U.S. Mission to Tajikistan 2024-2026 English Without Borders Network Program

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe, Tajikistan announces an open competition opportunity to implement the English Without Borders (EWB) project in Tajikistan. The EWB project has a number of components and objectives highlighted in this funding opportunity to support English teachers through (1) providing professional development and peer-to-peer engagement and networking; (2) equipping secondary school teachers with modern teaching methodologies, and (3) utilizing the newly designed and published English textbooks. The implementer must be a legally recognized non-governmental organization, that meets U.S. and Tajikistan technical and legal requirements to develop and implement Public Diplomacy Programs.

U.S. Embassy English language programs range from secondary school teacher training programs and providing English language textbooks to English Access Scholarship programs and supporting universities with English Resource Centers and English Language Fellows. In its new iteration, EWB should continue to complement and expand their collaboration with other PDS-funded projects and their participants, such as:

• Tajikistan Secondary School English Teachers (TSSET): A peer-to-peer training program through which we have trained approximately 40 national trainers to train 362 regional peer mentors, who are now about to begin training teachers in each of their communities (approximately 3,600). TSSET has required a significant time investment and Ministry support to allow our partners and trainers access to schools across Tajikistan.
• English Textbook Project: The U.S. Embassy, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science and implementing partner Aga Khan Education Service in Tajikistan, developed, printed, and dispersed modern English language textbooks and curricula for Tajik students in grades 10 and 11. Professional development trainings for methodologists from 68 districts were conducted in May 2024. More teachers need to be trained on the usage of the new English textbooks.
• English Resource Centers (ERCs): U.S. Embassy Dushanbe created two ERCs at Dushanbe State Pedagogical University and Bokhtar State University and is currently piloting virtual ERCs at many other regional universities. American Councils implements the ERC program, and they are supported by our English Language (EL) Fellows.
• English Access Scholarship Program: Launched in 2004, the English Access Scholarship Program is a two-year global scholarship program supported by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Embassy of Tajikistan that provides a foundation of English language skills to bright, underserved students, primarily aged 14 to 15. This two-year, program exposes participants to U.S. culture, global citizenship, and democratic values through English language scholarships, professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators, and programming for alumni. Consisting of both in-class and off-site activities, the program curricula integrate the four pillars of the Access Program: global citizenship themes, U.S. culture and values, 21st-century skills, and English language instruction.
• English Teaching Mentor Program (ETM): ETM seeks to improve English teaching methodologies through workshops for 20 secondary school teachers and 20 university teachers in Tajikistan each year. It entails intensive English-immersion teaching workshops in Dushanbe, followed by peer-to-peer mentoring in the regions and more formal workshops at teacher meetings and/or professional conferences. Afghan refugee English teachers have participated since 2021.

Project Goal:
Develop a network of English language educators and educational institutions across Tajikistan to deliver high-quality and effective English language instruction.

Project Objectives:
Objective 1: Increase participation of English language educators from educational institutions, particularly secondary schools, in rural areas of the DRS, Gorno-Badakhshan, Khatlon, and Sughd regions by 10% each year.
Objective 2: Increase the ability of secondary school teachers from rural areas (DRS, Gorno Badakhshan, Khatlon, Sughd regions) to use modern teaching methods with the new English language textbook through comprehensive training conducted by EWB regional trainers and mini grants.
Objective 3: Increase the number of EWB initiatives implemented at schools, universities and institutions, and local communities in urban and rural areas through ....
Objective 4: Increase knowledge sharing between USG English language program alumni and non-alumni English language educators through mentorship programs.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization.