Quarter 1 Program Report AID-OFDA-G-15-00233

The program aims to address the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and conflict-affected populations in Maiduguri, with a focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response. Capacity building is a key component of the GBV prevention and response activities, with 80 members from local NGOs and community-based organizations (CBOs) set to participate in three trainings in November. Procurement of materials for psychosocial support activities has been initiated, and eight sensitization guides covering various topics related to GBV have been developed and pretested. Community outreach is also a critical aspect of the program, with at least two community meetings held with ward heads and district heads in Jere, Mafa, Konduga, and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) to inform them of the program activities and the support that will be provided to women and girls in their communities. A criteria for selecting community volunteers has been developed, and the modalities of selection have been set up in a transparent manner. Psychosocial support and information sessions for women and girls are also being implemented, with the procurement process for skills acquisition materials initiated in September and delivery expected in November. The activities include hat making, knitting and crocheting, making bags, earrings and necklaces out of beads, and soap making. Four case workers have been recruited and will be trained to deliver individualized case management services to survivors of GBV in the different project implementation sites. The program also aims to establish and rehabilitate women-friendly spaces (WFS) in four locations, which will serve as hubs for provision of individual case management, group psychosocial support, and information sessions. The WFS will be fully operational by the first week of December. In addition to GBV prevention and response activities, the program is also implementing WASH activities, including the development of bills of quantities (BoQs) and procurement of materials. Community assessment and selection of volunteers have been conducted in eight locations, and recruitment of personnel for health activities is being finalized. The program's health sector activities include the rehabilitation of four health centers, one in each beneficiary local government area (LGA), and training of healthcare personnel in the targeted LGAs. The program also aims to establish and support a strong referral system and provide regular supportive supervision to staff at beneficiary health facilities. However, the program has faced challenges, including the resignation of the WASH consultant and delays in the onboarding of his replacement. A new WASH consultant has been identified, and the visa acquisition process has been initiated to enable him to report speedily. The program's planned activities for the next quarter include finalizing the recruitment of staff for WASH and health activities and procuring medications and materials needed for WASH activities.