YEMEN COMMUNITIES STRONGER TOGETHER MONTHLY PROGRAM UPDATE – OCTOBER 2019

Objective 1 focused on engaging communities in an inclusive approach to identify and implement service delivery and conflict mitigation projects. Community Enhancement Committees (CECs) conducted participatory conflict analysis, and YCST reflected the results into a proposal. Engineering assessments were conducted in all YCST governorates, including Aden, Lahj, and Abyan. In Aden, the PACE team and YCST engineers conducted meetings with the Director of the Public Electricity Corporation and local partners Field Medical Foundation to discuss community-prioritized projects, including the rehabilitation of the electricity network. In Lahj, YCST engineers conducted engineering assessments in Al-Suraih, Al-Nabyah, and Al-Soqaya, prioritizing projects such as the rehabilitation of the well and the installation of a solar pump system. Objective 2 aimed to build the capacity of formal and informal local leaders, organizations, and networks to serve as neutral arbitrators and peace builders. YCST held meetings with the Yemeni Women's Pact for Peace and Security, the Yemeni Women's Union, and UN Women to discuss program objectives and future funding from the Women, Peace and Security sub-fund. The GESI Manager conducted orientations on Gender-Based Violence and Gender Responsive Monitoring and Evaluation for all program staff. The Annual Program Statement (APS) was advertised on the Yemen HR website and shared via email with 95 entities that met basic criteria. Objective 3 focused on pilot stabilization activities to identify effective models for creating credible and local authorities and systems that can peacefully manage conflicts and prevent a resurgence of violence. The stabilization team worked on finalizing the documents of the proposal package, including the proposal narrative, the Bill of Quantities (BoQ), and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Engineering assessments and BoQs were conducted in Zinjibar for the rehabilitation of schools and the establishment of green fields for youth. The stabilization team met with the District Manager of Ash Shamayatayn to update him on the status of the proposed project and informed him that the proposals would be submitted to USAID once approved. Objective 4 aimed to carry out regular and action-oriented learning and contextual analysis across YCST interventions to support adaptive management for enhanced outcomes. YCST is in the last stages of planning the first Annual Learning Event in Amman, Jordan, which will take place on November 16-18, 2019. The event will involve discussions and reflecting on Year 1 journey. Ahead of the event, YCST is planning to have a preparatory workshop in Aden. YCST has submitted the first stabilization lesson learned report to USAID and received approval on October 18. The report presented the lessons learned after applying and using the USAID Stabilization Analytical Framework in targeted areas in Abyan and Taiz. YCST onboarded the Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP) in the reporting month and recruited a Knowledge, Learning and Communications Specialist. The newly-recruited Specialist will begin work with YCST on November 1.