USAID/KENYA YYC! NER PROGRESS REPORT FOR Quarter 2 FY 2015

North Eastern Region (YYC! NER) project, implemented by Education Development Center (EDC) in Kenya, aimed to support youth in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties. The project's main activities during the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 focused on providing support to youth through County Board Forums (CBFs) and Youth Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs). Key achievements during this period included the successful formation of SACCOs in all three counties, with over 2,000 youth registered in the SACCOs. The project also issued scholarships in Garissa and Wajir, and the application process began in Mandera. A revised baseline survey was conducted in Mandera, which revealed that youth had confidence in participating in civic engagement but did not often participate in civic activities. The survey also showed that roughly 70% of youth reported not working in the past six months. The project also made significant progress in radio programming, broadcasting weekly one-hour programs through Star FM's national frequencies covering the North Eastern Region and most parts of Somalia. In Wajir, the project initiated monthly radio programs through Wajir Community Radio, focusing on peace, security, and community development. Quantitative impact was also notable, with 105 youth bunges registered, 2,005 youth registered in bunges, and 91 scholarships issued. The project also held 5 training sessions, produced 14 radio programs, and conducted 2 SACCO meetings and 2 CBF meetings. However, the project faced several constraints and opportunities during this period. Insecurity in the region, coupled with ethnic rivalry, posed a significant challenge. High illiteracy levels also hindered the project's objectives, while low commitment from SACCO officials resulted in low SACCO contributions. Delays in meeting deadlines for Fixed Obligation Grants (FOGs) and new youth bunge registration also presented challenges. Despite these challenges, the project plans to implement a full set of activities in the upcoming quarter, pending security issues. Specifically, the project aims to extend CBF FOGs in Garissa and Wajir, issue FOGs to the Mandera CBF, conduct bunge annual elections and Annual General Meetings, and initiate Coca Cola 5/20 loans. The project's progress in Garissa County was notable, with the County Board Forum achieving Milestone #7 and completing Milestone #8. The CBF also advertised for the upcoming football tournament through social media and posters to youth at the wards. Overall, the YYC! NER project made significant progress in supporting youth in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties during the second quarter of fiscal year 2015. Despite facing several challenges, the project remains committed to its objectives and plans to implement a full set of activities in the upcoming quarter.