SPECIAL PROJECTS

This cross-cutting objective is comprised of training, exchanges, study tours, assessments, sector studies and small grants that support USAID strategic objectives. Training consists of short-term and long-term academic programs. Small grants provide financial support to USAID’s local Azerbaijani partners for the development of the private and public sectors including civil society groups.

A student from Azerbaijan receives his Tulane University public health degree from former U.S. Presidents Clinton and Bush.

Focus on Results: Enhancing Capacity Across Sectors in Transition (FORECAST)

The FORECAST activity, the USAID/Caucasus Mission's flagship follow-on participant training activity, started in late September 2007. This program is cross-cutting and will focus on building technical and institutional capacity within both GOAJ and civil society institutions in the areas of democracy and governance, economic development and health. This activity will enhance the design and implementation of complex democratic and economic governance reform processes, and promote informed civil society participation in these processes.  USAID will work with select public, private and civil society organizations that play a strategic role in the implementation of the GOAJ’s reform program and its strategic goals. This activity will improve key operations in public institutions through targeted training, addressing specific organizational and human capacity development needs.

For more information, please visit www.worldlearning.org  


Eurasia Foundation

Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF) supports USAID strategic objectives in Azerbaijan by providing grants and technical assistance in the areas of civil society development, small and medium entrepreneurship, and analytical capacity in independent, policy related-research. Programs implemented by EPF build institutional capacity, promote civic activity in support of social and economic reform and emphasize transparency in governance and fiscal management. EPF is distinguished by the combination of grant-making and technical assistance expertise, a skill set that is increasing utilized by foreign governments and private businesses to address their development goals. Current partners in Azerbaijan include USAID, Carnegie Corporation of New York, UK Department for International Development, Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Lodestar Foundation, StatoilHydro, and the US Department of State Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour.

For more information, please visit www.eurasia.org; www.efazerbaijan.org 

Community Connections

USAID Community Connections Handicraft Production and Marketing exchange participant exhibits Azerbaijani handicrafts at fair organized in Kansas City.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is sponsoring the Community Connections Program in Baku and selected regions of Azerbaijan to involve professionals in three-week exchanges in the United States. The program is a professional and cultural exchange that encourages public-private partnerships, provides professional training and exposure to day-to-day functions of the American business and professional environment and creates links between U.S. and Azerbaijani regions and communities.

During the exchange participants live with U.S. host families, participate in training events, seminars and site visits, gain first-hand knowledge of American culture and expose American communities to Azerbaijani life and culture. The participants will have meetings with state and government officials, advocacy groups, NGOs and visit alumni organizations, public relations departments and local television stations. Participants will also create connections with members of their profession in the United States to further the sharing of knowledge between U.S. and Azerbaijani professionals. Upon return, participants will become socially active and develop and conduct educational and informational campaigns.

For more information, please visit www.communityconnections.az; www.projectharmony.az

Peace Corps

Though the support activity, the Peace Corps program is enhanced through the provision of funding to the Peace Corps office in Azerbaijan for training of administrative staff, volunteers, and local counterparts; and funding of the Small Project Assistance (SPA) program for Volunteers and their host communities to plan and implement community projects. In 2008, the Peace Corps plans to award grants to community groups to implement high visibility projects including construction and rehabilitation activities; conduct English language training; and support organizational development and project management skill-related  training programs for Azerbaijanis.

For more information, please visit www.peacecorps.gov