Yemen Communities Stronger Together (YCST) Bi-Annual Implementation Plan Revision

The program aims to mitigate conflict, strengthen social cohesion, and promote peaceful resolution of differences at the local level in Yemen. YCST supports community-led initiatives and builds capacity to lay the foundation for a peaceful and effective transition process in Yemen. The program's geographical scope of implementation has been revised to focus on 6 phase 2 communities, instead of the originally proposed 13 communities, due to budget and time constraints. The 7 omitted communities in Abyan, Aden, Hadramout, and Lahj governorates were selected based on YCST's acceleration strategy to expedite implementation in phase 2 communities and enhance the burn rate. The selected 6 communities have already achieved lengthy processes of community entry and prioritization activities, including the formation of Community Enhancement Committees (CECs) and its bylaws, and conducting community asset maps and stressors assessment and prioritization exercises. YCST's implementation plan is guided by four objectives: Community Entry and Mapping, Conflict Mitigation Training and Community Engagement, Pilot Stabilization Activities, and Action Learning for Adaptive Management and Enhanced Outcomes. The program's technical leadership is responsible for overseeing the implementation of these objectives, which include community entry and mapping, form, train, and mentor CECs, design, implement, and oversee community projects, conflict mitigation training and community engagement, grantmaking, implementation, and peer learning, pilot stabilization activities, and action learning for adaptive management and enhanced outcomes. The program's organizational structure and oversight are provided by the Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), and other key staff members. The COP is responsible for overall program management, while the DCOP provides technical leadership and oversight. The program also has a strong partnership with local organizations, including the Field Medical Foundation, Build Up, and Partners for Good, which provide technical assistance and support to the program. YCST's implementation through its 36 months has been marked by significant progress, including the formation of CECs, community asset mapping, and stressors assessment and prioritization exercises. The program has also conducted conflict mitigation training and community engagement activities, and has implemented pilot stabilization activities. The program's environmental monitoring and mitigation plan is also in place to ensure that the program's activities do not harm the environment. The program's challenges and risk mitigation plan are also being implemented to address potential risks and challenges that may arise during the program's implementation. The program's risk mitigation plan includes measures to address security risks, logistical challenges, and other potential risks that may affect the program's implementation. Overall, YCST is making significant progress in its implementation and is expected to continue to make a positive impact in Yemen.