Yemen Communities Stronger Together (YCST) Monthly Program Update – February 2021

The program aims to mitigate conflict, strengthen social cohesion, and promote peaceful resolution of differences in Yemen. YCST is being implemented by Global Communities in partnership with the Field Medical Foundation, Build Up, and Partners for Good. YCST supports local-level initiatives that engage communities in an inclusive approach to identify and implement service delivery and conflict mitigation projects. The program has identified 33 initiatives under Objective 2 for development since its launch. In February 2021, USAID provided technical approval for nine proposed initiatives under Objective 2. Eleven previously approved initiatives reported on their activities in February 2021. In the governorates of Aden, Abyan, and Lahj, YCST has completed six projects under Phase 1 of Objective 1, with four projects being implemented. Two water supply projects were completed in February, benefiting 10,330 people. The Jayshan Water Supply Enhancement Project in the governorate of Abyan was completed, benefiting 9,060 people. The Al-Nabyah Water Supply Enhancement Project in the governorate of Lahj was also completed, benefiting 1,270 people. YCST conducted sustainability workshops in three communities to help them maintain the benefits of completed projects over the long-term. The workshops focused on the concept and importance of sustainability and introduced practical tools and measures to enhance transparency and accountability. In the Hadramout governorate, YCST signed a memorandum of understanding with MOPIC to launch interventions in two communities. In the Lahj governorate, YCST conducted community mapping and focus groups in three communities to explore and gather data on stakeholders, assets, and resources. YCST also conducted sensitization workshops for district-level stakeholders in the Abyan and Lahj governorates. The workshops introduced district-level stakeholders to YCST and the PACE approach, with the goal of engaging them in the process of successfully implementing projects. In the governorate of Aden, the Dar Sa'ad Electricity Rehabilitation Project is ongoing, with 61,231 people anticipated to benefit. In the governorate of Abyan, the Al Mahfad Water Supply Enhancement Project was completed, benefiting 6,500 people. In the governorate of Lahj, the Al-Suraih Health Center Rehabilitation Project was completed, benefiting 1,242 people. YCST has also made progress in implementing projects under Objective 3, which focuses on promoting peace. Five projects have been completed, and YCST is working with communities on five stabilization projects to help local authorities peaceably manage conflicts and prevent a resurgence of violence. Under Objective 4, YCST has coordinated third-party monitoring and verification efforts for two completed projects, uploaded data collection tools for post-implementation assessments, and carried out other routine monitoring activities.