Tribune News Network
Doha
The US Embassy in Qatar is providing grants to support and strengthen cultural ties between the US and Qatar through cultural and exchange programmes that highlight shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation.
The US Embassy successfully implemented several grant programmes during the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture and is continuing them in 2022 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of US-Qatar diplomatic relations. It is currently implementing several grant programmes with local individuals and entities who applied for the 2021 Annual Program Statement.
Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar, a filmmaker and journalism faculty member at Northwestern University in Qatar, is implementing a film training and mentorship programme to support the artistic and professional development of 15 young female civic-minded content creators. Speaking about the programme, Rajakumar stressed, "Young women in the Middle East are at a confluence of global and local changes, and we hope this programme helps them articulate the issues at the forefront of their conversations to a wider audience.”
The Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar LLC (G) is implementing an initiative to promote holistic ecological education in the community by raising awareness on climate change through targeted campaigns about resource consumption, waste generation and carbon emissions. This is done through developing a first-of-a-kind app and tool to measure household carbon footprint in Qatar. The team met with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry during the 2022 Doha Forum to exchange views on their grant project.
Lauren Michelle Morell, a fashion designer, is using her grant to promote sustainable fashion consumption, raise awareness of sustainable fabrics used in traditional and American garments, and educate on the threats of fast fashion on the environment and vulnerable communities. The project’s outcomes will empower Qatari youth and civil society and promote sustainable practices.
The US Embassy announced that grant applications are currently being accepted until May 15, 2022, through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. Priority programme areas for this grant opportunity include promoting Qatar’s economic growth, supporting Qatar’s civil society, and promoting mutual understanding.
For more information about the grant opportunities, visit qa.usembassy.gov and follow social-media accounts: Twitter @USEmbassyDoha, Facebook @USEmbassyDoha, Instagram @USEmbassyDoha.