USAID Quarterly Partner Meeting - Mbuji Mayi, Kasai Oriental, November 1, 2016

The meeting was facilitated by MECC's Regional Coordinator, with USAID participating by phone due to security concerns. The meeting brought together 19 participants, including representatives from implementing partners, USAID staff, and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The meeting focused on several key items, including the introduction of participants, follow-up on coordination of work plans and synergies, a session on security, and a meeting with community radio representatives. The session on security, presented by Chemonics Security Officers, aimed to provide information on security assessments and best practices to help partners address security issues and develop risk mitigation measures. The meeting with community radio representatives, led by Internews, discussed ongoing activities, including management training for editors, training on journalism and human rights, and the development of a website. Internews also shared upcoming activities, such as training in marketing and management, and proposed the establishment of an NGO platform funded by USAID to strengthen collaborative relationships. The provincial representative of PROSANI proposed that participants review the draft of the terms of reference for the next partners meeting, which was scheduled to take place on November 30th. The meeting provided a successful test case of USAID's ability to convene and organize meetings outside Kinshasa without the physical presence of USAID staff. Following the meeting, MECC identified internal processes and procedures that need to be addressed and improved, particularly regarding the timing of procurement requests and transfer of funds. The meeting minutes are attached as Annex A, and a list of participants is provided in Annex B. The quarterly partners meeting is a regular event held by USAID/DRC to strengthen coordination and collaboration among stakeholders. The meeting provides a platform for partners to share information, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities for collaboration. The meeting also serves as a forum for USAID to provide updates on its activities and seek feedback from partners. The meeting's focus on security and community radio activities reflects the importance of these areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The session on security aimed to provide partners with the necessary information and tools to address security concerns and develop risk mitigation measures. The meeting with community radio representatives highlighted the importance of community radio in disseminating key messages and promoting development in the region. Overall, the quarterly partners meeting provided a valuable opportunity for partners to come together and discuss key issues affecting the region. The meeting's focus on security and community radio activities reflects the importance of these areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the meeting's success demonstrates USAID's ability to convene and organize meetings outside Kinshasa without the physical presence of USAID staff.