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 31 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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Video Success Story
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Uganda - Acholi Cultural Festival: Bringing the Community and Leaders Together - June 2010
As peace and stability in northern Uganda become real, efforts toward recovery and development are taking center stage. The Acholi region has woken up to a critical moment of transition that requires a reawakening of societal values and norms that used to bring people together and foster unity. Sensing an an opportunity to reestablish its relationships with communities it serves, the Lira Palwo sub-county leadership with support from with USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives organized a gala to celebrate the richness and diversity of Acholi culture and rekindle the pride and spirit of the people.
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Haiti - 'Carrefour Can Be Beautiful' - February 2011
The municipality of Carrefour and Haiti's national refuse collection agency partnered to remove trash from the municipality's streets and promote personal responsibility for keeping the community clean. The OTI-supported initiative sought to reduce the health and safety risks posed by large accumulations of trash.
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Lebanon - Training Strengthens Youth Voice in Toura - February 2011
The Toura Youth Club empowered its members with training on municipal governance and communication. The OTI-supported activity gave the young activists the knowledge and confidence they needed to credibly discuss community needs with the village mayor and council.
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Haiti - From Cargo to Classroom - February 2011
Through a unique private-public partnership, the Digicel Foundation, the youth-focused nongovernmental organization IDEJEN, and the Haitian Ministry of Education worked together to convert shipping containers into school classrooms. USAID purchased the containers from the U.S. Army and helped coordinate the effort.
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For media inquiries, please contact the Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs at 202-712-4320 or USAIDPressOfficers@usaid.gov.
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