YALI Festival(s) 2023

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit proposals to implement a series of Young African Leader Initiative (YALI) Festivals that showcase and celebrate the inspirational experiences and motivational stories of YALI alumni and generate discussions in communities across Kenya on topics of mutual interest to Kenya and the United States of America. Please carefully follow all instructions below. 

Priority Region: Project activities must take place in three or more locations in Kenya, and be directed at Kenyan audiences/participants, although they may involve and engage regional YALI alumni.

Program Objectives: 

Successful proposals will engage Kenyan and could engage select regional alumni of the YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) and Regional Leadership Center (RLC) to plan and execute a series of festival-style, public outreach events in at least three (or more) communities across Kenya, that include sessions modeled after TEDTalks and/or Ignite Talks and utilize materials from the YALI Network. Visit www.YALI.state.gov for more information.   

Activities and events should include, but are not limited to: 

1. Stimulating and interactive presentations by YALI alumni modeled on TEDTalk and/or Ignite Talks;   

2. Engaging, interactive entertainment activities (e.g., poetry slam, open mic sessions, etc.) reflecting and incorporating the themes of the YALI Network materials and campaigns; and 

3. Sessions offering communities a chance to interact and network with YALI alumni, such as “speed mentoring,” networking sessions, or discussion about YALI Network materials and pledges.  

Successful grantees should arrange: 

1. Active and enthusiastic YALI alumni participation, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya; 

2. Inclusive and secure public participation, to include but not limited to organizing advertising, health and safety planning, registration procedures, sign language and other inclusive interpretation and accommodation, necessary facilities, etc.; 

3. All logistical details required, to include but not limited to venues, transportation and/or lodging, audiovisual/information technology support, catering, etc.; 

4. In cooperation with the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya, media and press coverage and social media coverage, to include but not limited to drafting and releasing press/media alerts, videography, graphic design, live streaming and any necessary online support, branded items, etc.;  

5. Activities and surveys to measure the impact of the events;  

6. Contingencies to adjust and adapt to any public health related requirements that might emerge.  

Successful proposals should: 

1. Highlight the goals of the YALI family of programs to build skills and empower young Africans to lead in their respective sectors and communities through the themes of Business, Civic Engagement, and Public Management; 

2. Highlight successful alumni of the YALI MWF and RLC programs and how they have used their YALI experiences to contribute to their communities; 

3. Expose communities to the resources of the YALI Network and the U.S. Embassy; and  

4. Create positive impressions about U.S.-Kenyan cooperation and collaboration on issues of mutual interest and global importance.  

Substantial Involvement:  

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya will be substantially involved in the planning and execution of programmatic activities and events related to this award, to include but not limited to: 

1. Involvement and final approval in the selection of all speakers, presenters, masters of ceremony, etc.; 

2. Involvement in development and final approval of public activities and agendas; 

3. Selection of themes and materials to highlight and distribute;  

4. Involvement and final clearance on public communications campaign strategies and language, to include but not limited to social media postings, media advisories, advertisements, branded items for giveaway, etc.; 

5. Development and review of a monitoring and evaluation plan.  

Participants and Audiences:

The intended audiences should be comprised of YALI alumni and potential YALI participants (ages 25-35) who are already visionary change-makers in their communities.  

Miscellaneous

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