USAID - Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI)

OTI recently welcomed three of our local partners to share their stories in celebration of OTI's 30th anniversary—Hugo Armando Arévalo Franco, Bojan Boskovic, Rajko Bo?i?, and Raed Alsaleh. Read on for their inspiring stories and the lessons they shared.

Over 1,000 students in Iraq’s beautiful marshlands now have the chance to learn in safer, better-equipped schools! ?????? USAID/OTI, in partnership with local organizations, rehabilitated and equipped three schools in Al Jabaish District, Dhi Qar. The project included fire-proof prefabricated classrooms, new desks, boards, and upgraded administrative facilities. These efforts not only create a more supportive learning environment but also open new classrooms to welcome more students. To mark the reopening, students received reusable water bottles ??, promoting sustainability and a cleaner future.

In case you?missed it:?OTI recently celebrated its 30th anniversary by highlighting its impactful partnerships with local change agents worldwide! Read more about OTI's legacy and how locally-driven solutions are driving peace, stability, and democracy.?

In northern Benin, USAID Office of Transitions Initiatives (OTI) has revitalized three youth centers in Kandi, Banikoara, and Dassari. In Togo, USAID OTI transformed an abandoned building into a vibrant youth center in Cinkassé. These centers have become hubs where young people have fun, play sports, learn, and build positive relationships. From sports to professional development, these centers are transforming lives and fostering unity. Local leaders and youth share how these spaces are making a positive impact in their communities. Thanks to the support of the American people through USAID, these youth centers are empowering young people and promoting peace in northern Togo and Benin. Watch the full video to see the transformation and hear inspiring stories!

USAID/OTI partnered with the Al-Fidaa Coordination Committee in Dhi Qar, Iraq to increase collaboration between the local community and government departments. Together, we installed a total of 74 streetlights along two main streets and several side streets, significantly enhancing the area’s public safety and accessibility. Building on that, a large-scale cleanup and beautification campaign was conducted by a group of dedicated volunteers, with the support of community members and the municipality. This initiative is all about bringing people together—the local committee, residents, and government offices—to create visible change in Dhi Qar.

This week, to mark our 30th anniversary and celebrate local partners, OTI hosted an event featuring current and former partners including Hugo Arévalo Franco, Executive Director of Asomunicipios; Bojan Bo?kovi? and Rajko Bo?i?, co-founders of Exit Festival, and Raed Al Saleh, Founder and Head of the Syria Civil Defense, popularly known as the White Helmets. It was an honor to be joined by more than 200 of our grantees, staff and alumni, partners, and interagency colleagues to reflect on 30 years of investing in local partnerships to advance democracy, human rights, and peace across the world! Follow Syria Civil Defense: https://lnkd.in/gCk5Md4A Follow Asomunicipios: https://lnkd.in/gAtuT2PY

?? Join Our Team at OTI! ?? The Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is hiring a Deputy Division Chief for our Operations and Management Division (OMD)! This key role will drive operational excellence and support our mission to create impactful change in environments facing significant change worldwide. Act fast—applications close on 11/4! If you have a background in operations management and a passion for global development, we’d love to see your application. Explore this opportunity and stay tuned for more openings soon! ?? Learn more and apply here: Deputy Division Chief, OMD: https://lnkd.in/euBeX7EH ?? Check out https://otijobs.net for more job openings as they become available ?? Sign up for our job alert list, https://lnkd.in/e4KVnZZh, to be notified whenever a new position becomes available!??

Congratulations to Sule Tayiru, Executive Director of SAVE-Ghana and a grantee of OTI’s Littorals Regional Initiative (LRI), on being awarded the Secretary of State's Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions for his work on behalf of vulnerable groups like Ghana’s Fulbe ethnic minority, who continue to experience systemic discrimination and violence. Read more at the link below about Sule’s impactful work with LRI, which has led to reforms at the local level to address structural policy issues that prevent the Fulbe from accessing equitable rights. OTI is proud to partner with local changemakers like Sule to ensure marginalized communities have access to essential services and basic human rights. https://lnkd.in/ejhjYKdG

OTI is proud to support “Sudan Speaks: Stories from the Ground,” a series of lectures in Nairobi and Kampala presented by the Sudanese social enterprise and art collective Contraband. These “TedX”-style events served as a platform for Sudanese activists from all walks of life to share their narratives of resilience, hope, and inspiration as they work toward a brighter future in Sudan. Watch the speakers address critical issues related to ending the war and returning to an inclusive civilian government on Contraband’s YouTube channel. https://lnkd.in/eYUyhPxd Facebook: https://lnkd.in/eSg7U3we X: https://lnkd.in/e6w7Shac

today I want use this platform ro give my Heartfelt Thank You to the Team Behind Our Success Receiving this award for our work is one of the most humbling moments of my life. But this recognition truly belongs to the incredible teams at USAID - Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) Creative Associates International and the remarkable individuals who have stood by this mission. To Olivier G., DAOUDA DAO Muminu Mutaru Abdul-Malik Abukari Margaret A Kyiu Megan German Dalia Haj-Omar ida nakaar Emmanuel Mensah and the countless others whose ideas, hard work, and passion have shaped our path—thank you. Your relentless dedication has been the backbone of every step forward. We’ve not just shifted policies, but touched lives, built bridges, and restored hope to communities who’ve long been marginalized. While I can’t mention every name here, please know that your contributions have not gone unnoticed. This award is a reflection of what we’ve achieved together, and a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work with heart, purpose, and unity. From the depths of my heart, I thank each and every one of you. This path to victory belongs to all of u. we will one day be victorious if get to a societywith free stigma, discrimination, stereotypes and justice. together, we will continue making a lasting difference.