A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa announces an Open Competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that promote accountable, transparent, and democratic governance and promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals. In this vein, selected projects will target youth and women interested in becoming political leaders in their communities and country. Projects will focus on education and empowerment, and will develop curricula, that cover civic engagement, peaceful participation in political processes, ethics in politics, community leadership and advocacy. Goals Projects should demonstrate systemic change and be designed to achieve the following objectives: Objective 1: Inspire youth and womens desire to participate in democratic processes by enlisting experienced youth and women in politics to develop a mentorship program. Objective 2: Develop entrepreneurial capacities of youth and women that contribute towards access to educational programs, creating sustainable income-generating activities, and paying for involvement in electoral processes. Objective 3: Inspire youth and womens desire to participate in democratic processes by enlisting experienced youth and women in politics to develop a mentorship program. Objective 4: Develop entrepreneurial capacities of youth and women that contribute towards access to educational programs, creating sustainable income-generating activities, and paying for involvement in electoral processes. Objective 5: Establish centers of learning and capacity-building for open dialogue among youth and women, civil society, governments, and the communities they serve. Objective 6: Empower key reformers and actors to promote access to justice, strengthen checks on executive power, and incorporate citizen-responsive governance to reduce corruption and improve the delivery of public services. Objective 7: Provide technical support and integrate program with or leverage existing programs, local resources, and/or the activities of other donors.