In pursuit of its mission to foster development and create opportunities for the people of Guatemala, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the Guatemala Locally Led Development Annual Program Statement (APS). This program is a visionary initiative that aims to connect indigenous peoples, women, and youth to pathways of prosperity, security, and dignity within their homeland. The APS operates under the guiding principles of the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) and is designed to address the systemic challenges underlying decisions to emigrate to the United States while concurrently enhancing opportunities within Guatemala.
Understanding the CDCS and its Core Goals
The CDCS forms the bedrock upon which USAID/Guatemala's initiatives rest. It recognizes that factors such as a lack of economic opportunities, insecurity, and inadequate access to essential services have contributed to the decision of many Guatemalans to migrate irregularly to the United States. The USAID/Guatemala APS takes an innovative approach by focusing on the areas with the highest rates of out-migration, which are typically characterized by weak state presence and limited economic development.
The program is structured around three Development Objectives (DOs) that align with the broader goals of the CDCS:
DO 1: Economic Growth Programming for Stability and Prosperity
Under this objective, USAID/Guatemala seeks to establish partnerships with the Guatemalan government and other stakeholders to stimulate economic prosperity and inclusivity in regions with significant irregular migration. The program aims to create economic opportunities that stabilize income, enhance resilience, and attract investments to these communities. Additionally, activities will address the challenges posed by various shocks, including community violence, natural disasters, and prolonged droughts.
DO 2: Governance for Quality of Life Improvement
DO 2 focuses on building partnerships with the Guatemalan government and other stakeholders to elevate the quality of life, particularly in regions with high irregular migration rates. This objective involves enhancing transparency and accountability through support to government institutions, civil society, independent media, and academia. The program also aims to bolster good governance, public administration, and the provision of essential services like healthcare, education, and water. Collaboration between the government, indigenous authorities, and the private sector will be strengthened to improve public services in indigenous regions.
DO 3: Security and Justice Enhancement
The third objective revolves around strengthening the capacity of the Guatemalan government, civil society, and other stakeholders to combat crime, violence, and corruption – all of which contribute to irregular migration. USAID/Guatemala's support will encompass crime and violence prevention, justice sector strengthening, and gender-based violence prevention. This effort aims to rebuild citizen confidence, improve security, and protect human rights and civic spaces. Moreover, the program will empower marginalized groups through capacity-building, especially during periods of threats to democratic institutions.
Focus Areas: Nurturing Holistic Development
The APS's scope spans across various essential domains of development, each addressing critical aspects of Guatemala's socio-economic landscape:
- Local Capacity Strengthening: This component bolsters local organizations and businesses by providing financial support, technical assistance, and capacity-building interventions.
- Security, Justice, and Governance: Aiming to enhance resilience against crime and violence, improve access to justice, and address corruption, this focus area contributes to reducing irregular migration.
- Economic Growth: Through partnerships with the private sector, USAID/Guatemala aims to foster economic development by strengthening small businesses and enhancing the business climate.
- Environment: This domain supports projects contributing to conservation, emission reduction, national and regional security, and employment generation.
- Food Security: In alignment with the Feed the Future initiative, this area targets sustainable rural development, decreased hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
- Education: The APS seeks innovative solutions to education-related challenges, encompassing quality, coverage, teacher training, and equity, with the goal of improving the lives of underserved children and youth.
- Health and Nutrition: This aspect endeavors to bridge the gap in access to fundamental health and nutrition services.
- HIV/AIDS: With a focus on holistic responses, this area emphasizes financial stability, local capacity building, and the institutionalization of processes for quality HIV services.
Development Objectives in Action: Partnering for Progress
USAID/Guatemala's approach to achieving these objectives is threefold:
1. Championing Local Efforts: The program is committed to supporting local actors in their pursuit of Guatemala's development agenda. This includes forging partnerships aligned with mutual interests and shared values.
2. Innovative Engagement: USAID/Guatemala is dedicated to diversifying and expanding engagement opportunities with local organizations. This involves adapting and innovating partnership models to match the distinctive needs of various organizations and shared development goals.
3. Enhancing Collaborative Capacity: An essential aspect of the APS is the reinforcement of collaborative capacity between USAID and local actors. This entails joint efforts in designing, resource mobilization, implementation, and evaluation of development projects.
Funding the Future: Opportunities and Vision
USAID/Guatemala anticipates multiple awards throughout the duration of this APS. With a total funding projection of $95 million, the program aims to drive transformative change across Guatemala. The individual awards will vary in value, and the performance period can extend up to five years, contingent on the award's specifics, type, and proposed project. The flexibility of award durations ensures a comprehensive and sustained impact on development outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria: Empowering Local Entities
The APS is dedicated to strengthening the role of local entities in driving development. To be eligible, organizations must meet the following criteria based on the USAID/Guatemala definition of local organizations:
- Incorporation and Presence: The organization must be legally incorporated under Guatemalan laws and primarily operate within the country.
- Local Ownership: More than 50% of the organization's ownership should be vested in individuals who are Guatemalan citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents.
- Local Management: The organization's governing body should comprise at least 50% Guatemalan citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents.
Furthermore, entities that have not received more than $5 million from USAID as a prime Recipient within the past five years are eligible for awards receiving Local Works funding.
Advancing Guatemala's Future: Call to Action
The USAID/Guatemala Locally Led Development Annual Program Statement heralds a new era of development by prioritizing local empowerment, holistic progress, and sustainable change. By targeting key areas of economic growth, governance, security, and vital sectors like education and health, the APS envisions a prosperous and stable Guatemala that provides its citizens – particularly indigenous peoples, women, and youth – with the opportunities and dignity they deserve. As the program unfolds, it beckons local organizations, stakeholders, and visionaries to join hands in crafting a future defined by resilience, inclusivity, and shared prosperity. For further details and inquiries, visit Grants.gov and be a part of Guatemala's transformative journey.
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