The U.S. Consulate General in Recife announced in October 2020 results of its Annual Program Statement call for proposals, published in June 2020, which offered opportunities for financial support of up to US$15,000 to organizations implementing projects in its eight-state consular district. After an open and competitive selection process, with over 40 applicants, seven projects were selected to conduct activities in program areas of strategic interest to the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Brazil, such as democracy, entrepreneurship, English learning, and science and technology.
Consul General Jessica Simon expressed enthusiasm over the opportunity to support initiatives in five states throughout the region: Pernambuco, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Sergipe and Piauí.
“We have seven new partnerships and projects that will benefit many people in the Northeast, especially youth and women! Our selection process was quite competitive, which is a testament to the innovation and creativity here in the Northeast. The U.S. Consulate has a long history of partnership with civil society leaders to support their impactful work – this is just the latest example”, said Consul General Jessica Simon.
Following are descriptions of the seven initiatives under the 2020 Annual Program Statement. The selected projects will run through 2021. Announcements for future calls for proposals can be found on our website and on Instagram @consuladoeua_nordeste.
Ceará
Teaching English During and After the Pandemic Federal University of Ceará (UFC) and the Center for Training and Development (CETREDE). Teaching English During and After the Pandemic will offer three 40-hour courses for public English language teachers, preparing them to use new digital technologies for the teaching of English. The Federal University of Ceará has maintained its commitment to service in the region for over 65 years, preserving the universal nature of its academic production and covering diverse academic fields through multiple campuses. The Languages without Borders program (Idiomas sem Fronteiras) is a key part of its internationalization strategy.
Pernambuco
Future Female Scientists (Futuras Cientistas) Northeast Center for Strategic Technologies (CETENE) and Research Foundation (FUNDEP). The Future Female Scientists project began in 2012, bringing female students and teachers from public high schools into the cutting edge reality of study and research in science, showing them that women can fill significant roles and positions in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). This year, 30 science students and science teachers from public schools will participate in the program. CETENE is one of 16 federal research facilities under the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, whose mission is to develop and enhance strategic innovations in technology towards economic and social development in the Northeast. Instagram: @cetenebrasil @futurascientistas
Immersion in the Culture of Entrepreneurship (Imersão na Cultura do Empreendedorismo) CESAR School and Coque Connects. Immersion in the Culture of Entrepreneurships will offer training to 80 Afro-Brazilian youth, building capacities for civic participation and creating opportunities in entrepreneurship across various sectors. CESAR School is a school specializing in innovation, directly connected to the Porto Digital ecosystem, one of Brazil’s leading technology parks and environments for innovation. Coque Connects is a non-government organization (NGO) whose mission is to use quality education to prepare disadvantaged youth in Recife to develop as citizens and civic leaders. Instagram: @cesarschool, @coqueconnecta
My Purpose: Female Entrepreneurs (Meu Propósito) Pernambuco-Georgia Partners UPE/FCAP: My Purpose: Female Entrepreneurs will combat inequalities through empowerment of and income generation for women in the community of Caranguejo Tabaiares in Recife, offering training in entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. Meu Propósito will work in partnership with the Pernambuco-Georgia Partners and UPE/FCAP. Meu Propósito is an NGO that uses financial education towards community economic development. Pernambuco-Georgia Partners is a member of Partners of the Americas inter-American volunteer network, and UPE/FCAP is the Pernambuco State University School of Business Administration and Law. Instagram: @ongmeuproposito, @Comite-Pernambuco-Georgia, @fcapupe
Piauí
Continued Training in English Language and North American Culture Federal University of Piaui (UFPI) and the Foundation for Culture and Foment of Research, Teaching, Extension, and Innovation (FADEX). Continued Training in English Language and North American Culture will offer a course for middle and high school teachers, providing training in English and U.S. culture through thematic workshops facilitating communicative abilities and professional development. The UFPI mission is to develop, produce and disseminate knowledge in philosophy, science, the arts and technology consistent with contemporary and social realities, developing human resources towards economic, political, social, cultural, regional and national development. Instagram: @ufpi @fundacaofadex
Rio Grande do Norte
Perspectives on Democracy in Brazil and the United States Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) and Rio Grande do Norte Foundation for Research and Culture (FUNPEC). Perspectives on Democracy in Brazil and the United States will conduct a six-part series of virtual roundtables to the public and academics involving researchers and authors from Brazil and the United States, culminating with the production and distribution of an e-book for distribution. The UFRN mission is to educate, produce, and disseminate universal knowledge; contribute to human development; and exercise commitment to social justice and civic engagement. Instagram: @ufrn.br, @funpecrn
Sergipe
Youth for the Future Youth alumni from educational programs sponsored by the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Brazil. Youth for the Future will support young professionals using content centered on 21st Century skills, including the English language, interpersonal skills, and communication to help young people gain opportunities for work and income. The project team is primarily comprised of young professionals and former participants in exchange programs to the United States who are currently engaged in social development projects in education, inclusion, and diversity, seeking to impact the lives of their peers.
