Yemen Communities Stronger Together (YCST) Year One Work Plan Update

The program aims to support local communities and government strengthening in Yemen. The program's objectives include advancing local solutions to respond to the fluid operating environment, implementing service delivery and conflict mitigation projects, building the capacity for local conflict management and dispute resolution, piloting stabilization approaches, and implementing a learning agenda to deepen USAID's understanding of local needs and existing reconciliation methods. The program operates in seven governorates in Yemen, including Aden, Lahj, Abyan, Taiz, Sana'a, Ibb, and Dhamar. The program's organizational structure includes a Chief of Party, a Deputy Chief of Party, and a team of staff members. The program has established partnerships with Field Medical Foundation, Partners for Good, and Build Up. The program's start-up activities included the completion of baseline studies in the first six communities, the completion of Permissive Stabilization Programming Areas (Green Spots) assessments for the four stabilization districts, and the initiation of field activities in all Participatory Action for Community Enhancement (PACE) and Stabilization communities. The program has also established a well-formed and integrated strategy, a best-fit structure, and appropriate systems in place. The program's objectives are to advance local solutions to respond to the fluid operating environment, implement service delivery and conflict mitigation projects, build the capacity for local conflict management and dispute resolution, pilot stabilization approaches, and implement a learning agenda. The program's activities include the formation of Community Committees, the design and implementation of sub-award projects, conflict mitigation training and community engagement, grantmaking and implementation, and peer learning. The program's environmental monitoring and mitigation plan is in place to ensure that the program's activities do not harm the environment. The program has also established a risk mitigation plan to address potential challenges and risks. The program's organizational chart and schedule are outlined in Annex I and Annex II, respectively. The program's key stakeholders include the Yemeni government, local communities, and international partners. The program's success will depend on the effective implementation of its activities, the engagement of local communities, and the support of international partners. The program's impact will be measured through the achievement of its objectives and the improvement of the lives of local communities.