Empowering Archives: A Success Story from Zimbabwe and Malaysia
As the International Council on Archives (ICA) announced the 2025 Call for Projects for the Fund for the International Development of Archives (FIDA), we are reminded of the profound impact this funding can have on global archival practices. Amos Bishi, a past recipient of a FIDA grant and project leader at the National Archives of Zimbabwe, shares his inspiring experience:
I wholeheartedly express my gratitude for being granted the FIDA funds as the project leader to revive the microfilming technology at the National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ). Through the project funds, I managed to procure a microfilm reader which will be used as the playback equipment to access microforms. The current state of microfilming technology at the NAZ was hindering archival research due to non-functional microfilm readers. The FIDA funds made it possible to acquire a functional reader which will be of greater importance to the archival institution at large.
The FIDA-supported project not only revitalized the NAZ’s microfilming capabilities but also unlocked access to an extensive collection of invaluable records, including colonial newspapers, genealogical records, and military documents. These resources, once inaccessible to researchers due to outdated technology, are now readily available, thanks to the support provided by FIDA.
The transformative power of FIDA funding is further exemplified by another testimonial from Professor Rodney Obien, Head of Special Collections & Archives & Curator of the Orang Asli Archive at Keene State College, who highlights the significant impact on a project aimed at developing an archival training program for indigenous and rural communities in Peninsular Malaysia:
The FIDA funding we received has been a tremendous help and motivation to forward our plans to develop an archival training program for indigenous and rural communities in Peninsular Malaysia. The funding allowed us to bring in someone to help coordinate the communication and planning between members of the advisory team that includes Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and the University of Malaya, as well as community advocacy groups like the Center for Orang Asli Concerns and Gerai Orang Asli.
We were able to coordinate directly with one of the indigenous groups, the Temuan, who had just built a cultural center in their community. We will develop—in concert with the Temuan community—the archival program and use the framework and curriculum as a model for use in other communities.
We hope to test the archival training curriculum in summer 2025 with the Temuans and later test the curriculum with other indigenous and rural communities. Thank you, FIDA, for your gracious support!
These testimonies underscore the vital role that FIDA plays in empowering archival institutions and communities around the world, enabling them to preserve and make accessible the rich histories and cultural heritages that might otherwise be lost.
FIDA Call for Projects 2025: Your Opportunity to Make an Impact
In continuation of its mission to facilitate archival development worldwide, FIDA is now accepting project proposals for 2025. This initiative seeks to support archives and archivists in regions with limited resources, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of critical historical records.
For the 2025 cycle, up to five grants are available, each with a maximum value of 5,000 Euros. In exceptional cases, grants up to 10,000 Euros may be considered. These funds are intended to support projects that strengthen archival management and professional development, ultimately enhancing the capacity to preserve and manage archival collections effectively.
Interested applicants should submit detailed project proposals outlining their goals and implementation strategies. The deadline for submissions is 16 September 2024. All necessary application forms and guidelines are available in English, French, and Spanish.
The FIDA Board of Directors will review the proposals, with successful applicants to be notified by 31 January 2025. This selection process ensures that the most impactful projects receive the support they need to succeed.
Who Can Apply?
FIDA welcomes applications from ICA members and organizations partnered with ICA members. For those who are not yet part of this global network, this is an opportune moment to join the ICA and gain access to funding opportunities, networking, and professional development resources. Becoming an ICA member not only opens doors to financial support but also connects you with a worldwide community of professionals dedicated to advancing archival practices. Are you not a member yet? Learn about how becoming one here!
For more information and to access the application materials, visit the FIDA section on the ICA website or email fida@ica.org.
