Cuba

Up Coming Events

Cuba Solidarity Day - May 21, 2008

May 21st will mark a “Day of Solidarity with the Cuban people” to focus on the plight of political prisoners and the lack of civil and political freedoms in Cuba. Countries and civil society groups worldwide will have an opportunity to join Cuban democracy leaders and non-governmental organizations in commemorating May 21 by holding events and peaceful demonstrations. To learn  how to participate in Cuba Solidarity Day, please visit www.solidaridadcuba.org or visit www.peticioncuba.org to sign a petition for the release of Cuba’s political prisoners.

APPLICANT’S CONFERENCE: 2008 Annual Program Statement
Date: May 14, 2008 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM

The Office of Acquisition and Assistance in conjunction with the USAID/Cuba Program Office is hosting an Applicant’s Conference to provide information and technical assistance regarding the USAID/Cuba Program Annual Program Statement, Fiscal Year 2008 solicitation. Organizations/firms interested in applying for funding and current grantees are invited. Program staff involved in drafting proposals and managing grants are also encouraged to attend.   USAID is accepting expressions of interest in attending this event immediately. RSVP must be received by noon on May 13, 2008. Applicants that are unable to attend may submit questions regarding the APS by May 7, 2008. Conference information will be posted on www.grants.gov following the conference. Please contact Chair Floore on (202) 712-4992 or cfloore@usaid.gov .

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:  USAID/Cuba Program 2008 Annual Program Statement

USAID is seeking applications from qualified Applicants for funding of cooperative agreements. The purpose of the APS is to support programs that expand the reach and impact of independent civil society in Cuba, and thereby hasten a peaceful transition to democracy. The APS is open until December 31, 2008. For further information, please visit: http://www.grants.gov/search/announce

Overview

Increasingly active, vibrant and modern day factors are permeating the fabric of Cuban society. The challenges progressive, increasingly vocal Cuban civil society actors face are great, given that decades of Communist rule have atrophied Cuba's economy and social structures. Despite continuing political oppression, Cubans are increasingly aware of the promising possibilities for broader social and economic advancement and many are seeking sustained USG encouragement and support during this critical juncture in their country’s history.

Program

The USAID Cuba Program is promoting Cuba’s transition to a democratic, market-oriented society.  For over ten years, more than 35 U.S. organizations, primarily Universities and NGOs, have collaborated closely with USAID and other international partners to support Cuba's transition program, and carry out the following:

Build Solidarity with Cuba’s Human Rights Activists

USAID grantees have delivered food and medicine to families of political prisoners and other victims of repression in Cuba.  Grantees provided activists with books, newsletters, videos and other information materials, as well as office equipment and other materials.

Provide a Voice to Cuba’s Independent Journalists

    USAID grantees facilitate the publishing and distribution of more than hundreds of books, DVDs, and independent news reports.  NGO leaders, activists, and journalists have distributed more than 350,000 newsletters in Cuba.  More than 100 independent journalists have also taken numerous journalism training courses.

Develop Independent Cuban NGO’S

USAID grantees have sent
more than 80 international experts into Cuba to help train and develop independent Cuban NGO’s.
Institutional support and training has also been provided to numerous Cuban human rights organizations.

Provide Direct Outreach to the Cuban People
USAID has provided the following outreach to the Cuban people: 

• Thousands of short-wave radios to the Cuban people to listen to their choice of international programming 
• 2 million books, newsletters and other informational materials; 
• Support of direct outreach activities of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana;
• Multi-media and internet access program for Cuban citizens; and
• Hundreds of independent libraries in all provinces reach an estimated 240,000 patrons.

PLANNING FOR TRANSITION

      Program activities included providing activists training in international and human rights law, nonviolent, advocacy campaigning, and the development of Cuban professional skills that can be deployed in a post-transition environment.

     Creating associations with international partners is also increasing Cuban democratic activists' awareness and appreciation of the many social, political and economic challenges and opportunities associated with navigating and fostering a successful, democratic transition in Cuba.