Strengthening Pathways to Language, Literacy, and Learning for Deaf Learners (SPLD) | 720 696 23 RFA 00003

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the SPLD opportunity?

The Strengthening Pathways to Language, Literacy, and Learning for Deaf Learners (SPLD) opportunity is a USAID/Rwanda funding call for an education-focused cooperative agreement. It is designed to improve early literacy outcomes for deaf children in Rwanda by addressing barriers to early language access and foundational reading development.

2) What is the main goal of this activity?

The core goal is to help Rwandan deaf learners reach reading skills comparable to expected early grade standards, with a clear emphasis on stronger literacy outcomes by the end of Primary 3 (P3).

3) Who is the target population?

The activity targets deaf learners in Rwanda, specifically focusing on early-grade learners and improvements expected by the end of Primary 3 (P3).

4) What education area does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity is in the education category and is described as discretionary funding.

5) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 98.001.

6) What type of award is USAID planning to make?

USAID plans to make a cooperative agreement award. A cooperative agreement generally indicates that USAID expects substantial involvement during implementation compared to a standard grant.

7) How many awards does USAID expect to make?

USAID anticipates making one award.

8) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is up to $4,000,000.

9) What are the three main pathways for change described for SPLD?

USAID frames SPLD around three main pathways:

• Improving parental and community support for deaf learners to strengthen early language exposure and reinforcement outside school.
• Strengthening teacher capacity by improving Rwandan Sign Language (RSL) fluency and strengthening bilingual deaf education pedagogy that bridges RSL and Kinyarwanda.
• Increasing youth engagement to support RSL learning and deaf learners, suggesting a community or peer-driven role for youth in promoting inclusion and support.

10) Why does SPLD emphasize parental and community support?

The opportunity notes that early language exposure and consistent reinforcement at home and in the community can heavily influence a child’s language development and readiness to read. SPLD therefore includes a pathway focused on strengthening that support.

11) What does the opportunity mean by strengthening teacher capacity?

The SPLD description highlights improving teachers’ Rwandan Sign Language (RSL) fluency and strengthening bilingual deaf education pedagogy that connects RSL with Kinyarwanda, so instruction is accessible in sign language while supporting reading and written language outcomes.

12) What languages are specifically referenced in the approach?

The opportunity references Rwandan Sign Language (RSL) and Kinyarwanda, and describes a bilingual approach bridging these languages.

13) What role does youth engagement play in SPLD?

The opportunity indicates a goal of increasing youth engagement to support RSL learning and deaf learners. This suggests young people may play active roles in promoting sign language learning, inclusion, and support structures that benefit deaf children inside and outside school.

14) Is this opportunity only about deaf education, or does it connect to broader literacy efforts?

While the focus is improving literacy for deaf learners, the description also notes that the activity contributes to broader early-grade literacy improvement efforts.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as broad and includes many types of organizations able to implement education and deaf-access programming. Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. private voluntary organizations (PVOs)
• U.S., Rwandan, or other non-U.S. NGOs
• Private non-profit organizations
• Universities and research organizations
• Professional associations and special interest associations
• For-profit companies (if willing to forgo profits)
• Public International Organizations
• Faith-based organizations
• Community organizations

The listing also states eligibility is unrestricted in general, but applicants should follow any additional clarifications in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

16) Can a for-profit company apply?

Yes. For-profit companies may apply if they are willing to forgo profits.

17) Are faith-based and community organizations eligible?

Yes. Faith-based organizations and community organizations are explicitly listed as eligible.

18) Does the listing mention any additional eligibility conditions?

It states eligibility is unrestricted in general, but applicants are expected to follow any additional clarifications contained in the full NOFO.

19) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is 720 696 23 RFA 00003.

20) Which USAID office issued the opportunity?

The issuing office is USAID-Kigali.

21) When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on March 2, 2023.

22) What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was March 31, 2023.

23) Where should applicants look for the full requirements?

Applicants are directed to consult the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in the related documents for full requirements.

24) How can an applicant submit questions about the opportunity?

Applicants are instructed to send questions to the point of contact identified in Section G and D.1 of the NOFO, by the deadline stated on the NOFO cover page.

25) Who should applicants contact for technical issues with Grants.gov?

For technical issues related to Grants.gov registration or accessing the NOFO, applicants should contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.