and promising interventions are identified by local and international donors, non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, universities, and think tanks to ensure inclusive and equitable access to quality education, especially for those marginalized and vulnerable groups described (Table 1, above).USAID seeks interested parties&#8217; responses to one or more of the questions that address gaps and promising interventions for one or more of the above groups. USAID also asks that interested parties respond based on the countries and contexts in which they have direct experience and in relation to populations with which they have direct experience.1. Missing groups: Which, if any, distinct groups, or demographics might have been excluded from (and not necessarily encompassed by) the list of marginalized groups (Table 1) in the LAC region that do not have equitable access to quality education? Please explain.1. Gaps in access: What promising work have you observed in LAC or other regions to help address gaps in inclusive and equitable access to pre-primary, primary, and secondary education for marginalized and vulnerable groups?2. Gaps in learning quality: What promising work have you observed to help address gaps in the inclusive and equitable quality (demonstrable learning levels) of pre-primary, primary, and secondary education for marginalized and vulnerable groups?3. Promising interventions: What positive or promising models of inclusive and equitable education, both in terms of access and quality of education, have you observed in particular schools, communities, and/or countries that might be scaled or replicated? What additional comments do you have regarding promising interventions for addressing gaps in access and quality of education for marginalized and vulnerable groups?4. Donor landscape: What other (non-USAID) donors, such as multilateral organizations and private or philanthropic foundations, are leading the way in the inclusive and equitable education space? What interesting/promising work are they doing, for what levels of education, and where?5. Local organizations landscape: What local nonprofit, private, and/or government organizations do you think are doing interesting work in the inclusive and equitable education space? What promising work are they doing? What capacity gaps/needs do local organizations have that might limit the impact of their work?6. Role of technology: What role should technology play in ensuring inclusive and equitable access to quality education, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups? What promising technologies or technological interventions have you seen working in the inclusive and equitable education space?7. Prioritization: Given limited resources, what gaps/barriers to inclusive and quality education for particular groups would you prioritize and why (please share your criteria for prioritization such as need, easy wins, existing momentum, etc.)? Please be sure to list the context(s)/country(ies) you are referencing in your response.

Buyer

Eligible Applicants

Funding Category

Funding Instrument

Opportunity Category

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Original Source