YCST Monthly Program Update – January 2021

The program is being implemented by Global Communities in partnership with the Field Medical Foundation, Build Up, and Partners for Good. The program was launched in 2018 with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The primary objective of the program is to lay the foundation for a peaceful and effective transition process in Yemen by engaging communities, building capacity, and promoting peace. The program is divided into four objectives: engaging communities, building capacity, promoting peace, and enhancing outcomes. Objective 1 focuses on engaging communities in an inclusive approach to identify and implement service delivery and conflict mitigation projects. In January 2021, YCST implemented eight projects across three governorates: Aden, Abyan, and Lahj. Two projects were completed in the Lahj governorate, Al Madaribah Wa Al Arah district, both in the community of Al-Suraih. One project rehabilitated the Al-Suraih Health Center, and the other rehabilitated five schools. The implementation of projects under Objective 1 is ongoing, with four projects completed and six projects being implemented. Objective 2 focuses on building the capacity of formal and informal local leaders, organizations, and networks to serve as neutral arbitrators and peace builders and meet community and constituent needs. In January 2021, USAID provided technical approval for the Clay Structure Initiative, the last Innovation Sub-fund Grant (ISF) for Phase 1 communities. The Clay Structure Initiative will produce a documentary film to raise awareness of the importance of heritage on society. There are 8,400 residents living in the Al Mahfad community, Abyan governorate, where the documentary will be produced. In January, 12 initiatives reported on activities, and USAID provided technical approval for the implementation of twelve initiatives and sub-award approval for nine initiatives. Objective 3 focuses on promoting peace by working with communities on stabilization projects to help local authorities peaceably manage conflicts and prevent a resurgence of violence. In January, YCST worked with communities on six stabilization projects in the governorates of Abyan and Taiz. One project was completed in January, the Haydera Football Field Rehabilitation Project, situated in the governorate of Abyan, Khanfir district. A handover ceremony for this project was held on January 31. The implementation of projects under Objective 3 is ongoing, with six activities reported in January. Objective 4 focuses on enhancing outcomes by carrying out regular and action-oriented learning and contextual analysis across YCST initiatives to support adaptive management for enhanced outcomes. In January, YCST coordinated Third-Party Monitoring and Verification efforts for three projects, developed a post-implementation assessment tool, held feedback sessions with beneficiaries, and extended support for the analyses of phase 2 communities in the Hadramout governorate. The implementation of projects under Objective 1 is ongoing, with four projects completed and six projects being implemented. The completion dates and estimated completion timelines for all ten projects under Objective 1 are shown below. The implementation of projects under Objective 2 is ongoing, with 12 initiatives reported in January. The implementation of projects under Objective 3 is ongoing, with six activities reported in January. The implementation of projects under Objective 4 is ongoing, with efforts focused on enhancing outcomes through adaptive management. The YCST program is making progress in engaging communities, building capacity, and promoting peace in Yemen. The implementation of projects under the four objectives is ongoing, with a focus on improving the lives of Yemeni citizens and promoting peace and stability in the region.