Up to US$250,000 will be awarded to eligible Senegalese organisations to build Internet knowledge and skills, increase economic inclusion, and improve educational opportunities.
The Internet Society Foundation has launched a new round of grants to stimulate economic growth and expand educational opportunities by helping citizens and communities use the Internet more effectively and efficiently.
In a statement forwarded to APA on Wednesday, the organisation announced that the Strengthening Communities, Improving Lives and Livelihoods programme is now available to eligible organisations in Senegal. Grants of up to $250,000 will be awarded to organisations for projects lasting up to two years, the release said.
Applications for the programme opened on May 1 and full applications must be submitted by the end of the month, the document said, adding that the preliminary allocation of grants will be announced in August 2023.
According to the International Telecommunication Union’s Data Hub, almost 58% of Senegalese use the internet. This is an increase over previous years. Through this programme, the Foundation is looking for projects in Senegal that aim to capitalise on this increase in access by creating educational opportunities and/or supporting the economic inclusion of underserved or unserved communities.
This includes using the Internet to improve access to quality primary and secondary education and learning outcomes, improve virtual and distance learning methods and capacity, create financial opportunities, increase economic independence, and generate sustainable income streams, the source said.
“Internet access has increased dramatically in Senegal, but access to Internet knowledge and skills remains out of reach for some,” Sarah Armstrong, executive director of the Internet Society Foundation, was quoted as saying in the release.
“These new SCILLS grants will support organisations that connect disadvantaged communities with the essential digital skills needed to expand economic growth and educational opportunities,” Armstrong said.
Grant applications must be submitted via Fluxx, the online grant management system. Projects and organisations that meet the eligibility criteria will then be invited to submit a full application. Further information is available at: https://apo-opa.info/3ANCQVn
The SCILLS programme operates in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This edition targets the following six countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, Indonesia and Senegal.
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