Year 4: Annual Project Progress Report for Community Rising (CR) Project

The project aims to improve orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) services by strengthening the existing district and sub-district structures in 14 districts across five provinces in Zambia. The project is funded by USAID through a Cooperative Agreement Number: AID-611-A-13-00005 under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The project's primary objective is to strengthen and improve the efficiency of OVC service delivery systems at the community level. This is achieved through the implementation of activities that enhance client identification, linkages, and referrals coordinated by the Department of Social Welfare at the district and sub-district levels. The project also aims to strengthen the provision of care to OVC in accordance with National OVC service standards and through improved linkages and referrals. The project has targeted 14 districts in five provinces, namely Southern, Copper-belt, Luapula, Central, and Lusaka. The districts are at different stages of implementation, with the first cohort districts having been phased out in the fourth quarter of FY 16. The second cohort districts completed the phase-out stage by August 2017, while the third cohort districts entered the phase-out stage in the fourth quarter of FY 17. The fourth cohort districts, which include Mkushi and Kapiri in Central Province, and Chongwe and Kafue in Lusaka Province, are in the intermediate phase. The project has made significant progress in achieving its objectives, with the strengthening of OVC community structures and the establishment of referrals and linkages for OVC among home, community settings, and facilities. The project has also enhanced partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Government of the Republic of Zambia, USAID, and other implementing partners. Additionally, the project has strengthened the organizational capacity of LF to ensure compliance with USAID financial, administrative, and management procedures. The project's results summary table shows a significant increase in the number of OVC households receiving care and support services, as well as an improvement in the quality of care provided. The project has also achieved a high level of compliance with USAID rules and regulations, ensuring efficient and effective management of project resources and activities. The project has faced several challenges, including limited resources and capacity constraints. However, the project has responded to these challenges through the implementation of strategies to enhance capacity building and resource mobilization. The project has also identified best practices, including the use of community-based approaches and the establishment of partnerships with key stakeholders. In conclusion, the Community Rising (CR) Project has made significant progress in achieving its objectives and improving OVC services in 14 districts across five provinces in Zambia. The project's results demonstrate the effectiveness of the systems strengthening approach in improving the efficiency and quality of OVC service delivery systems. The project's success is a testament to the commitment of the project team and partners to improving the lives of OVC in Zambia.