About the Programme
The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking grant proposals for a community-based initiative in Timor-Leste. The programme is designed to:
- Strengthen protection systems for adolescent girls
- Prevent gender-based violence (GBV)
- Improve life skills and empowerment outcomes
- Address harmful social norms in communities
The initiative is specifically targeted at selected communities in Baucau, Timor-Leste.
Key Goals and Objectives
The programme focuses on building safer environments for adolescent girls at risk of violence.
Core Objectives:
- Promote gender equality and women's empowerment
- Strengthen child protection systems
- Prevent and respond to violence against children
- Improve life skills for adolescent girls
- Increase awareness of gender-based violence
- Engage communities in prevention of harmful social norms
Programme Design and Key Components
1. Girls Empowered Curriculum Implementation
A tailored version of the "Girls Empowered" curriculum will be delivered.
- Reduced from 24 sessions to 10 core sessions
- Focus on life skills and personal protection
- Delivered by trained women facilitators
- Includes structured learning and peer engagement
2. Facilitator Training
Selected women facilitators will be trained to:
- Deliver life skills curriculum
- Support adolescent girls in safe learning environments
- Facilitate discussions on protection and empowerment
3. Peer Reflection Sessions
Each participating group of girls will:
- Meet at least two times for peer reflection
- Share experiences and learning outcomes
- Strengthen emotional and social support networks
4. Youth Empowerment Workshop
A two-day workshop will be conducted for youth participants. Key topics include:
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Coping strategies and resilience building
- Psychosocial first aid
- Survivor-sensitive support approaches
- Peer encouragement and counselling basics
5. Community Awareness Activities
Community engagement will include:
- Awareness sessions on violence against children
- Education on online safety and digital harms
- Promotion of positive gender norms
- Strengthening referral pathways for protection services
6. Youth Voice Amplification (Podcast)
An online podcast episode will be developed to:
- Share youth perspectives on violence and exploitation
- Highlight child protection challenges in digital spaces
- Promote awareness through media engagement
Target Groups and Coverage
Direct Beneficiaries:
- 40 adolescent girls in pilot communities
- 25 youth participants in empowerment workshops
Indirect Beneficiaries:
- At least 200 community members through awareness campaigns
Geographic Focus: Baucau, Timor-Leste
Expected Outcomes
- At least 85% of participants report improved life skills
- Increased awareness of violence prevention
- Improved attitudes toward gender equality and protection
- Reduced vulnerability of adolescent girls to violence
- Strengthened gender-sensitive community norms
- Improved access to protection and support systems
Funding Overview
Indicative Budget: Approximately $60,000
Funding supports:
- Training and facilitation costs
- Curriculum adaptation and delivery
- Workshops and community sessions
- Reporting and monitoring activities
- Media and awareness outputs
Eligibility Requirements
Civil society organizations capable of:
- Implementing child protection and gender programmes
- Working with adolescents and communities
- Managing structured reporting requirements
Reporting Obligations
Selected organizations must submit:
- Quarterly narrative reports
- Quarterly financial reports
- Final reports using UNICEF-standard financial documentation
How to Apply
For more information and to submit your Expression of Interest, visit the UN Partner Portal.
