Fourth Quarterly Progress and Annual Performance Report FY 2013

North Eastern Province (YYC NEP) project was implemented by the Education Development Centre Inc (EDC) from November 1, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The project was re-launched in February 2013 after a program modification, and its activities focused on mobilizing youth in Garissa and Wajir counties to form youth bunges. The project's qualitative impact was limited in the first year due to the delayed program modification and startup challenges, including the election period and implementation of devolved government. During the reporting period, EDC worked with other YYC! Regionals through consultations and attended partners' COP meetings with USAID. The project also interacted with the Garissa and Wajir county governments to discuss the project and work with the County Youth Officer and Social Services staff. A baseline survey was administered to measure youth's perceptions and activity related to civic engagement and governance before and after project implementation. The project mobilized 2,815 youth, with 1827 males and 988 females, in Wajir and Garissa counties. Fifty-six youth were trained as mobilizers, with 44 males and 12 females. The mobilization exercise involved visiting youth, calling youth for meetings with chiefs, attending steering group meetings, and meeting with government representatives to discuss the project and provide support. Two hundred ten youth bunges were formed in Garissa County, with 69 pending registration due to delays with the registration system. The project also produced 10 radio programs focused on mobilization and civic matters to build awareness among youth and communities. The project hired staff for Wajir and Garissa counties, except for the Finance/Administrative Coordinator, who was hired in the next quarter. Due to security concerns, the project made arrangements with the Wajir Peace and Development Agency to pay a fee for office space. The project experienced challenges in staffing, security, devolved government, youth literacy levels, and infrastructure. The launch of youth bunge mobilization in Garissa was delayed due to the elections, security situation, and travel restrictions. The project's activities were also affected by the unresponsiveness of government officials to approve youth bunge registration, which delayed the registration of youth bunges in Garissa. The project's quantitative impact was measured through the mobilization of youth, formation of youth bunges, and production of radio programs. The project's qualitative impact was limited due to the delayed program modification and startup challenges. The project's sustainability and exit strategy were not fully developed, and the project's financial information was not fully disclosed.