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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REFERENCE NUMBER: 72060325RFI00001 DJIBOUTI MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION ACTIVITY RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2024 RESPONSE DUE DATE: November 21, 2024, by 5:30 pm EST The United Stat... REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REFERENCE NUMBER: 72060325RFI00001 DJIBOUTI MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION ACTIVITY RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2024 RESPONSE DUE DATE: November 21, 2024, by 5:30 pm EST The United States Agency for International Development in Djibouti (USAID/Djibouti) is gathering information for an anticipated activity entitled the Djibouti Middle School Education Activity. The proposed new activity is being designed to support the upper primary and middle school education sector, as described in further detail in Attachment 1. The information contained in this RFI is intended solely as a thought-piece; ideas may change significantly during USAID/Djibouti ’s activity design, consultation, and approval process. In addition, any information collected through this RFI may or may not be used to help guide thinking about education particularly upper middle school programming. USAID/Djibouti is seeking information about the interests and capabilities of potential implementers and sector information to inform the design. By issuing this request for information (RFI), USAID/Djibouti aims to consult with the broad communities of entities concerned with the education of middle school aged Djiboutian youth. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING RESPONSES: Please send all responses to this RFI via email to Merjan Endris, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, at mendris@usaid.gov with a copy to Deborah Rakowski, Contracting and Agreement Officer, at drakowski@usaid.gov by the date and time indicated above with the title “RFI 72060325RFI00001, Djibouti Middle School Education Activity.” Responses to this RFI are voluntary and all respondents are welcome to address any or all of the items requested as well as provide any additional relevant information. You will only receive an electronic confirmation acknowledging receipt of your response but will not receive individualized feedback on any suggestions. The submitted response should include the following information: Reference Number: RFI# 72060325RFI00001, Djibouti Middle School Education Activity Date: Contact Name/Position: Affiliation/Organization: Type of Organization: Email Address: Section 1: Request for Information Questions What are best practices USAID can use to introduce soft skills in middle school education? What factors should USAID consider when introducing the STEM and assessing the uptake of STEM skills? What relevant lessons learned in other similar country contexts can be shared? What best practices or models exist for integrating psychosocial support in public education to improve retention for children and youth? Do the proposed objectives effectively meet the identified key challenges? What type of approaches can be used to develop inclusive education, localization? Is it focusing on reinforcing the communities or building the capacity of the Ministry of Education? Please share examples of best practices your organization used in the past. What strategies can be used to improve the retention rates and foundational skills of middle school aged students? After reviewing the information included in Attachment 1, are there other factors, recommendations, or considerations regarding the design or implementation of this activity that USAID should consider or be aware of? Please provide any feedback or suggestions on the proposed USAID activity. Section 2: Organizational Capacity and Experience The total responses to the below questions should not exceed five (5) pages, including summarizing your organization’s capacity to support USAID/Djibouti Middle School Education Activity. Please include specific experiences relevant to the Djiboutian or regional context. Organizational Capacity and Experience: Describe your organization's experience in implementing education programs, particularly in the middle school context Outline your team's expertise in curriculum development, teacher training, and student assessment teaching english language using a communicative approach Outline your experience and expertise in integrating social emotional skills in teaching practices Provide specific examples of previous projects that have focused on improving learning outcomes and soft skills. Explain your organization's understanding of USAID's education policies and procedures. Local Partnerships and Collaborations: Identify potential local partners or consultants who could contribute to the activity, such as NGOs, community organizations, or private sector entities. Describe your organization's capacity to build and maintain strong working relationships with the Ministry of Education, schools, and other key stakeholders. Monitoring and Evaluation: Explain your organization's approach to monitoring and evaluating the impact of such an activity. Financial Management and Reporting: Describe your organization's experience in managing USAID grants and contracts. Explain your organization's financial management systems and procedures. Outline your capacity to provide timely and accurate financial reports. DISCLAIMER This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. It is issued solely for information and planning purposes and offers the opportunity for interested organizations to provide recommendations to solidify USAID/Djibouti’s understanding of the education sector in Djibouti. USAID/Djibouti is not accepting proposals or applications at this time. No applications for funding will be accepted or reviewed and will be discarded. Responding to this RFI will not give any advantage or preclude any organization or individual from any solicitation that may be subsequently issued as all comments received will be strictly for information gathering purposes only. Issuance of this RFI does not constitute a solicitation or a notice of funding. No decision has been made regarding the type of instrument that will be used (e.g. acquisition or assistance). No basis for claims against the U.S. Government shall arise as a result of a response to this request for information or from the Government’s use of such information. The issuance of this RFI does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation of the response. Thank you for your interest in USAID activities. Sincerely, Deborah Rakowski Contracting and Agreement Officer Attachment 1: Introduction and Purpose of the USAID/Djibouti Middle School Education Activity ATTACHMENT 1 Introduction and Purpose of the USAID/Djibouti Middle School Education Activity This attachment outlines the goals and objectives of the USAID/Djibouti Middle School Education Activity, an initiative designed to equip adolescents in grades 5-9 with the foundational and life skills necessary to thrive in society. Background Djibouti's education system faces challenges, particularly at the middle school level. While enrollment rates have increased, many students struggle to acquire the essential skills needed for success in secondary education and future careers. Retention rates are low, with a significant drop-off observed in grades six and seven. Additionally, students often lack the soft skills critical for navigating the complexities of modern life. This disparity is further exacerbated by factors like poverty, limited access to quality education, and social norms that disproportionately affect girls and marginalized populations. Key Challenges: Low retention rates: Almost 10% of students who have access to middle school wouldn't reach the final year. Inadequate foundational skills: A significant portion of students who pass the Grade 5 exam lack the necessary skills for success in middle school. Limited soft skills development: Current curriculum doesn't adequately prepare students with essential 21st-century skills. Gender disparity: Girls' education is hampered by social norms and gender-based violence. Inequitable access: Marginalized groups, including children with disabilities, have limited access to inclusive education. Purpose The USAID/Djibouti Middle School Education Activity aims to address these challenges by: Strengthening foundational academic skills: Building upon the gains made through the USAID/Djibouti Early Grade Reading Activity (DEGRA), the program will focus on reinforcing reading, math, and English language proficiency in grades 5-9. Introducing soft skills: The activity will introduce crucial soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, preparing students for future employment and community engagement. Introducing science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM): The activity will introduce STEM, with a focus on IT skills, into the public middle school curriculum. Enhancing psychosocial support: The program will integrate psychosocial support services to bolster student well-being and resilience, particularly for vulnerable populations. Promoting gender equality and inclusion: The activity will prioritize strategies that address the specific needs of girls and marginalized groups, ensuring equitable access to quality education The new activity will seek to equip adolescents in grades 5-9 in Djibouti City, with the foundational and soft skills needed to improve their learning and wellbeing outcomes to become productive members of society.