US Department of Labor announces $10 million grant competition to combat child labor in Ethiopia

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs has announced a $10 million competitive solicitation for cooperative agreements to combat exploitative child labor in Ethiopia, with a focus on the weaving industry and rural areas of the country.

Projects funded also will target all forms of child labor in Addis Ababa as well as the Gamo Gofa and Wolaita zones. Innovative, effective and integrated approaches will be used to increase community awareness, improve children's access to quality education and vocational training, promote sustainable livelihoods for households with children and increase beneficiaries' access to national programs that help households eliminate dependence on child labor to meet basic needs.

Applicants must respond to the entire scope of work outlined in the solicitation, and eligibility requires a proven ability to manage complex projects designed to improve the lives of children.

Applications must be submitted by Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. EDT electronically via http://www.grants.gov or as hard copies to the U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Room S-4307, Washington, DC 20210, Attention: Brenda White and James Kinslow.

All cooperative agreement awards will be made by Nov. 30 and will be funded for four years. The solicitation for grant applications is available online at http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/grants/ and http://www.grants.gov.