FORSATY Interim Report to USAID

The project aims to increase access to quality services for at-risk groups, enhance Moroccan-led counter-violent extremism (CVE) initiatives, and strengthen community resilience in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region of Morocco. During the reporting period of January to March 2023, the project continued to face challenges related to the economic recession and increasing inflation rates in Morocco. The inflation rate reached 9.4% in the first quarter of 2023, compared to 4% for the same period last year, making it difficult for many families to afford essential goods. The project also noted an increase in cases of gender-based violence, which is attributed to the difficult economic situation and hardship experienced by many families. The project has been working to address these challenges through various interventions. One of the key strategies is to provide support to vulnerable communities through the One-Stop-Shops (OSSs), which are implemented by local partners. The OSSs provide a range of services, including psychosocial support, vocational training, and access to social support programs. The project has also been working to enhance the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to respond to the needs of vulnerable communities. In terms of CVE initiatives, the project has been working to engage community members in inclusive actions to address vulnerabilities. This includes providing training and capacity-building programs for community leaders and members, as well as supporting the establishment of community-based initiatives to prevent and counter violent extremism. The project has also been working to enhance the role of public actors in supporting community groups and initiatives. The project has made significant progress in achieving its objectives, including increasing the number of marginalized individuals who are successfully integrated into society. The project has also seen an increase in the number of community members who are engaged in inclusive actions to address vulnerabilities. However, the project continues to face challenges related to the economic recession and increasing inflation rates, which are affecting the ability of vulnerable communities to access essential services. The project has received a total of USD 17,533,329.00 in funding to date, and has incurred total expenditures of USD 18,026,917.00. The project is expected to continue until March 31, 2024, and is expected to achieve significant impacts in terms of increasing access to quality services for at-risk groups, enhancing Moroccan-led CVE initiatives, and strengthening community resilience in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region of Morocco. The project has established a number of partnerships with local organizations and government agencies, including the Wilaya de Tanger, Prefecture Al Hoceima, Prefecture de M’diq Fnideq, Entraide Nationale, and DGSN. The project has also established a number of One-Stop-Shops (OSSs) in partnership with local organizations, including Assadaka, Chifae, UNFM-BM, Al Amal, and UNFM-JM. The project has a number of key results, including: * Increasing numbers of marginalized individuals who are successfully integrated into society * One-Stop-Shops playing an increasing role in inclusive policy and programming * Women being increasingly resilient to violent extremist organizations and effective in preventing violent extremism * Moroccan-led CVE initiatives being enhanced * Community members being sustainably engaged in inclusive actions to address vulnerabilities * Public actors increasingly supporting community groups and initiatives * Police and citizens creating safer, more secure community environments * Community resilience being strengthened The project has a number of cross-cutting sub-purposes, including a research and learning agenda. The project has established a comprehensive research agenda to inform its intervention models, and has a continuous culture of learning and adapting through systematic impact assessment, learning, and adapting.