Cuba

Up Coming Events

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:  USAID/Cuba Program 2008 Annual Program Statement
USAID is seeking applications from qualified Applicants for funding of cooperative agreements. The purpose of the APS is to support programs that expand the reach and impact of independent civil society in Cuba, and thereby hasten a peaceful transition to democracy. The APS is open until December 31, 2008. For further information, please visit: http://www.grants.gov/search/announce

Overview

Increasingly active, vibrant and modern day factors are permeating the fabric of Cuban society. The challenges progressive, increasingly vocal Cuban civil society actors face are great, given that decades of Communist rule have atrophied Cuba's economy and social structures. Despite continuing political oppression, Cubans are increasingly aware of the promising possibilities for broader social and economic advancement and many are seeking sustained USG encouragement and support during this critical juncture in their country’s history.

Program

The USAID Cuba Program is promoting Cuba’s transition to a democratic, market-oriented society.  For over ten years, more than 35 U.S. organizations, primarily Universities and NGOs, have collaborated closely with USAID and other international partners to support Cuba's transition program, and carry out the following:

Build Solidarity with Cuba’s Human Rights Community

USAID grantees have delivered food and medicine to families of political prisoners and other victims of repression in Cuba.  Grantees provided independent libraries with books, newsletters, videos and other information materials, as well as office equipment and other materials.

Provide a Voice to Cuba’s Independent Journalists

    USAID grantees facilitate the publishing and distribution of more than hundreds of books, DVDs, and independent news reports.  NGO community leaders and journalists have distributed more than 350,000 newsletters in Cuba.  More than 100 independent journalists have also taken numerous journalism training courses.

Provide Direct Outreach to the Cuban People
By 2007, USAID grants and cooperative agreements to more than 35 U.S. universities and non-governmental organizations had resulted in:

• More than 300,000 pounds of food and medicine provided to the families of political prisoners and to other victims of repression inside Cuba.
• More than 4 million newsletters sent to Cuban households and more than 700,000 sent to e- mail addresses on the island.
• More than 26,000 short-wave radios, with rechargeable batteries and re-chargers provided to the Cuban people.
•  More than 100,000 books, videos, and DVDs have been provided to Cuba’s independent libraries and to other independent organizations on the island.
• More than 20,000 reports from Cuba’s independent journalists distributed worldwide via the internet.  Correspondence training provided to more than 100 independent journalists in Cuba.

PLANNING FOR TRANSITION

      Program activities included providing training in international and human rights law, nonviolent, advocacy campaigning, and the development of Cuban professional skills that can be deployed in a post-transition environment.

     Creating associations with international partners is also increasing Cuban democratic awareness and appreciation of the many social, political and economic challenges and opportunities associated with navigating and fostering a successful, democratic transition in Cuba.