Experiential Learning Activities Programs

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.

Primary Audiences:

The primary audiences for the American Spaces Program in Turkmenistan are:

a.     School and university students

b.     School and university teachers

c.      Young professionals, such as current/aspiring entrepreneurs, especially from economically disadvantaged backgrounds

d.     Girls and women

e.     Civil society representatives 

f.       USG programs alumni 

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.

American Spaces Program may include the following suggested STEM programs at American Spaces in Turkmenistan:

·        Tech Lab will cover two primary audiences and can cover program coordinator and trainers fee, activities, supplies, catering and promotional materials in all four American Spaces:

o   A. Coding skills lab will introduce around 100 English speaking school graduates and young professionals, ages 18 – 30, to the basics of web design and digital skills through a 4-month long program. This program aims to help local youth pursue education in computer science and enter tech careers in Turkmenistan.

o  B. Technovation Girls will provide program support to around 150 schoolgirls, ages 8-18, in app development and tech entrepreneurship to enable them to successfully compete in the global tech entrepreneurship competition.

·        Regional Math Contest. American Spaces in Turkmenistan plan to organize a first-ever math tournament for school students, ages 10-14, based on the popular U.S. math competition “24 Challenge”. The budget may include study materials for a series of 3-month long sessions, tournament materials for the final national tournament in Ashgabat and travel expenses of winners from regional tournaments in each American Corner from Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat.

·        The NASA International Space Apps Challenge. This program aims to engage English speaking students ages 16 - 25 to participate in the global NASA Space Apps challenge through a series of in-person workshops and events in the American Spaces. The budget may include project coordinator and trainer fees, training/activities supplies, final Hackathon promo materials, catering, and social media content creation to amplify the program.

Objective 3: Increase English language skills among at least 500 local youth by providing hands-on English learning activities, including but not limited to:

·        An “English Immersion” program to engage up to 500 English speakers throughout the year, ages 10 to 18 to enhance their English skills through topics on U.S. values of diversity and inclusion, climate change, media literacy, entrepreneurship, and public speaking, through a variety of activities and projects. The budget can include trainer fees, training supplies, promotional items and coffee breaks. This project may include:

a.     English Drama Club that might organize a play by an American author, that can be also performed at local events and schools through a mobile mini-theater.

b.     English language learning immersive camps that can be conducted during spring, summer and fall school breaks.

c.      English language book clubs that can introduce the American Corner resources and services (e.g., English resource books, readers, magazines and games) to improve English skills.

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. These programs may include the following:

·        “Climate Champions” – organize a 10-day climate change awareness program for English speaking students in all American Spaces (ages 16 - 25) throughout September 2024 to August 2025 that will include workshops, field trips, and community service activities conducted in partnership with the local eco activists and nonprofits. During the program participants will learn about the challenges posed by climate change, water, energy, sustainable consumption, and discuss common myths and explore best practices from the United States. The budget may include project coordinator and trainers’ fees, training supplies, promotional materials, and coffee breaks in American Spaces.

·        Farmcraft program. American Spaces in Turkmenistan plan to organize a global North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) Farmcraft competition for school students, ages 10-18. This educational program uses the popular game Minecraft to introduce the basics of agricultural science, food security and climate change. The budget may include facilitator fees for a series of 3-month long sessions, training supplies, promotional materials, and coffee breaks in American Spaces.

Objective 5: Increase interest in business and entrepreneurship among at least 100 local youth in Turkmenistan through training on business development and economics. These programs may include the following:

·        Business Skills program. The program can run for middle and high school students for 40 hours, with the final pitch events at American Spaces that will bring together local and international business communities.

·        Playful Economics. Based on the playful economics curriculum, this program will introduce the basics of economics concepts in a fun way to middle and high school students (ages 12-18).

American Spaces plan to organize a series of programs and activities throughout the year for local youth ages 12-18 across all American Spaces. The budget may include project coordinator and trainer fee, training supplies, and promotional materials. The goal of the program is to introduce the basics of business, entrepreneurship, and other economic concepts.

All the programs proposed by the potential implementer should have clear goals and objectives, clear output and outcome statements. Proposals should also indicate plans for reports about success and impact of the programs, social media presence, photo release procedures and other logistics. Potential implementer will be responsible for planning, executing, closing, and monitoring and evaluation of the program.