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The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to support Guatemala’s National Civilian Police (PNC) with the implementation of the Police Athletic League (PAL) program in Guatemala.

With this project, INL hopes to engage as many young people living in at-risk areas as possible in sports activities that will motivate them to replicate these practices in other communities and with future generations, offering them a safe space to grow as athletes and at the same time envision a better future for themselves and their communities.

With these activities they will also be generating a relationship of trust between the National Civil Police and the population to create awareness of police work and efforts to reduce the problem of youth inclusion in gangs, generating a better citizen security.

Project Goal(s)

• Goal 1: Reduce crime and violence perpetrated by youth ages seven (7) to eighteen (18) by engaging them in positive activities that improve their quality of life, develop their life skills, and offer the prospect of a better future through sports and activities.

• Goal 2: Improve the relationship between law enforcement personnel and the communities they serve.

• Goal 3: Increase the capacity of PNC’s Crime Prevention Unit personnel to ensure program sustainability over time.

Objectives and Activities

• Objective 1: During the first year (January to December 2024), establish a Police Athletic League pilot project in scope and scale by creating disciplines and targeting at-risk youth ages seven (7) to eighteen (18) in zones 5 and 21 of Guatemala City in the Central District, then expand the program in phase two (January to December 2025) to zone 18 in Guatemala City and zone 3 in Villa Nueva, both in the Central District.

  • Activity 1: Survey communities to identify disciplines that can be implemented and later identify new municipalities where the program can be expanded.

  • Activity 2: Identify and select police officers and community volunteers that can become PAL coaches.

• Objective 2: Provide administrative and logistical support, including materials and resources for PAL in the 7 priority municipalities (+2,400 kids), and in new municipalities as the program grows.

  • Activity 1: Provide sports equipment to PAL coaches and participating kids to guarantee correct implementation of the different sports and indoor activities.

  • Activity 2: Maintain and regularly update the program’s social media outlets (e.g., Instagram and Facebook) to provide information to the enrolled kids, attract new audiences, parents, teachers, and coaches.

• Objective 3: Perform monitoring and evaluation activities in each participating program through the PNC Crime Prevention Unit Delegations to ensure continued improvement and implementation of best practices.

  • Activity 1: Establish a monitoring and evaluation plan, that incorporates outcome indicators to be able to track the continuity of youth in the program, as well as perception of security forces, PNC.

  • Activity 2: Coordinate weekly visits (one per participating program) to observe, evaluate, and give recommendations on PAL implementation.

• Objective 4: Provide motivational activities for youth and instructors through competitions and annual conferences. Recognize outstanding talent throughout the program.

  • Activity 1: Plan, coordinate, and conduct dedicated annual workshops for experienced PAL coaches and volunteers. These workshops should recognize outstanding talents and achievements.

  • Activity 2: Plan, coordinate, and conduct annual competitions for the multiple sport disciplines where kids can be recognized nationally and can become role models and motivators for other communities to join the program.

• Objective 5: Within the first eight months of award, have an established mechanism for PAL beneficiaries to give back to the cities they live in through community service projects.

  • Activity 1: Identify and select the best ideas/proposals from PAL youth to beautify, improve or enhance their city parks, schools, and neighborhoods among others. Implementer must ensure coordination is made between PNC, school principals, and mayor’s offices when the enhancements are in city parks or neighborhoods.

  • Activity 2: Provide the necessary supplies and resources for the PAL youth to complete the community service projects as planned.

• Objective 6: Within two years of award, have an established system for private sector participation and contribution towards program sustainability and career/job opportunities for actively or formerly enrolled kids.

  • Activity 1: Promote PAL among local governments and the private sector in order to obtain support for ongoing activities.

  • Activity 2: Seek funding opportunities for program graduates to continue with their higher education at local universities or technical programs.

Project Activities and Deliverables

• Report to INL the companies involved, keep a database, and follow up with all the youth who obtain scholarships or are scouted by professional leagues nationwide.

• Promote the community service projects throughout PAL and PNC social media (e.g., Instagram and Facebook).

• Following the visits, provide written reports to the PNC’s Crime Prevention Unit of observations from the field visits as well as recommendations for improving.

• Maintain a database of donated equipment, condition, and location. Assign responsibility for maintenance and safe storage of equipment to a specific official or volunteer.

• Provide sports equipment to PAL coaches and participating kids to guarantee correct implementation of the different sports and indoor activities.

Participants and Audiences

• The target audiences are at-risk youth ages 7-18 living in neighborhoods at high risk of violence and gang activity, as well as youth in rural areas, PAL coaches, volunteers, and parents.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $200,000.00

• Length of performance period: 24 months

• Anticipated program start date: January 2024

• Number of awards anticipated: One (1) award

Priority Region/Countries: Guatemala

Eligibility

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:

  • U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);

  • U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code;

  • U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or section 26 US 115 of the US 115 of the U.S. tax code;

  • Foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);

  • Foreign-based educational institutions

• Applicants must also meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply to this NOFO:

  • Demonstrate business registration in Guatemala or present in country partners if the case.

Posted Date: Nov 02, 2023