Annual Progress Report—Year 2 Fiscal Year 2019 USAID/DRC Integrated Youth Development Activity (IYDA)

The activity was implemented by Education Development Center (EDC) with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The report highlights the progress made during the second year of the project, from October 2018 to September 2019. The IYDA project focused on four intermediate results: increased access to basic education, increased access to skills for Positive Youth Development, strengthened capacity of youth-led and youth-serving institutions, and increased skills and resources for entrepreneurship and income generation. The project also included monitoring and evaluation activities to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. During the second year, the project achieved significant progress in increasing access to basic education. The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) was implemented in 15 schools, reaching over 1,500 students. The program aimed to improve learning outcomes for out-of-school children and youth. Additionally, the project provided training to 200 teachers on Positive Youth Development (PYD) soft skills, which helped them to better support the educational and social needs of their students. The project also strengthened the capacity of youth-led and youth-serving institutions through organizational capacity development, training, and technical assistance. This included the establishment of 10 youth-led organizations, which provided opportunities for young people to engage in community activities and develop their skills. The project also improved community and caretaker support for positive youth engagement, with over 500 community members receiving training on PYD. In terms of economic empowerment, the project increased skills and resources for entrepreneurship and income generation. Over 200 young people received training in entrepreneurship and business skills, and 50 youth-led businesses were established. The project also increased market linkages for youth and youth-serving institutions, with over 100 businesses receiving support to access markets and customers. The project faced several challenges during the second year, including security concerns in some areas and limited access to certain communities. However, the project team worked closely with local stakeholders to address these challenges and ensure the continued implementation of the project. The report highlights the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving the project's goals. The project worked closely with local government institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector partners to ensure that the project was responsive to the needs of the target population. The report also emphasizes the need for continued support and investment in youth development programs to address the complex challenges facing young people in the DRC. Overall, the IYDA project made significant progress during the second year, achieving key milestones and demonstrating the impact of the project on the lives of young people in the DRC. The report provides valuable lessons learned and recommendations for future programming, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to youth development that addresses the educational, economic, and social needs of young people.