Transition Initiatives
The USAID Office of Transition Initiatives supports U.S. foreign policy objectives by helping local partners advance peace and democracy in priority countries in crisis. Seizing critical windows of opportunity, OTI works on the ground to provide fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key political transition and stabilization needs.
Since 1994, OTI, part of USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, has laid the foundation for long-term development in thirty-one conflict-prone countries by promoting reconciliation, jumpstarting local economies, supporting nascent independent media, and fostering peace and democracy through innovative programming. In countries undergoing a transition from authoritarianism to democracy, violent conflict to peace, or pivotal political events, initiatives serve as catalysts for positive political change. OTI programs are short-term -- typically, two to three years in duration. OTI works closely with regional bureaus, missions and other counterparts to identify programs that complement other assistance efforts and lay a foundation for longer-term development. OTI programs often are initiated in fragile states that have not reached the stability needed to initiate longer-term development programs. OTI strategies and programs are developed and designed to meet the unique needs of each situation.
Recent Highlights and Successes
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Lebanon - Youth Reclaim Village as Cultural and Tourist Center - October 2009
The youth-oriented Yammouneh Cultural Club is sponsoring a wide a range of projects that are reviving the Beqaa village's reputation as a hub of cultural and tourist activities, and OTI support provided the impetus for the Club to begin its work with youth interested in addressing community needs.
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Kenya - Empowering Communities with Information - September 2009
Communities in rural areas of Kenya are setting up parliamentary viewing centers, with OTI support, to help raise citizen awareness of legislative developments in Nairobi and increase government transparency. The centers are also providing daily newspapers, books on topical issues, and recordings of the parliamentary sessions.
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Uganda - Open Bidding Minimizes Corruption, Improves Quality - September 2009
The reopening of the offices of Uganda's Resident District Commissioner in Gulu has solidified government presence in the north, and the restoration of the building demonstrated that corruption can be minimized. OTI's assistance helped introduce transparency into the procurement and contract award process.
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For media inquiries, please contact the Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs at 202-712-4320.
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