Yemen Communities Stronger Together (YCST) Monthly Program Update – August 2019

YCST Governorate Coordinators worked closely with YCST Community Mobilizers and Senior Community Mobilizers of local partner Field Medical Foundation (FMF) to accomplish these activities. In Aden, between July 23 and August 4, all household surveys were finalized in six targeted communities in Dar Sa'ad district, with a total of 1,113 surveys conducted. The surveys aimed to identify conflict drivers and stressors in each community and prioritize community needs. Additionally, a Conflict Analysis training was conducted between August 20 and 21, targeting 11 participants, to assist Community Enhancement Committee (CECs) members in identifying top priority conflict stressors and providing problem-solving skills. YCST Community Mobilizers and FMF Senior Community Mobilizers, with assistance from CEC members, kickstarted YCST's first monthly Community Meetings in Aden, targeting communities in Al-Rabash, Abdulbari, and Al-Alfi. The meetings aimed to introduce YCST program objectives and achievements, as well as future plans, to new community members. In Lahj, the first Community Meetings were conducted between August 6 and 29, targeting four communities: Al-Arah, Al-Madharebah, Al-Sureeh, and Al-Soqaya and Al-Nabyah. The meetings introduced YCST program objectives and achievements, as well as future plans, to new community members. Additionally, a Conflict Analysis training session was conducted between August 25 and 29, targeting CECs in Al-Arah and Al-Madharebah, focusing on prioritizing community conflict stressors. In Abyan, the Abyan team conducted YCST's first Community Meetings in Jayshan, with a successful female participation rate. The meetings introduced YCST objectives and achievements, as well as the PACE approach, to the female community. However, due to the deteriorating security situation, activities in Al-Mahfad and Jayshan were suspended. YCST is working towards collaboration with the Yemeni Women's Pact for Peace and Security and the Yemeni Women's Union, with a future partnership on the horizon. The Grants Fund Manager coordinated with the UN Women Office in Aden to encourage local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to apply to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Sub-Fund and the Peacebuilding Grants Fund. The Stabilization team finalized prioritization proposals in Abyan and Taiz, under the supervision of the YCST Stabilization team and Senior Engineer. Implementation of projects will reconvene in September due to delays caused by security risks on the ground. In Taiz, the Stabilization team held meetings with local authorities, presenting and discussing community prioritization needs. The Stabilization specialist and YCST's Senior Engineer identified potential projects initiated by the Authority Community Committee (ACCs) and drafted official technical assessment proposals. The District Coordinator presented the findings of the technical assessment priorities to the Stabilization team, concluding that both communities had shared interests and priorities, mainly focusing on water distribution projects, rehabilitation of schools, construction of medical centers, and electrical supply/solar panel systems maintenance.