Storytelling and Drama

REF: RAM/2020/ED/SE/ 278                                                                      29 September 2020

Terms of Reference

Psychosocial support to address COVID-19 in Palestine through Storytelling and Drama

Duration: 19 October  2020 – 30 March 2021

Background

The Covid-19 outbreak has a profound impact, not only on the health and socio-economic situation, but also on the psychosocial and well-being of societies worldwide. In Palestine, being confined in homes may impose greater psychological burden than the physical suffering caused by the virus. Since schools closure in March, children have had limited socialization, lack of outdoor activities and change in their sleeping habits which are likely to disrupt children’s usual lifestyle. However, these experiences are critical for their psychosocial well-being and cognitive development. Schools closure prevented children from access to education and limited their interactions with peers. Children may feel confused and at a loss with the current situation, leading to fear, frustration, anger and anxiety. 

UNESCO National Office for Palestine is supporting the Ministry of Education in the implementation of its National Response Plan for COVID-19 where four thematic areas of interventions have been identified as follows: Distance Learning, Hygiene, Infrastructure and Psychosocial Support. In this regard, recreational and fun activities, including but not limited to, various sport practices, traditional storytelling, music and drama have been agreed upon with the Ministry of Education to alleviate part of the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on the well-being of students.

In this call for proposal, UNESCO National Office for Palestine  is planning to conduct storytelling and drama activities in 10 selected schools in West Bank. This will be a powerful mean to ensure mental health, well-being, cognitive development, positive-attitudes and behaviours as well as physical fitness of students while they are in a lockdown and post covid-19. Trauma sensitive and trauma responsive programs can be a powerful tool to help teachers and communities, including children, to connect and heal. These programs can empower children and youth, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized, to promote tolerance and share values of respect, empathy, and fairness.

Therefore, under the overall authority of the Head of UNESCO office and the direct supervision of the Head of the Education Unit and in coordination with the Senior Education Programme Officer, the contractor/s will conduct the following activities:

A. Design a work plan and respective implementation timeframe for developing virtual and in-person, when possible, trauma-responsive activities using storytelling and drama.

B. Conduct training of trainers (virtual and in-person when possible) for teachers in the selected schools on the following topics:

Using storytelling (traditional Palestinian stories and international tales) and drama to improve children and youth's mental health and well-being with a focus on games.

Applying in-person and virtual storytelling and drama to keep the children and youth connected and maintain their mental health and wellbeing, while providing them emotional support.

C. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, organize small school events outside for both storytelling and drama for students (ages 12-14 and 14-16).

Payment  Schedule:

First payment –Upon submission of a comprehensive work plan for developing virtual and physical activities, including timeframe, by 24 October 2020.

Second payment - Upon submission of a report on organizing small school events outside for both storytelling and drama by 24 January 2021.

Final payment upon submission of narrative and financial reports by 30 March 2021.

How to apply:

By the deadline date of 8 October 2020, please submit your offer to the following email addresses: 

To: [email protected]

Including the subject: Psychosocial support to address COVID-19 in Palestine through Storytelling and Drama

1. A technical and price offer  (2-3 pages) for the activities  (including elaboration of the approach, work plan, time-line and budget quoted in US dollars, according to the outputs/deliverables foreseen, experience)
2. Statement confirming that the company / organization holds a valid bank account in the name indicated on the bid document.

Incomplete or missing information or documentation and evidence of experience as requested above, may exclude you from further consideration.

The following criteria will be applied to select among the application:

• Timeframe
• Price
• Experience in similar work, including with the UN
• Capacity to work in both West Bank and Gaza