CALL FOR PROPOSALS:  ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION LANDSCAPE REVIEW

 Acronyms

Introduction

Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy East Africa (AGGP EA) seeks to conduct a comprehensive environmental scan focused on entrepreneurship education & training (EET) within firstly, the primary and secondary/high schools, and secondly, the tertiary institutions in Rwanda. This initiative aims to gather information about EET, as well as identify opportunities, challenges, and impactful leverage points. This information is crucial data for decision making that assist AGGP EA management determine the future direction of AGGP EA’s strategy to support and grow EET across these educational sectors. This concept note outlines the project's background, objectives, expected outcomes, and engagement strategy for potential research partners and stakeholders.

Background

AGGP EA is committed to fostering a culture of responsible entrepreneurship among young people in Eastern Africa. Annually, millions of young people are completing their formal education, but the majority are unable to secure employment and/or lack entrepreneurial mindsets, experiences, competencies and aspirations to establish their own ventures.

Through initiatives like the Wavumbuzi Entrepreneurship Challenge, the Jasiri Talent Investor, and the Jasiri Growth Accelerator, AGGP EA is laying the groundwork for a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. In particular, Wavumbuzi - a  Swahili  word meaning discoverers, inventors - is an ecosystem development initiative that focuses on developing the pipeline of young people forming a critical mass of future problem solvers, societal value creators, and ultimately future entrepreneurs in Africa.

To amplify our impact, we require a deeper understanding of the current landscape of EET. This project will serve as a foundation for AGGP EA’s strategic interventions, aligning with our guiding principles of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and creating meaningful social change.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this research are to:

• Map the current EET landscape in Rwanda, identifying existing programs, challenges, and opportunities.
• Understand the ecosystem's key players, including educational institutions, policy-makers, and other entrepreneurship support organizations (ESOs) / business support organizations (BSOs)
• Explore whether there is a common understanding of entrepreneurship to the different ecosystem players.
• Highlight gaps in approaches and practices in EE in Rwanda, focusing on curriculum, didactics, pedagogies, teacher training, and access to entrepreneurial resources.
• At primary, secondary, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Colleges & University levels
• Across incubators and accelerators, having reviewed secondary data, and other publications
• Propose potential pathways and interventions based on global standards, for AGGP EA to effectively deploy EET in the broader education landscape.

Overarching Research Question

Our objective is to conduct a comprehensive EET landscape analysis across the broader education sector in Rwanda. We therefore want to explore the overarching question: what is going on in Rwanda in terms of EET approaches, practices, outcomes, gaps and opportunities to inform future impact driven interventions.

Research Approach

We envision a mixed research methodology that allows for a blend of desktop research and stakeholder engagements. The initial stages will involve comprehensive reviews of existing literature including policies, and programs related to EE in Rwanda. Subsequent phases may include interactive events, such as key informant interviews, workshops or focus group discussions, in order to facilitate relevant knowledge exchanges and validate desktop research with key ecosystem players including entrepreneurship curriculum design and subject experts. We are open to recommendations from research organizations on the most effective methodologies and methods to achieve our objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement

AGGP EA aims to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including educational institutions, government and non-governmental entities, the private sector, and other ESOs involved in EET across the education landscape in Rwanda. This inclusive approach is designed to ensure that the research outcomes are relevant, actionable, and supported by the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem providing EET in the education landscape of Rwanda.

Expected Outcomes

• A comprehensive report detailing the current state of EET in Rwanda, with identified opportunities and challenges.
• Recommendations for AGGP EA on strategic interventions and partnerships to enhance EE.
• A framework for ongoing collaboration among EE stakeholders to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.  Project Plan and Timelines

This comprehensive EET landscape analysis is structured into five main phases, with specific activities and deliverables outlined for each.

Phase One: Selection of the Research Partner

• Timing: 5 - 15 June 2024
• Activities: In this stage, AGGP EA and its partners will complete deliberations on this concept It will then be amended into a Request for Proposals (RFP). This will be disseminated to potential research partners, who will then submit their Expression of Interest by 05 June 2024. AGGP EA and its partners will then review the Expressions of Interest and invite the top three to make a virtual presentation. The selected research partner will be informed by 15 June 2024 and contract issued.
• Requirements: The ideal organization (or candidate for this position) should possess relevant D. along with strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a professional demeanor. They should demonstrate adeptness in planning and managing shifting priorities within strict deadlines. Proficiency in MS Office and Excel is essential, as is the ability to collaborate effectively within a multicultural team setting. Flexibility and willingness to work extra hours during busy periods are required. Fluency in both oral and written English is a must.
• Recommendations: Residing in East Africa in general and Rwanda in particular is Previous involvement in driving youth EET interventions, youth development, and familiarity with various East African markets will be highly beneficial. Experience in entrepreneurship development is also preferred. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for effective coordination among teams and stakeholders. Proficiency in data staging, analysis, and visualizations will be advantageous. Above all, candidates should exhibit a genuine passion for the transformative potential of entrepreneurship.

Important considerations:  This Entrepreneurship Education Landscape Review will also be conducted in Kenya during the same timeframe. Research organizations or individuals who may ideally have expertise in both countries should inform us of their interest and ability to carry out the research in Rwanda and Kenya concurrently.

Phase Two: Inception Report

• Timing: 16 - 30 June 2024
• Activities: In this phase, the chosen research partner will present an Inception Report with a technical response to this concept note / RFP and envisioned study.
• Deliverable: Inception Report submitted by 25 June, reviewed and agreed by 30 June by AGGP EA.

Phase Three: Desktop Research / Secondary Data Collection

• Timing: 1 - 30 July
• Activities: This stage involves desktop research to gather existing data, policies, and programs on EET in It will be supplemented with key conversations with stakeholders for referrals and additional insights.
• Deliverable: A preliminary report will be prepared based on this research and discussions, which will be submitted and presentation made to AGGP EA by 25 July for Feedback is expected to be returned to the research partner by 31 July.

Phase Four: Primary Data Collection, Analysis & Preliminary Report

• Timing: 1 August - 15 September
• Activities: Building on insights from phase two, primary research will be conducted to deepen the understanding of EET across the education landscapes of This may involve surveys, interviews, and possibly events such as Focus Group Discussions ( FGDs) to engage directly with stakeholders purposely identified as key informants.
• Deliverable: The findings from both stages will be compiled into a comprehensive draft report submitted and presentation made to AGGP EA by 15 September.

Phase Five: Final Report

• Timing: 15 - 30 September
• Activities: Incorporate feedback provided by AGGP EA.
• Deliverable: The final report, incorporating all feedback and additional analysis, will be submitted by 30 September 2024.

The specific timelines for each stage and activity will be developed in close collaboration with the chosen research partner to ensure alignment with project goals and stakeholder availability.

Monitoring & Evaluation

 AGGP EA will have periodic meetings with the chosen research partner to track progress and address any arising matters.

Budget

The estimated budget is Thirty Million Rwandan Francs (30,000,000Rwf) tax inclusive.

Conclusion

This EET scan represents a critical step for AGGP EA and its partners in understanding and shaping the future direction of EET in the education landscape of Rwanda. By identifying key opportunities and challenges, AGGP EA and its partners aim to influence the enhanced nurturing of a generation of aspiring youth entrepreneurs and resultant entrepreneurs in the future.

We invite interested organizations or qualified service providers to submit a technical response paper to present suitable proposed research design, methodology, budget, timelines and relevant experience in conducting similar exercises.

Correspondence

 For enquiries and to submit your proposal, please contact:

 Aneth Batamuliza, Entrepreneurship Community Manager, AGGP East Africa  anethb@jasiri.org

 Deadline: June 5, 2024