Call for EOI for the Development of Booklet on Disability and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)

Call for EOI for the Development of Booklet on Disability and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) 

Background

Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is an organization established by Blind and Partially Sighted (BPs) Youth of Nepal, with the vision of "BPS people of Nepal enjoying a dignified life in an inclusive society." Currently, BYAN is working in the areas of policy advocacy, education, employment, disaster risk reduction, political participation, and promotion of SRHR of persons with disabilities in general and BPS in particular.

BYAN is currently implementing a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) project under Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2). One of its primary objectives is to empower young people with disabilities to make decisions regarding their sexuality, express their needs, and assert their rights. To achieve this goal, the project is generating Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) champions among young individuals with various disability groups, including physical disability, hearing-related disability, vision-related disability, and intellectual/autism-related disability. These champions are being mobilized to conduct awareness sessions in the schools and communities. Simultaneously, BYAN is engaged in advocacy and lobbying efforts with local and federal government agencies. The aim is to integrate CSE into local curriculums, allocate budgetary resources, and develop/produce Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in accessible and alternative versions. 

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) not only educates young people about their sexuality but also empowers them to make informed decisions and claim their rights. Unfortunately, many young people with disabilities lack access to CSE due to narrow mindsets toward persons with disabilities, stigmas associated with sexuality education, and a lack of accessible teaching and learning materials. Additionally, there is limited research and resources available regarding disability and CSE. Without such materials, stakeholders, including teachers, parents, CSOs, and decision-makers, are unaware of potential interventions to ensure access to CSE for young people with disabilities.

Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop a comprehensive booklet that educates teachers, students, persons with disabilities, parents, and the general public about CSE from a disability-inclusive perspective. In this context, BYAN aims to develop a handbook explicitly providing information about disability-inclusive comprehensive sexuality education. The booklet will cover all eight components of CSE as per the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education (ITGSE), integrating the perspectives, issues, and key interventions of the disability community.

BYAN is announcing a Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development of a booklet on Disability and CSE. Interested and eligible individuals or organizations are invited to submit an EOI to the following address, mentioning "Expression of Interest for the Development of a Booklet on Disability and CSE" in the subject line: info@byanepal.org. The deadline for submission is April 22, 2024.

Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to develop a booklet that offers comprehensive information on comprehensive sexuality education from the disability lens. The booklet aims to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and provide practical guidance on addressing the unique needs and challenges of individuals with disabilities in understanding and navigating their sexuality.

Scope of Work:

The scope of work may include following tasks but not limited to:

• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature, guidelines, and resources related to disability and comprehensive sexuality education.
• Identify and analyze the specific issues, needs and challenges of persons with different types of disabilities in accessing inclusive CSE.
• Develop informative content that covers key topics of CSE in a manner that is accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities.
• Provide guidance and strategies for educators, students, persons with disabilities, parents, and the general public on how to promote inclusive CSE and address the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Collaborate with experts in the field of disability rights, sexuality education, and inclusive education to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content.
• Design the booklet layout and incorporate illustrations or graphics to enhance understanding and engagement.
• Review and incorporate feedback from stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, educators, parents, and advocacy groups received from validation workshop. 
• Finalize the booklet and prepare it for publication in both print and digital formats.

Deliverables:

• Key outline of the booklet
  • Draft booklet content covering key topics of CSE from the perspective of disability.
  • Designed layout for the booklet with illustrations or graphics.
  • Finalized version of the booklet in both print and digital formats.

(Note: the booklet will be developed in Nepali Language)

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum bachelor degree in Public Health, Disability, or Social Science
• Minimum five years of experience in the field of SRHR/CSE and disability
• Excellent facilitation skills, i.e., organizing consultation workshop, meeting with wider stakeholders, including people with intellectual and autism related disabilities,
• Proven experience of developing booklet/guideline/manual related to CSE/disability issues, 
• Sound knowledge and understanding about diverse needs of persons with disabilities in comprehensive sexuality education.

Service Duration and Location

The consultant will be working in close coordination with BYAN team. The consultant shall be engaged on a daily basis for a maximum of 15 working days. The assignment will immediately be started and completed by the end of May, 2024.

Required Documents for Submitting Proposal

Firms:

• Cover Letter
• Financial proposal
• A brief concept note highlighting the methodological design
• The document should have annexed bio-data of the assignment team member/s.
• Firm Registration & Renewal certificate
• Copy of VAT Registration Certificate
• Latest Tax clearance certificate
• Copy of past relevant work assignments

Individuals:

• Cover Letter
• Financial proposal
• A brief concept note highlighting the methodological design including work plan, and quality assurance mechanisms.
• The proposal should have annexed bio-data of the assignment team member/s.
• Copy of past relevant work assignments

BYAN will select the consultant based on their experience and amount proposed for the task.

BYAN reserves the right to select or not to select any of the application. BYAN keeps safeguarding as a top priority so, any data or information collected during the task shall be kept confidential and shall not be disseminated without BYAN’s prior consent.

This TOR is subject to revision based on discussions and agreement between the contracting parties.