Quarter 1 Report: Building Resilient Communities in Stefan Voda Rayon

The program aims to increase community understanding and awareness of existing vulnerabilities and hazards in Ștefan Vodă Rayon, and to develop multi-stakeholder disaster preparedness plans and increase community resilience to potential hazards. The program's goal is twofold: to increase community understanding and awareness of existing vulnerabilities and hazards, and to develop multi-stakeholder disaster preparedness plans and increase community resilience to potential hazards. To achieve this goal, Helvetas established a Community Management Committee (CMC) in Stefan Voda, comprising diverse members from local government, the private sector, educational institutions, the community, and civil society, and refugees. During the reporting period, Helvetas conducted a comprehensive needs assessment and baseline survey, engaging over 450 community members through surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The assessment used the UNDRR's Quick Risk Evaluation (QRE) tool for rural contexts, and findings from the survey will be critical in developing multi-stakeholder preparedness action plans and improving early warning systems tailored to local risks. Helvetas employed a sector-specific safe programming approach that prioritizes gender-sensitive assessments and inclusive community engagement. This approach was used in all parts of the survey and will involve developing early warning systems that are clear and accessible to all, including those with disabilities, and providing specialized training in risk identification and emergency response. The program achieved several key milestones during the reporting period, including the creation of the CMC on October 26, 2023, and the completion of the baseline survey from October 28 to November 17, 2023, with 470 individuals surveyed. The survey demonstrated that 98% of individuals lack emergency response training and knowledge, and Helvetas will launch an awareness-raising campaign and organize the first training workshop at the start of Q2. The CMC has already played an active role in supporting various implementation activities, such as initial focus group discussions with private sector representatives, meetings with the Head of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (GIES), and initial meetings with educational facilities representatives. The CMC's involvement in the Activity spans advisory roles and hands-on support, ensuring community buy-in and alignment with local needs. The Baseline Report demonstrated that 98% of individuals lack emergency response training and knowledge, and Helvetas will launch an awareness-raising campaign and organize the first training workshop at the start of Q2. The Activity also started work on the first preparedness action plan, with initial design sessions conducted during a CMC meeting on December 1, 2023, discussing how each part of the community should be involved in the process of identifying, raising awareness, and responding to hazards. The program's Outcome 1 aims to improve the understanding of vulnerabilities, hazards, and vulnerabilities through inclusive community-led risk assessments and prioritization of actions. The Output 1.1 focuses on improving the understanding of existing hazards, vulnerabilities, and early warning systems in communities through inclusive risk assessment. The CMC, established on October 26, 2023, is made up of 12 members, each representing a different aspect of the community, and seeks to serve as an advisory council, fostering inclusive Activity implementation. Through the CMC's diverse membership, the Activity ensures that a wide range of perspectives and expertise is brought into Activity implementation. This diversity of thought will be crucial in the successful creation and roll-out of preparedness action plans. The CMC is an active participant in the Activity, collaborating closely with the Helvetas team, and has already played an active role in supporting various implementation activities.