The USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean (ESC) Anti-Violence Activity is focused on reducing youth involvement in gangs and related violence in targeted ESC countries. This initiative seeks to address the increasing prevalence of gangs and related crimes in the region, which include a range of criminal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and human trafficking. The activity aims to provide youth with viable pathways to avoid or leave gang involvement and integrate back into society.

USAID is looking for feedback from organizations with relevant experience to help design a flexible, evidence-based activity that ensures sustainability and effective handover to local organizations or governments. They are particularly interested in strategies that incorporate local resources and consider the long-term impacts of interventions. The focus of the program includes pilot testing case management approaches for youth, addressing gang-related risk factors in schools, building the capacity of state and non-governmental organizations to implement anti-gang interventions, and piloting rehabilitation programs in prisons.

The activity will be implemented in up to three countries with high gang prevalence, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. The approach will prioritize youth crime and violence prevention, institutional strengthening for effective responses to growing crime, and cross-cutting themes like gender, youth engagement, and private sector involvement. The total estimated funding for this five-year project is $10 million.

USAID emphasizes the need for innovative, sustainable, and scalable solutions to reduce youth involvement in gangs and asks for input on the key barriers and opportunities in this area. The responses to this RFI will help shape the final design of the program, although it does not constitute a solicitation for proposals.