In the midst of a challenging period marked by conflict and uncertainty, the Council of Europe has launched a call for proposals as part of its project titled "Protecting the rights of Ukrainian children during and in a post-war context." This initiative seeks to co-fund national projects that aim to raise awareness and enhance the capacity to implement Council of Europe standards, thereby preventing and protecting Ukrainian children from violence, including in the digital environment. The primary focus is to support non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Ukraine in their efforts to educate and raise awareness about the rights and support services available to children and families who have experienced trauma, especially due to the ongoing war.
Objectives of the Grants
The primary objectives of these grants are as follows:
1. Raising Awareness: The grants aim to fund projects designed to raise awareness of the rights and services available to Ukrainian children and families affected by the war initiated by the Russian Federation.
2. Psychological Support and Reporting: Projects can target aspects such as providing psychological support for children and promoting the reporting of crimes committed against children, with a specific focus on child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), including its risks and consequences in Ukraine.
3. Child-Friendly Justice and Forensic Interviewing Standards: Additionally, projects should strive to promote child-friendly justice and child-friendly forensic interviewing standards.
4. Visibility of Council of Europe Efforts: As a secondary objective, activities should aim to increase the visibility of the Council of Europe's efforts in Ukraine among various groups of professionals through events, media campaigns, and the development of key messages and tools.
Preference Criteria
Preference will be given to projects that align with the following criteria:
1. Targeting Professionals: Projects that target different groups of professionals working with or for children.
2. Interagency Cooperation: Projects that present efficient models of multidisciplinary and interagency cooperation.
3. Practical Results and Sustainability: Projects with concrete, practical results and measurable sustainability.
4. Gender Mainstreaming: Projects that incorporate gender mainstreaming to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
5. Application of Council of Europe Standards: Projects that further the practical application of Council of Europe standards in the context of Ukrainian children's rights.
Funding Information
The available budget for this call for proposals is 1,200,000 UAH (Ukrainian hryvnia), with the Council of Europe intending to award two grants of a maximum amount of 600,000 UAH each. This financial support aims to facilitate the implementation of impactful projects that can make a significant difference in the lives of Ukrainian children and families.
Implementation Period
The implementation period for the projects is set to begin on November 1, 2023, and should not extend beyond May 30, 2024. This timeframe ensures that the projects remain focused and deliver results in a timely manner.
Activities Supported by the Grants
Projects funded under this call for proposals can encompass a wide range of activities, including but not limited to:
1. Educational Activities: Organizing workshops, trainings, forums, seminars, interactive sessions, and educational events to inform various stakeholders about children's rights and available support services.
2. Counseling and Reporting: Facilitating counseling services, both psychological and legal, for children and families, as well as promoting the reporting of rights infringements.
3. Campaign Materials: Developing and distributing campaign materials to raise awareness and educate the public.
4. Media Content Production: Producing media content such as videos, infographics, and articles to convey important messages.
5. Awareness Campaigns: Implementing awareness-raising campaigns and distributing information materials and media products through various channels, including social media.
6. Recommendations: Developing recommendations for professionals working with children to ensure best practices.
7. Surveys and Interviews: Conducting surveys among target groups and carrying out interviews to gather valuable insights.
8. Visibility Actions: Implementing actions that enhance the visibility of the Council of Europe's initiatives in Ukraine.
It is important to note that all visibility materials produced within the grant must be consulted with and approved by the Council of Europe project team before publishing or dissemination.
Target Stakeholders
Projects funded through these grants should primarily target the following key stakeholders:
1. Children: The ultimate beneficiaries of these initiatives, ensuring their rights and well-being are protected.
2. Parents and Caregivers: Providing support and information to those responsible for the upbringing and care of children.
3. Educators: Including teachers, school psychologists, and social pedagogues who play a crucial role in children's development.
4. Law Enforcement Representatives: Including police, prosecutors, and judges involved in cases related to children's rights and protection.
5. Legal Professionals: Such as lawyers and advocates working specifically with children.
6. Non-Legal Professionals: Engaging with professionals from various fields who work with and for children.
7. Professional Groups: Ensuring that professionals across different sectors are aware of children's rights and available services.
8. Media: Collaborating with media outlets to disseminate information effectively.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be eligible for a grant, an applicant organization must meet the following criteria:
1. Legal Constitution: The applicant must be legally constituted as a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Ukraine.
2. Activity in Ukraine: The organization should be entitled to carry out activities described in its project proposal within Ukraine.
3. Experience: The applicant organization must have been active for at least three years in the field of protecting children from violence and/or sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, including in the digital environment. Experience in implementing projects funded by international donors is also required.
4. Financial Capacity: The organization should have sufficient financial capacity, including stable and sufficient sources of funding to sustain its activities throughout the grant period. It should also be able to contribute 20% of the grant amount through its own resources, including human resources or in-kind contributions.
5. Operational and Professional Capacity: The organization must possess the operational and professional capacity, including adequate staff, to carry out the activities described in its project proposal effectively.
6. Bank Account: An essential requirement is to have a separate bank account in Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH) dedicated to the implementation of the grant.
It's worth noting that submitting multiple applications is not allowed and will result in the exclusion of all related applications.
The Council of Europe's call for proposals to raise awareness of rights and services available to Ukrainian children and families is a crucial initiative in the ongoing efforts to protect the well-being of those affected by the conflict. Through these grants, NGOs in Ukraine have the opportunity to make a significant impact by educating, supporting, and empowering children and families in need. By adhering to the eligibility criteria and focusing on the outlined objectives, projects funded under this initiative can contribute to a safer and more secure future for Ukrainian children and their families. This call for proposals exemplifies the Council of Europe's commitment to upholding the rights of the most vulnerable, even in challenging times.
Comments