Tidig återhämtning för krisdrabbade samhälle - DRK

A number of results have been achieved this year. The biggest being the simultaneous launch of multiple interventions in different provinces which tested the capacities of the partner organisations to be agile and respond quickly. New interventions were launched in Nyunzu in Tanganyika (for return movements) and in Mweso (ongoing violent attacks that destabilize villages) and Mabalako-Mangina (frequent IDP movements) areas in North-Kivu. An important lesson in this process has been that when providing early recovery support in area of conflict or high numbers of IDPs and returns the intervention has development objectives but with a speed of delivery that corresponds to humanitarian interventions. This stretches the human resource and logistical capacities. The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Concern are not the only partner referring to the difficulty in procuring services with regard to construction or WASH installations. Similarly, road conditions to these areas are often deplorable and delays are to be expected in the delivery of supplies procured. These challenges, while causing delays in implementation, are also the reason why these areas have been chosen for implementation. They are the hardest to reach and in most need. Against the background of this challenge a number of important results have been achieved. (1) 100% of the schools surveyed have basic hygiene and sanitation services following implementation of WASH structures (2) 99.6% of the people surveyed know three of the five critical moments for hand washing having received hygiene sensitizations (3) 92% of respondents know the three causes of diarrhea and three ways to prevent it. (4) The overall average gender role attitude (GRA) score is 6.77 (a score of 0 indicates very negative attitudes and 10 very positive), an improvement compared to the baseline score of 4.56 following gender transformative trainings. (5) The overall mean score for household financial decision-making is 1.18 (a score of 10 shows complete male dominance, 0 is shared decision making between men and women, and -10 is complete female dominance in financial decision making in the household). The beneficiaries are closer to shared financial decision-making in the household compared to the score of 2.26 at baseline. (6) 100% of respondents have Income generating activities (IGAs) and 100% of respondents reported being able to meet the basic needs of their households following IGA trainings and cash assistance to meet their basic needs and grow their IGA. (7) 90% of the community structures targeted for revitalization have been constructed/rehabilitated and supplied with furniture and supplies. (8) For Beni area, 100% of the members said structures have been trained in their respective roles and responsibilities in implementing the communal protection policy, and 92% of them have been trained in protection. (9) All unaccompanied minors identified (100) have been welcomed by a transitional host family (FAT), have received food assistance and are having their families traced for family reunification. (10) 99% of beneficiaries targeted for the permagarden activities (248 out of 250) in Beni area have been trained in the advantages of permaculture, in how to set up a permagarden, the manufacturing and usage of bio-pesticides, and has received seeds and tools. (11) A total of 1,441 persons, of which 93% are women, have benefited from DRCs support for the creation of permagardens, VSLAs, agricultural cooperatives and nutritional initiatives The narrative report provided by DRC refers to challenges in bridging relations between beneficiaries and host communities, including ensuring communities trust in the members of the local committees. This lack of trust comes from the fact that some community leaders were inviting close relations and acquaintances to community meetings and in other instances women were being excluded. This is a reflection of the challenges faced by many partners when implementing projects and is also something that is frequently observed by the embassy during field visits. It is addressed through a presence by the NGOs in the field which builds a trust with the population and enables the pertner prganisations to know who is who and how to manage membership in groups. It seems that many beneficiaries seem unaware of the scope of the project, questioning the locations in which the project is being implemented. The Embassy has engaged in conversation with the partner organisations on the importance of accountability to affected populations and how this can be implemented in practice.