Northern Cameroon Initiative (NCI) / Programme d’Appui à l’Initiative Communautaire (PAIC)

in the Far North region of Cameroon. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development's Office of Transition Initiatives (USAID/OTI), the program focuses on stabilizing communities affected by the Boko Haram/ISWA crisis. NCI's objectives include helping returning internally displaced persons (IDPs) resume life in their communities of origin, increasing youth engagement, preparing communities for reintegration, and promoting exchanges of experiences and planning for community reintegration among local and regional leaders and authorities. To achieve these objectives, NCI works with local partners to increase access to credible information, facilitate dialogue and coordination around peace and reconciliation, and enhance the visibility and sustainability of local partner organizations. In the Far North region, NCI has supported the revitalization of four radio stations, providing studio and broadcasting equipment, as well as minor building and pylon rehabilitation. This effort aims to enable remote communities to access local and national news and information, reducing perceptions of marginalization and fear that can lead to instability. NCI has also organized several initiatives to promote dialogue and coordination around peace and reconciliation. A workshop was held to develop a common understanding of the challenges practitioners face in addressing prevention of violent extremism (PVE) activities. The program provided training in basic psychosocial care for local community actors and developed a comprehensive guide on psychosocial care. Additionally, NCI worked with 120 selected community leaders to build capacity in mediation and advocacy, encouraging them to engage positively with their constituents and local authorities on sensitive issues such as reintegration and conflict management. To enhance the visibility and sustainability of local partner organizations, NCI has carried out several legacy activities. An assessment of and capacity building training was conducted for 45 selected NGOs on engagement and activity design, allowing participant organizations to successfully engage their local communities and increase their impact and self-sufficiency. These selected NGOs were also trained in basic financial and project management, monitoring and evaluation, outreach, and fundraising processes. At the end of the training, each implementing partner was provided with promotional materials to use during a one-day round-table event to meet and network directly with international and national donors and institutions. During the reporting period of September 2019 to March 2020, NCI cleared 18 activities with an estimated value of $1,288,934. Staffing changes occurred during this period, with 17 staff leaving the program and one being promoted. No new staff were hired.