COL-PROTEIN 2008-2009

COL-PROTEIN is seeking to support initiatives that will adopt open and distance learning and information and communication technologies (ICT) to help build rural capacity for poverty reduction.

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Poverty Reduction Outcomes Through Education Innovations and Networks (PROTEIN) programme supports innovative uses of open and distance learning (ODL) to alleviate poverty in rural areas. In particular, COL-PROTEIN supports initiatives that will adopt ODL, and information and communication technologies (ICT) and media, to build capacities for community development, for example in areas such as food security, environmental protection, women's empowerment, micro-enterprise and good governance.

Activities that COL-PROTEIN supports include the following:

• Designing and demonstrating innovative learning models that use ODL and ICT;
• Developing and piloting of self-learning materials; and
• Detailed design for content development and delivery that can be ICT-enabled to benefit the poor.

The Awards

COL invites proposals for its PROTEIN programme that emphasize innovative use of technology to support learning and skills-building aimed at reducing poverty in developing countries.

Successful applicants will receive:

• COL technical support at a cost in the area of open and distance learning. Support from COL may be in the form of consultancy and advice; shared knowledge and materials; and capacity building.
• Limited financial support of up to $18,000 (Canadian). The budget submitted should identify costs for which COL support is sought, as well as contributions from the applicant and all other partners and funding agencies.

Eligibility

Proposals are invited from qualified applicants in developing Commonwealth countries from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific (www.col.org/about). Eligibility to receive COL support requires that the applying organisations/institutions meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate an established track record in addressing poverty in Commonwealth countries; and
• Hold a certificate of incorporation or proof of legal standing.

A range of formal educational institutions (universities, training institutions, schools), including government and non-government educational, research and development organisations, as well as not-for-profit agencies, and community-based organisations working at the grassroots, are encouraged to apply. COL-PROTEIN supports only one initiative per organisation.

Successful applicants will be required to enter into a contract with COL that outlines ­­all aspects related to administration of the grant and required reporting. The financial help is normally provided in three installments based on outputs/ deliverables and associated budget and timelines. The copyright for materials developed through the PROTEIN initiative resides jointly with the lead institution responsible for implementing the initiative and with COL. The information related to the COL-PROTEIN initiatives will be made public using WikiEducator platform (www.wikieducator.org) and using a Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike license.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

A selection committee will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria.

• Focus on Poor:

The degree to which the proposal targets the poor, with particular reference to girls and women in general, excepting in the Caribbean

where reference could be made to boys and men and the degree to which it is likely to improve their well-being.

• Interest and Involvement of Target Groups:

The level of interest and support of potential end users and stakeholders, and how they

have been involved or consulted on the design and development of the proposal.

• Innovative Application of ODL and ICT:

The extent of innovation in integrating open, distance and technology-mediated learning materials, models, designs or processes that will be used to reduce poverty. 

• Documentation and sharing

The extent to which the project integrates strategies to review, assess, document and share results, materials and lessons learned. 

• Contribution/Commitment of Lead Organisation and Partners:

The extent of contributions in cash as well as in-kind in the form of human and infrastructural resources allocated from the lead organisation/institution and the participating partners to demonstrate their commitment to the initiative. 

• Reliance on the Professional Inputs of COL:

The committed interest in benefiting from the expertise that COL can provide at a cost rather than seeking full financial support only.

• Management of the Project:

The extent of clarity provided for project management with regard to implementation plans, monitoring of performance indicators, and evaluation of outputs.

Application Process

Proposals must include the following:

• A complete proposal based upon the COL-PROTEIN Proposal Guidelines 2008-2009;
• The Curriculum vitae of lead project manager(s), specifically indicating particular experience/knowledge relevant to the proposal; and
• Supporting letters from the head or senior official of all institutions or organisations to be involved.

The deadline for applications is 15 August 2008

Send application materials electronically as MS Word files, ODT files, or in print to:

Commonwealth of Learning
Attention: COL-PROTEIN
1055 West Hastings Street, Suite 1200
Vancouver, BC V6E 2E9 CANADA
E-mail: protein@col.org
Fax: +1 604 775 8210

Proposal Guidelines are available electronically (MSWord) in the right column.