FY16 Q2 Report: Reinforcing and Empowering Communities to Overcome the Effects of Conflict in Bambari and Surrounding Areas (RECOVER)

The project aims to mitigate the negative effects of mounting conflicts and strengthen community resilience in Bambari and its surrounding areas. The primary goal is to enable internally displaced households to access support for their basic needs, recover their livelihoods, and return to their former neighborhoods. During the reporting period from January 1st to March 31st, 2016, the project achieved significant results. A total of 160 beneficiaries, consisting of 34 men and 126 women, were trained in Income Generating Activities (IGA) and Village Savings and Loan (VSLA). Additionally, 11 health focal points, 48 youth, and 29 community leaders were trained in various areas, including medical assistance for survivors of sexual violence, child protection, and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention. The Listening Center responded to 236 cases of conflict-related violence and GBV, supporting 27 men, 173 women, 2 boys, and 34 girls. The project also made progress in livelihood restoration activities, with 200 vulnerable households identified for economic restoration and livelihood in the area of return. Training was provided to 160 of these beneficiaries, focusing on how to choose a profitable IGA, manage an IGA, and develop a micro-business plan. Economic interest groups were established among the beneficiaries to save their IGA earnings in savings and credit groups (VSLA). The most common types of activities chosen by the groups were small food and non-food businesses, vegetable markets, and animal husbandry. In terms of access to holistic services, the project reached 15,241 community members, exceeding the target of 11,584. The community counselors and welfare committee members led awareness sessions on specific themes, including the struggle against physical violence and what to do when you are a victim. The Listening Center received 236 GBV and conflict-related cases during the reporting period, with 126 of these cases successfully closed. The most recurrent types of GBV registered during the reporting period were emotional abuse and physical aggression, accounting for 74% of all cases received. The project also made significant progress in play therapy, with 765 children participating in 136 sessions with 34 trained coaches. The 17 play therapy groups have been active, with approximately four to eight meetings/trainings per month organized by coaches for each club. In addition to sports and games, these meetings include talks on conflict resolution and human rights, with active contribution from the children.