Stability in Key Areas (SIKA) South / Monthly Report – December 2013 and January 2014

The program is implemented by AECOM International Development under contract AID-306-C-13-00003 with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program's objectives are to improve stability in key areas, enhance access to GIRoA services, facilitate communication and outreach, and support government services and development projects. The program's activities are divided into four intermediate results (IRs): IR1 Stability Analysis, IR2 Access to GIRoA Services, IR3 Communication and Outreach, and IR4 Government Services and Development Projects. IR1 focuses on conducting stability analysis workshops, providing technical assistance to district entities, and facilitating inter-district meetings. IR2 aims to improve access to GIRoA services by providing training to provincial line directorates, assisting entities to establish productive relations, and institutionalizing the projects and services report. IR3 focuses on communication and outreach, including collecting population research, identifying communications management needs, and developing communication strategies. IR4 supports government services and development projects by submitting grants manuals, conducting development research, and working with district entities to identify development projects. The program also includes activities to implement gender pilot activities and provide technical assistance to help district entities prepare grant application packages. The program's activities are implemented in various provinces in southern Afghanistan, including Kandahar, Daman, Arghandab, Hilmand, Bost, Garmser, Nad Ali, Nahri Sarraj, Zabul, Qalat, Tarnak Wa Jaldak, Shahjoy, Uruzgan, Tirin Kot, Chora, Dihrawud, and Nimroz. The program's progress is reviewed through quarterly review meetings, and adjustments are made as warranted. The program's achievements include the production of project or service information service reports by provincial line directorates, the establishment of productive relations between line directorates and district entities, and the institutionalization of the projects and services report with GIRoA counterparts. The program also conducted stability analysis workshops, provided technical assistance to district entities, and facilitated inter-district meetings. The program's future plans include continuing to implement stability analysis workshops, providing technical assistance to district entities, and facilitating inter-district meetings. The program will also continue to improve access to GIRoA services, facilitate communication and outreach, and support government services and development projects.