Capacity Building Archives - Eurasia Foundation

U.S.-Kazakhstan University Linkages Program

ahaynes — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:45:29 +0000

The 12-month U.S.-Kazakhstan University Linkages Program (UniLinks), funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Mission to Kazakhstan, fostered collaboration between higher education institutions in the United States and Kazakhstan.

By uniting higher education institutions in both countries, UniLinks aimed to enhance Kazakhstani universities’ financial and administrative management, strengthen their capacity to produce and promote high-quality research, and diversify their financing options.

UniLinks approached this goal in two phases. First, Eurasia Foundation organized a tailored study tour for three representatives from three Kazakhstani universities in West Kazakhstan Region. Participants visited various American partner universities that specialize in their area of focus. The study tour provided participants the opportunity to learn first-hand how American universities manage administrative, financial, and research priorities and expose participants to innovative ideas. In the second phase, EF competitively granted funding to one Kazakh university to implement an initiative with an American partner.

By enhancing Kazakhstani universities’ operations and establishing mutually beneficial relationships with American peers, Eurasia Foundation supported these institutions to promote effective learning and knowledge sharing long beyond the program’s end.

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Community Engagement and Accountability Initiative

admin — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 12:59:28 +0000

Civil society organizations (CSOs) in many countries struggle with broadening their community engagement and maintaining a high level of transparency, both of which are necessary for effective service delivery and constituent representation. To successfully support citizens, CSOs must constantly cultivate trust and accountability with their constituents by strengthening their own capacity and systems for integrity.

Eurasia Foundation’s Community Engagement and Accountability Initiative was a grassroots approach to increase openness at the local and national levels. Designed in response to community needs and based on EF’s experience supporting civil society capacity development, this program provided organizations with the training and governance skills needed to address their organizational challenges and exercise greater influence on local decision-making. With this initiative, EF helped organization leaders be more accountable to their constituents.

The program’s three interactive online courses aimed to strengthen CSOs’ capacity to engage citizens and develop long-term community trust and involvement by facilitating productive dialogues, sustaining long-term partnerships, and providing the tools to design effective projects that reflect community needs. The online courses adopted a framework centered on amplifying the voices of the least powerful constituents.

After completing the remote coursework and exercises, CSO leaders implemented outreach campaigns that incorporated the strategies they learned, including meeting with constituents in a participatory design or co-creation process to respond to constituent-identified needs.

EF continued to coach both participating organizations and their constituents as they collaborated to implement their campaigns for transparency.

To establish a continual learning loop, the program fostered international networks of CSOs and identified and shared best practices among them. Select civil society leaders participated in a multi-day workshop in Georgia to continue learning about community organizations in other environments and establish relationships with their international counterparts.

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Countering Disinformation in the Middle East

jmclean — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 14:40:30 +0000

Eurasia Foundation’s Countering Disinformation in the Middle East (CODIME) project built the capacity of journalists and media producers to combat media manipulation and improve public media literacy in the Middle East. The program equipped media professionals with tools and techniques to understand the motivations, strategies, and tactics behind disinformation efforts. It then helped them effectively impact target audiences through messaging efforts that identify and counter false or misleading narratives.

CODIME built a robust community of practice focused on understanding regional disinformation trends, resisting and refuting these narratives, and fact-checking best practices. This community of practice centered around CODIME’s digital hub. The platform served as a public interface for Arabic-speaking professionals to access the latest tools in fact-checking, regional trends, and open-source investigation, and hosted a range of multimedia pieces exploring contemporary issues across the Middle East.

CODIME hosted multi-day workshops and trainings, where participants tackled a range of issues, including public health, education, culture, politics, finance, and digital hygiene. The project also supported in-depth journalistic investigations and multimedia campaigns. Pieces included fact-checking videos, podcasts, investigative reports, features, and human-interest stories, each of which was aimed at encouraging active engagement and critical thinking among media consumers.

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Creating Pathways to University Partnerships in Jordan

admin — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 13:51:20 +0000

The Creating Pathways to University Partnerships project enhanced higher education reform in Jordan by deepening and sustaining partnerships between American and Jordanian universities, with mutual benefits to higher education institutions in both countries.

With the generous support of the U.S. Embassy in Amman, EF first assessed existing linkages between Jordanian and American universities and create a roadmap for developing robust and long-term institutional partnerships. In collaboration with institutions in both countries, EF explored a range of partnership models, including student and faculty exchange, research collaboration, and joint degree programs. EF examined the regulatory and enabling environment in Jordan for expanding international linkages. Subsequently, EF issued a written assessment with a set of comprehensive guidelines and strategies for catalyzing new partnerships and set a clear path for sustained cooperation.

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Gazelle Finance

admin — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 13:53:33 +0000

A “gazelle” is a fast-growing small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). In developed markets, gazelles—the star performers among SMEs—have been found to be the primary drivers of job creation. In emerging markets, however, SMEs are often referred to as “the missing middle” due to a lack of access to capital. Investing in gazelles in developing countries is crucial for fostering job creation, entrepreneurship, and overall community development—a key part of EF’s mission.

As a special initiative, EF seeded the establishment of Gazelle Finance, which seeks to unleash the potential of entrepreneurs in the Eurasia region by providing a combination of growth capital and technical know-how. Gazelle Finance identifies promising SMEs with a strong track record and provides them with long-term financing based on a sound plan for expansion. By investing, Gazelle Finance enables SMEs to acquire equipment, property, personnel, or other inputs necessary to expand rapidly. In addition, Gazelle Finance works with its clients to identify management expertise gaps and provide technical assistance that enhances their potential to grow.

Gazelle Finance is distinguished by its financial product, which is generally not available through banking or private equity channels in the region. SMEs in the Eurasia region have reasonable access to bank loans, but they lack access to “risk” financing, where the investor shares in the risk of the SME. Gazelle Finance provides income participation loans and equity financing to its clients, typically in the range of $200,000 to $1 million per investment.

Gazelle Finance launched investment operations in Armenia and Georgia. Both countries are undergoing rapid economic development, have achieved meaningful market-oriented reforms, and have reached major milestones in the development of democratic systems since the collapse of the Soviet Union. They also possess similar types of SMEs (operating in industries such as agribusiness, light manufacturing, healthcare, and education) with the potential to contribute to export growth, import substitution, job creation, and overall economic development. In 2021, Gazelle Finance expanded into Ukraine.

To learn more about Gazelle Finance, visit their website.

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Kuwait Critical Thinking Project (n-mu)

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 12:46:59 +0000

The Kuwait Critical Thinking Project (n-mu, or “I grow” in Arabic) promoted active citizenship among Kuwaiti youth. Launched collaboration with Kuwait-based partner en.v, the program coached local educators in training and facilitation through a cutting-edge curriculum focused on civic engagement, critical thinking, and media literacy. Coursework centered critical reflection, dialogue, and action, and utilized experiential and inquiry-based learning techniques. With n-mu, EF guided local educators as they mentored youth ages 18-25 to design and implement small-scale initiatives responding to issues identified in their local communities. Youth then utilized social media and other innovative approaches to draw attention to their projects, raise awareness, and work towards achieving positive change in themselves and their communities.

The project was funded by IREX through its Regional Assistance Program and the U.S. Department of State.

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Social Innovation in Central Asia

admin — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 13:20:39 +0000

Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) was a USAID-funded initiative to cultivate a vibrant and responsive society throughout the region, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and build a new generation of forward-looking leaders.

The program had four inter-related objectives:

Foster a cohort of responsible young leaders;
Promote greater public transparency and accountability;
Enhance society’s ability to quickly respond to emerging opportunities; and
Build the capacity of local organizations to be financially viable and responsive to constituents.

Results as of November 22, 2023

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

480 young leaders from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
170 youth successfully graduated CAYLA’s e-learning series
8 online courses
85 coaching sessions
67 Youth Leadership Grants
15 Social Idea Accelerator Grants

In 2020, SICA launched the Central Asia Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA) for responsible young leaders who share goals, values, and passion for positive change in their communities. The inaugural cohort included 163 young leaders from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Within three years, SICA recruited 480 young leaders from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan from more than 2,439 applicants. Each cycle, launched with a CAYLA Regional Kickoff Conference, offered young leaders inspiration, training, and mentorship opportunities. CAYLA members studied foundational skills in community engagement and leadership via interactive and engaging online activities. After graduating from CAYLA, the participants applied their new knowledge and experience through community change projects, supported with small grants and targeted technical assistance from SICA. At each step, CAYLA members had an opportunity to network with their peers, local leaders, established CSOs, and government officials to share lessons about effective community initiatives.

POLICY, RESEARCH, AND OUTREACH

78 participants from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
81 professionals completed data visualization training and published compelling visualizations of issues in Central Asia
2 research apprenticeships funded and facilitated in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
20 Transparency Grants awarded
14 Policy Research Projects awarded

The SICA Policy Research School (PRS) offered mentoring, workshops, on-the-job training, and peer-to-peer exchanges for CSOs, think tanks, and independent researchers that build needed capacities for participation in policy development and the role of watchdogs in monitoring the public sector. PRS engaged its members in an advanced budget monitoring and public procurement transparency curriculum tailored to the policy areas of highest priority for them and aimed at improving ongoing initiatives and designing future campaigns on the budget process. SICA also awarded grants to support outreach and research projects in Central Asia that strengthened civil society’s role in promoting transparency, public accountability, and policy research.

EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES

107 Innovative Solution Grants awarded in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
18 In-Kind Grants awarded
3 Exchange Network Grants awarded

SICA was designed to provide civil society actors with the resources they need to strengthen their work and address the priorities of their communities. To allow civil society to identify where they see the greatest need for investment, SICA provided resources through ongoing, flexible grant competitions to solicit and support timely project ideas and promote positive citizen participation and social innovations. Projects funded promoted transparency and accountability, revitalized communities, and opportunities and protections for all. In total, SICA conducted 18 forums, reaching approximately 270,000 people.

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

84 organizations engaged as members of the Institutional Development Program from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
24 institutional development experts trained to use the SICA Institutional Assessment Toolkit
6 civil society workshops

Private organizations perform varied and important tasks in Central Asian countries, and SICA developed the skills, tools, and capacities of such organizations to broaden their funding sources and increase engagement with their constituents. Organizations from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan joined the Institutional Development Program. To support an evidence-based approach for capacity building in Central Asia, SICA developed an Institutional Assessment Toolkit that its experts used to conduct tailored assessments and provide training in targeted areas for growth. In 2021, SICA began offering Institutional Development Grants to help organizations address capacity gaps and better pursue their organizational missions.

Learn more about SICA on the program’s website.

This program description is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the sole responsibility of Eurasia Foundation and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

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Middle East Bankruptcy Reform Initiative

admin — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 13:40:53 +0000

In 2014, EF worked with the Arab Center for the Development of the Rule of Law and Integrity (ACRLI), based in Lebanon, as part of ACRLI’s Middle East Regional Bankruptcy Reform Initiative. The 12-month program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, aimed to elevate public awareness and promote key policy reforms on bankruptcy issues in Egypt and Jordan.

EF supported the creation of several tools to help with stakeholder mapping and analysis, developed an outreach and communications strategy, and guided lobbying efforts. EF also provided strategic guidance on the creation of campaign content including brochures, videos, and online communication tools. As a result, ACRLI and local stakeholders in Jordan were able to propose concrete legislative changes, including a proposal to introduce specialized bankruptcy courts, while stakeholders in Egypt successfully launched a campaign around the need for a robust legal framework for bankruptcy.

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Initiative to Combat Trafficking in Persons in Central Asia

admin — Wed, 26 May 2021 12:52:28 +0000

The Initiative to Combat Trafficking in Persons in Central Asia built the capacity of Central Asian civil society organizations (CSOs) to prevent trafficking in persons and to meet victims’ legal, psychological, social, and reintegration support needs.

With the Initiative, Eurasia Foundation helped anti-trafficking CSOs in Central Asia develop individualized multi-year strategies and plans, train and provide professional support to staff, and organize regional workshops and forums. The program also supported a robust network of civil society representatives, lawyers, and media experts across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, who met regularly to collaborate on successes and challenges in the anti-trafficking space. By uniting varied actors to tackle this intrinsically cross-border issue, the Initiative enhanced the sustainability and effectiveness of anti-trafficking efforts throughout the region.

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Online School of Social Entrepreneurship in Central Asia

admin — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 13:35:54 +0000

As they seek solutions to address pressing social issues, community leaders in Central Asia are faced with many challenges, including a lack of effective management tools and limited exposure to modern models for sustaining their social projects.

Launched in 2013, EF’s Online School of Social Entrepreneurship strengthened the capacity of young leaders in Central Asia to build more prosperous and stable communities innovatively and sustainably. The program fostered robust networks and professional exchanges among a broad group of Central Asian social innovators, and ultimately grew to include over 900 community leaders from across Central Asia.

The School offered courses covering business plan development, fundraising, project management, and financial sustainability. It provided participants practical, hands-on information so they were left equipped with the necessary tools to implement social development projects in the real world. The School fostered social projects focused on identifying alternative energy resources, improving access to education, and increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS among young people. Through the School, EF built a foundation for the long-term development of civil society in the region.

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Capacity Building for Civil Society Organizations Project

admin — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 14:06:16 +0000

The Capacity Building for Civil Society Organizations Project (CBCSOP) was a joint initiative implemented by Eurasia Foundation and New Eurasia Foundation to support and train civil society organizations in Belarus. CBCSOP promoted the organizational development of civil society organizations and increased civil society’s participation in decision- and policy-making at the local and national levels. CBCSOP also strengthened business education degree programs throughout the country.

CBCSOP supported four types of civil society organizations: social organizations serving vulnerable populations, organizations devoted to business networking or economic development, educational groups, and environmental organizations. Additionally, EF provided both technical assistance and financial support to six higher education institutions and one non-governmental organization to enhance the capacity and practical orientation of their business education programs. EF’s support enabled these schools to introduce new courses and innovative teaching tools and to expand their professional networks.

Within the project, the CBCSOP team developed an Organizational Capacity Assessment toolkit based on several internationally recognized institutional development tools. The structure and content of the toolkit allow organizational development experts at New Eurasia Foundation to take an individualized approach tailored to each civil society organization, provide effective guidance, and help organizations achieve results.

As part of CBCSOP, almost 100 civil society organizations participated in project design and budgeting training, and at least two dozen civil society organizations measurably improved their capacity to raise funds and manage programs. In addition, New Eurasia Foundation became a recognized leader in the Belarusian market for organizational assessment and capacity building services.

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Sarah Carey Program

admin — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 13:23:31 +0000

Eurasia Foundation launched the Sarah Carey Program in 2012 to honor our long-serving chair Sarah Carey, whose deep connection to the Eurasia region spanned more than 50 years. The Sarah Carey Program aims to capture Sarah’s pioneering spirit and her belief that business and law, creatively applied, can overcome political obstacles among nations and lead to social benefit for all. The program is comprised of three components: an annual award, a policy forum, and a professional development network.

With the Sarah Carey Award, Eurasia Foundation recognizes an individual who embodies Sarah’s pioneering spirit and has notably advanced civil society through the practice of diplomacy, law, business, or public service. recipients include Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering (2012), Senators Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar (2013), Ambassador William J. Burns (2014), Drew Guff (2015), and Fiona Hill (2021).

Accompanying the award is an annual symposium, the Sarah Carey Forum, which examines the mutual benefits of engagement between the United States and the countries in the Eurasia region. The Sarah Carey Forum has convened voices as varied as Phil Donahue, Vladimir Pozner, and Politico editor Susan Glasser in conversations with former ambassadors, journalists, and business leaders.

Through the Young Professionals Network, Eurasia Foundation also continues Sarah’s legacy of mentoring young people active in policy and business. With the program, Eurasia Foundation creates targeted and relevant monthly opportunities for young people in Washington to discuss developments in the Eurasia region and interact with diplomats, senior policymakers, journalists, and analysts.

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