U.S. Mission to Turkmenistan, Embassy Ashgabat - Experiential Learning Activities Programs

Overview

The U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan announces an open competition to implement American Spaces Programs project at the four American Spaces in Turkmenistan located in Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat. The program will include a variety of programs in a) enhancing English skills (e.g., drama club, English club and sessions, etc.), b) introducing to STEM skills (e.g., math contest, NASA apps development challenge, coding, etc.), c) business skills development (e.g., interactive economics, business camp, etc.), and d) climate change awareness. The primary audience for these programs will be Turkmen youth ages 10 to 25, including girls and women, school and university students and young professionals, especially from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The program will also engage alumni from previous Embassy programs as experts and program coordinators as well as bring local businesses and nonprofit organizations to share their expertise and build stronger local professional communities. Potential implementer will be responsible for planning, executing, closing, and monitoring and evaluation of the programs. The expected date range for implementation of this project is October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. Potential candidates can apply to administer all of the suggested programs below or just one or several of the programs at a time. 

Background: American Spaces are the premier public diplomacy platform of the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat in Turkmenistan that further strengthens mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Turkmenistan and the United States of America. American Spaces are located in Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat and offer English resources and development opportunities to meet interests of diverse audiences, while also serving as gateways for the Turkmen citizens to learn about American society, culture and education. The American Spaces are well known in the community for their regular English-language activities, such as conversation groups with native speakers, workshops with visiting specialists, and regular presentations by Americans on U.S. life and culture. American Spaces also partner with international and local organizations to conduct highly impactful programs, such as Academy for Women Entrepreneurship in partnership with Arizona State University, a variety of STEM programs to introduce local youth to web design and app development, as well as book festivals and eco festivals.

The American Spaces Program aims to support implementing a range of diverse programming activities with key primary audiences in all four American Spaces across Turkmenistan.

Project Goal:
Increase mutual understanding between the United States and Turkmenistan through experiential learning activities that promote English language, innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, and gender equality in STEM.

Project Objectives:
Objective 1: Enhance STEM and problem-solving skills of at least 500 youth, in Ashgabat and in the regions.
Objective 2: Create a network of youth interested in tech and STEM by facilitating community networking opportunities between Turkmen youth and tech communities in Turkmenistan and the United States.
Objective 3: Increase English language skills among at least 500 local youth by providing hands-on English learning activities.
Objective 4: Increase knowledge and awareness of climate change mitigation efforts among 100 young eco-champions through educational and networking programs focused on climate action, innovative business best practices and entrepreneurial strategies. 
Objective 5: Increase interest in business and entrepreneurship among at least 100 local youth in Turkmenistan through training on business development and economics.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement