Archived application information  

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) invites proposals for its Poverty Reduction Outcomes Through Education Innovations and Networks (PROTEIN) programme. COL-PROTEIN aims to support innovative uses of open and distance learning (ODL) to address poverty alleviation in rural areas. In particular, 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 under the following areas:

• Food Security;

• Environmental Protection;

• Rural Development;

• Nutritional Education; and

• Micro-Enterprise.

COL PROTEIN is committed to support innovative initiatives that use ODL/ICT-mediated learning to reduce poverty. The primary intention of COL-PROTEIN is to encourage applicants to seek COL expertise and support. Activities that will be considered for support include:

• Innovative models that use ODL and ICT;

• Self-learning materials and their piloting; and

• Detailed content design that can be ICT-enabled and would benefit the rural poor.

In support of COL's capacity-building approach, COL-PROTEIN is committed to monitoring and evaluating outcomes, that is, changes in conditions, behaviour, or attitudes that indicate progress toward achievement of the defined objectives. This includes incorporating COL measurement outcomes in supporting ODL and ICT, specifically:

• Working together with partner organisations/institutions to plan,
  design, test and deliver projects whereby vulnerable communities
  participate in education and training for poverty reduction.

• Increasing access to education and thereby the means of securing decent livelihoods for citizens within the developing nations of the Commonwealth.

• Developing best practice models and/or materials for use of ODL
  with marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Eligibility
Proposals are invited from qualified applicants in developing Commonwealth countries from Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Caribbean ( www.col.org/about/commonwealth). Eligibility for support is open to established not-for-profit organisations/institutions that address the following criteria:

• Demonstrate an established track record, however modest, in addressing rural poverty in Commonwealth countries;

• Hold a certificate of incorporation or proof of legal standing;

• Have investigated the success of similar approaches of capacity
  building using information and communication technologies (ICT)
  and lessons learned; and

• Are able to identify the level of interest and support of potential end users and stakeholders and have identified specific outcomes that can be used as success indicators.

COL appreciates that the goal of reducing poverty can benefit from the active participation and commitment of diverse not-for-profit groups including government and non-government organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) working at the grassroots. Only one initiative will be supported per organisation.

Value
COL-PROTEIN is committed to identifying and supporting innovative uses of ODL and ICT relating to poverty alleviation and to encourage applicants to seek COL expertise and support. Successful applicants will receive:

1. Expertise in the area of open and distance learning
   Expertise from COL may be in the form of shared knowledge, resources and materials; knowledge management; consultancy and advice; advocacy; cost effective programming; and capacity building.

2. Limited financial support up to $20,000 (Canadian)
   The budget submitted should include anticipated receipts and expenditures in full and indicate those areas for which COL support is sought as well as contributions from all other partners and funding agencies.

A total of four proposals will be funded in 2004-2005. In supporting the
four proposals, COL is executing its mandate as a focus on using ODL
and ICT to support development.

Application Process
Proposals must include:

• A complete proposal based upon the COL-PROTEIN guidelines;

• 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 in its realisation.

Applicants are encouraged to gauge the level of interest and support of the potential end-users and stakeholders in the proposed effort and identify mutually agreed-upon outcomes that can be used as success
indicators. The copyright for materials developed through the COL-PROTEIN initiative reside jointly with COL and with the lead institution responsible for implementing the initiative.

Evaluation
Proposals will be forwarded to a selection committee for evaluation. Proposals are evaluated by the committee based upon a number of criteria, including:

• Focus on Rural Poor: The degree to which the proposals targets the rural poor, with particular reference to girls and women, and the degree to which it is likely to have a positive impact on their well-being.

• Involvement of Target Groups: The extent to which the target
  groups have been involved or consulted on the design and
  development of the proposal.

• Innovation: The degree to which open, distance and technology
  mediated learning contributes to rural development and poverty reduction.

• Application of ODL and ICT: The degree to which ODL and ICT will be used and outcomes are expected to be effective.

• Contribution/Commitment to results of lead organisation: The extent of commitment from the lead organisation/institution and the participating partners. For example, contributions in cash or in-kind to the initiative.

• Management of the Project: How professionally the details of
  implementation, monitoring and evaluation plans, and associated outputs and performance indicators, are presented.

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.
 

Guidelines
Applicants are advised to read the COL-PROTEIN guidelines carefully and create a separate document based upon the criteria outlined. Application materials are due 15 October 2004 and may be sent electronically as Microsoft Word files or in print and addressed to:

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