Transition Initiatives

Program Description

• In June 2005 USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) commenced a program in the West Bank and Gaza in response to political openings following Palestinian leadership changes and Israel's disengagement from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank.
• The USAID/OTI program for the West Bank and Gaza falls within the U.S. Department of State/USAID overarching foreign assistance framework goal of helping to build and sustain democratic, well-governed states responsive to the needs of their people. OTI is managing a flexible $15 million small grants program with the following program aims:
  - Supporting emerging and democratic leaders in establishing community-based credibility.
  - Strengthening constituencies for peace to generate grassroots demand for change in West Bank and Gaza.
• The OTI program complements other activities of the USAID West Bank and Gaza Mission, and targets critical, time sensitive initiatives consistent with the Mission's transformational development goals and U.S. foreign policy objectives.
• To date OTI has cleared 93 grants in the West Bank and Gaza, valued at $4,756,568. In the period of heightened citizen expectations surrounding disengagement and the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections from August 2005 until January 2006, these grants increased the Palestinian Authority's responsiveness to citizen priorities through small-scale reconstruction projects, engagement of youth in social and economic activities, community forums, and media initiatives to facilitate improved flows of accurate information. Following the January 2006, PLC elections, the OTI grants have supported the new US assistance strategy objectives through targeted, discreet support to emerging leaders, independent media, and selected civil society efforts.
• Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000. The contracting firm ARD, Inc. serves as USAID/OTI's implementing partner in West Bank/Gaza. ARD, Inc. maintains USAID/OTI offices in Gaza City and Jerusalem.

Recent Accomplishments

Bethlehem's Peak Business Season
Private business in the West Bank is increasingly affected by a deteriorating political and security environment within the Palestinian Territories. As the private sector can play a significant role in advocating positive change to create stability in the West Bank, OTI recently provided in kind assistance to the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The objective of the grant was to strengthen this important network and mobilize business owners to take the initiative to create a positive business environment during a critical economic period. BCCI worked closely with the business community to coordinate a winter festival to promote and market Bethlehem industry and products during a two week period of peak economy activity. OTI financed the venue for the trade fair, radio and newspaper announcements and promotional materials, including maps of the commercial district, banners and posters highlighting Bethlehem industries. The BBCI Director commented that the project was very successful in strengthening its network with the private sector and provided businessmen support during the worst economic season in the past five years.

Critical Clean up in Gaza
In an effort to enhance the visibility and credibility of a moderate NGO in Gaza, USAID/OTI awarded a grant to the Jamaey Center for General Services (JCGS) to mobilize youth volunteers to provide clean up services after the first day of the sacrifice festival, December 30, in Rafah. Traditionally during Eid Al Adha, animals are sacrificed to celebrate the New Year. Due to insufficient municipal services, streets had not been properly cleaned last year. Volunteers first took to the streets of the four main areas in Rafah to publicize the clean-up effort and distribute equipment. The extensive clean up effort showed the community the positive impact of organized volunteerism. Mohammaed Bayomi, a local school headmaster, said, "This work has an essential goal because it will reach each house in Rafah and will encourage voluntary work."

Last updated on February 2, 2007