YOUTH SPARK INNOVATION GRANTS (#YSiG2015)& Background Rationale for RAN: Although development efforts have saved lives, they have not sufficiently built resilience of target communities; the same shocks/stresses recur with similar consequences. To effectively tap into the immense innovation potential of students in solution development, Makerere University School of Public Health - ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) is pleased to announce Youth Spark Innovation Grants (YSiG) which will recognize and support creative ideas from students at RAN partner universities across Africa. The best ideas will receive grants ranging from $1,000 $3,000 to further develop and refine their ideas. RAN constitutes 4 RILabs, 6 Resilience themes Eastern Africa RILab: 1. Climate variability 2. Conflict West Africa RILab: 1. Food-security 2. Urbanization Southern Africa: HIV/AIDS and Livelihoods Horn of Africa: Drought and Displacement Thematic Focus for this Challenge YSiG seeks to support students with ideas from all disciplines and training institutions in RAN Partner Universities to develop and refine their ideas or approaches as well as supporting those that already have simple prototypes to refine these further. Thematic areas for student projects Students will be expected to align their innovation with the thematic area of their respective RILab. For example, students from the WA RILab would be expected to focus their innovations on addressing challenges associated with population growth and urbanization. RAN Partner Universities YSiG Call categories 1.Agriculture: 2.Water 3.Entrepreneurship 4.Livelihood Diversification 5.Health 6.Gender Based Violence Project Proposal Details 1.Needs / Problem statement (30%): 2. How Innovative and Creative your Project idea is (35%) 3.Methods of Implementation (20%): 4.Activity Plan: outline your tasks and milestones (10%) 5.Budget: Please note that average grants is between $1,000- $3,000 and proposals should not request more than $3,000 from RAN. 6.Team Composition and Team Biographies: You can apply as an individual or as a team Submission of applications Application form available at Support includes: Q&As FAQs Webinar : 11 th Dec & 19 th Jan EAT Help: Physical Open Clinic: 20 th January 2016 all day Judging All applications will be assessed 2 stage judging Phases At Country level Each University will participate in the Judging process At RAN Sec level Timeline Call goes live25 th November 2015 Application Deadline25 th January 2015 Winners Announced 22 nd February 2016 Project Completion12 th August 2016 Innovator support Skills trainings (Resilience, Design Thinking, other team specific needs) Mentor matching and technical advice Ideation and rapid prototyping support Linkage to communities, referral Linkage to other Grant opportunities and Partnerships. Your ideas are welcome into the YSiG Challenge!!!!