2569 Great Lakes December 2003

InterAction Member Activity Report The Great Lakes A Guide to Humanitarian and Development Efforts of InterAction Member Agencies in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

Photo by David Snyder Courtesy of Catholic Relief Services

Produced by Alix Dvorak With the Humanitarian Policy and Practice Unit of

1717 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 701, Washington DC 20036 Phone (202) 667-8227 Fax (202) 667-8236 Website: http://www.interaction.org

Table of Contents

Great Lakes Country Maps

3

Background Summary

5

Report Summary

10

Organizations by Country

11

Organizations by Sector Activity

12

Glossary of Acronyms

15

InterAction Member Activity Report ACDI/VOCA

17

Action Against Hunger

19

Adventist Development and Relief Age ncy International

24

Africare

29

Air Serv International

36

American Friends Service Committee

38

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

40

Baptist World Aid

41

CARE

42

Catholic Relief Services

51

Christian Children’s Fund

54

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee

56

Church World Service

59

Concern Worldwide

61

Food for the Hungary

66

Heifer International

69

Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc.

71

International Medical Corps

73

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

1

Interna tional Rescue Committee

77

Lutheran World Relief

87

Refugees International

91

Save the Children

93

Trickle Up Program

100

U.S. Committee for Refugees

103

U.S. Fund for UNICEF

105

United Methodist Committee on Relief

110

USA for UNHCR

113

World Relief

117

World Vision

120

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

2

Great Lakes Individual Country Maps Individual country maps courtesy of Central Intelligence Agency / World Fact Book

Burundi

Democratic Republic of the Congo

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

3

Rwanda

Uganda

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

4

Background Summary Introduction The Great Lakes region of Africa is home to some of the world’s poorest nations; Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda all rank among the 30 least developed countries according to the 2003 Human Development Report. These countries have also been hotbeds of conflict and instability since their independence from colonial powers in the early 1960s. Successive wars have wrecked the region’s physical and economic infrastructure and the cost to governments of maintaining military power has affected their ability to support development. The violence has directly and indirectly contributed to the deaths of millions and to massive population displacements both within countries and across their borders. The use of child soldiers is widespread throughout the region, and many have grown up to regard violence as a way of life. Insecurity is a grave concern, and humanitarian access remains difficult in many areas.

Burundi Ten years of civil war have plagued this small but populous nation causing 300,000 deaths and prompting the flight of 400,000 refugees, and the internal displacement of another 400,000 persons (IDPs). Burundi is also host to over 40,000 refugees from neighboring conflicts, the majority of whom are from the DRC. Drought and infectious disease have added to the toll of war. Malaria is the leading cause of death in Burundi as the number of people affected has soared from 200,000 in 1984 to over three million in 2002. HIV/AIDS continues to be a grave problem, with over 250,000 children orphaned by the disease. Burundi, like Rwanda, has been a hotspot of ethnic tensions between a ruling Tutsi minority and a Hutu majority. Civil war broke out again in 1993, after democratic elections produced the country’s first Hutu president, Melchior Ndadaye. His presidency was cut short when factions of the Hutu-run military assassinated him in October of that year, sparking the conflict. The violence and unrest were exacerbated the following year, when the plane carrying both Burundian President Cyprien Ntayamira and Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana was shot down, an event that triggered the genocide in Rwanda. Peace talks have taken place repeatedly over the past decade, most ending in failure. However, in 2000, the Arusha Accords were signed, leading to the establishment of a three-year transitional government for Burundi. These accords led to another round of talks in the fall of 2003. The October Pretoria Protocols between President Nadayizeye’s transitional government and the main rebel group, the Conseil National Pour la Defense de la Democratie-Forces Pour la Defense de la Democratie (CNDD-FDD) led by Pierre Nkurunziza resulted in a ceasefire between the government and CNDD-FDD forces. Nkurunziza has since returned to Bujumbura to take his place in the government, as agreed in the accords, and the FDD fighters are beginning their integration into the government and army. The main remaining obstacle to peace in Burundi is the oldest and second largest rebel group, the Forces for National Liberation (FNL). The FNL has refused to participate in any of the peace talks with the government, and says it will only negotiate with the Tutsi leadership of the army. InterAction Member Activity Report for 5 Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

Fighting is now largely concentrated in Bujumbura Province, which is a stronghold of the FNL. The government has issued a February 2004 ultimatum for the FNL to participate in peace talks and threatened the use of force if the rebels refuse, raising the possibility of renewed violence if the FNL continues to reject direct talks. A decade of war has affected all areas of life for the people of Burundi. The country’s economy has suffered, intensifying already widespread poverty, and a concurrent drought and crop failure have contributed to the humanitarian crisis. The population has been subjected to systematic looting and robbery by poorly paid troops, and human rights violations, including rape, torture, and murder have characterized the conflict. The vast majority of casualties have been civilians, principally women and children. The violence has also forced many people to flee their homes and disperse to over 200 IDP camps across Burundi. The conditions in these camps are poor. Over 70 percent of IDPs lack access to potable water and 30 percent are without adequate sanitation facilities. Sexual violence and the breakdown of family structures in IDP camps are also contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Returning refugees who cannot go back to their homes because of the fighting are putting a further strain on the camps. Years of conflict have left parts of Burundi littered with landmines that have claimed hundreds of innocent lives.

Democratic Republic of the Congo With an area the size of the United States east of the Mississippi River, the DRC is home to more than 50 million people and over 200 ethnic groups. Complicated by the involvement of several of rebel factions, ethnic tensions and external interference, conflicts have plagued the DRC since its independence from Belgian colonial control in 1960. The actors currently involved include the Congolese Mai-Mai militias, the Forces Democratiques du Liberation du Rwanda (FDLR), Ressemblement Congolais pour la Democratie (RCD), the Mouvement pour la Liberation du Congo (MLC), the Hutu Interahamwe militia from Rwanda, and the ex-FAR, a faction of the former Rwandan national military. Several African nations have been involved in the conflict, which has been largely concentrated in the eastern part of the country. The protracted violence in the DRC has created one of the world’s worst complex emergencies, directly or indirectly resulting in the deaths of between 3 and 3.5 million people. The current conflict had its roots in 1996, after Hutu refugee camps in the eastern region of the DRC (then Zaire) had become a base for the Interahamwe, which played a lead role in the planning and execution of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. In October of 1996, Rwandan and Ugandan forces entered Zaire to back the Congolese Alliance du Forces Democratiques pour la Liberation du Congo-Zaire (AFDL), which was led by Laurent-Desire Kabila. These combined forces marched toward the capital, Kinshasa, with the intention of ousting then-President Joseph Mobutu, who had been in power since the mid-1960s and was notorious for his corruption, human rights abuses, and suppression of any opposition to his regime. After failed peace talks between Mobutu and Kabila, Mobutu fled and Kabila declared himself president of a new regime in the DRC. Soon thereafter, his foreign backers fell out of favor with Kabila and he requested that all foreign troops withdraw from the newly renamed Democratic Republic of the Congo. Not only did most foreign troops refuse to leave, but additional troops entered. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

6

In August 1998 fighting erupted throughout the country as Rwandan forces prepared to overthrow Kabila. With assistance from Angola, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, Kabila pushed the rebel forces back to eastern DRC, where they have since established control. Soon after, Ugandan forces joined with the Mouvement pour la Liberation du Congo (MLC), another Congolese rebel group, and gained control of the northern third of the country. At this point the country was divided into three regions, each under the control of a separate group. In July of 1999, the parties signed the Lusaka Accords, calling for a cease- fire and a UN peacekeeping mission (MONUC). Conditions improved in early 2001, when the son of Laurent Kabila, Joseph Kabila, took power after his father was assassinated and reversed many of his predecessor’s policies. Joseph Kabila dropped his father’s opposition to MONUC, and many of the foreign troops from Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Uganda pulled out of the DRC. Kabila also agreed to allow the InterCongolese Dialogue to go forward, although Rwandan-backed Congolese rebels did not participate and the talks ended without a comprehensive agreement. Despite relative calm in the rest of the DRC, the conflict continues in the eastern portion of the country, most notably in the Ituri district and in North and South Kivu. The conflict has been financed largely by the abundant natural resources of the area, including diamonds, gold, timber and the mineral tantalum, whose value has appreciated sharply in recent years because of its applications in wireless electronic devices. The conflict has had a disproportionate and devastating effect on civilians, who have become victims of plunder, rape, murder and other atrocities at the hands of groups of armed men who are not paid salaries by the various factions. Systematic sexual violence is widespread in the DRC and rape has been used as a tool of war. It is estimated that one in three women in certain parts of the DRC has been a rape victim, and women and girls are often kidnapped to serve as sexual slaves. Many rape survivors become social outcasts, and sexual violence is contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STDs. The humanitarian crisis precipitated by the violence has from time to time been exacerbated by major natural disasters. Volcanic eruptions and floods have temporarily displaced hundreds of thousands in recent years. In addition, the physical infrastructure is in severe disrepair, rendering much of the country inaccessible.

Rwanda The legacy of the 1994 genocide, which left over 800,000 people dead and millions displaced, still haunts Rwanda a decade later. Hutu extremists carefully planned and executed a 100-day killing spree designed to rid Rwanda of all Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Hate radio was used to incite the population to join armed Hutu factions in systematically killing their Tutsi and moderate Hutu neighbors. The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a Tutsi rebel group that used Uganda as a base for its 1990 invasion of Rwanda, stepped up operations, and civil war raged alongside the genocide. The international community watched without acting for almost two months before French troops finally intervened in June. Entering from Zaire, the French set up a “humanitarian zone” in the southwest corner of Rwanda. A few weeks later, on July 4th , the rebel RPF captured Kigali, ending the worst of the genocide. However, many of those behind the genocide escaped to the DRC. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

7

Within two weeks, a new power-sharing government was established. Although relative calm was restored, the devastation left by the genocide was far-reaching. Almost one-tenth of Rwanda’s total population was dead, and another one-third was either internally displaced or had fled the country into neighboring Tanzania, Zaire (DRC), and Burundi. Rwandan refugees in eastern DRC have been a recurrent source of tension between the two nations because many of them participated in the atrocities of 1994 and have fought against invading Rwandan government forces as well as Congolese groups supported by the Kigali government. Apart from the challenges of rebuilding and reconciliation, the population faces numerous other difficulties. An estimated 13 percent of Rwandans are infected with HIV, and most lack the medical resources for treatment. As a result of the combined effects of the disease and the violence, Rwanda has more orphans than any other country in sub-Saharan Africa.

Uganda After the end of British colonial rule in 1961, Uganda went through as series of elections and coups that saw power change hands many times. The dictatorship of military commander Idi Amin Dada, who was in power from 1971 to 1979, brought increased economic and social turmoil in Uganda and was responsible for extensive human rights abuses, including the deaths of 300,000 political opponents. Although Idi Amin was forced from power in 1979 by Tanzanian-backed Ugandan exiles, human rights abuses continued under the regime of Milton Obote, who was elected President in December 1980. During his five years in power an additional 100,000 lives were lost as a result of continued civil strife and atrocities committed by Obote’s security forces, which used ruthless tactics in their effort to stamp out an insurgency led by Yoweri Museveni and his National Resistance Army (NRA). Obote was forced from power in 1980 by Lt. Gen. Basilio Olara-Okello, but human rights abuses continued as Okello’s military government sought to undermine support for the NRA. In January 1986, the National Resistance Army (NRA) led by Yoweri Museveni, expelled Okello and established Museveni as president, a position that he retains today. Museveni brought the human rights violations of his predecessors to an end and created a commission to investigate earlier abuses. However, rebel groups operating in the northern part of country continue to terrorize the population. The government has been criticized for its inability to bring this conflict to an end and for its failure to provide adequate protection and assistance for the 1.3 million people who have been displaced as a result of the violence. The largest of these insurgent groups, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), led by Joseph Kony, has been operating in northern Uganda for more than 17 years, spreading fear by maiming and killing hundreds of thousands of civilians. An estimated 90 percent of LRA forces are child soldiers: children who have been abducted and trained to kill for the insurgents, in some cases even forced to kill their family and friends. The threat of kidnapping has become so widespread that thousands of children in some parts of Uganda have become “night commuters,” leaving their rural homes at night to seek the protection of towns. Some of the abducted children are girls, many of whom have been forced into sexual slavery by the LRA. These child “brides” are taken from their homes at a very young age, as young as 8 or 9, and often held for many years, some as long-term “wives” living at LRA base camps in InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

8

southern Sudan, and some traveling with the rebel forces in Uganda. A small number of girls have also been forced to fight on the front lines. Both boy and girl children who escape the LRA fear retribution against their families and villages. Since the summer of 2002, the situation has worsened considerably. The number of provinces affected by the conflict has risen from two to eight, and the number of displaced people has more than doubled from 600,000 to 1.3 million (government estimates put the number of IDPs as high as 1.8 million). Since June of 2002, more than 10,000 children have been abducted, representing the largest number since the conflict started in 1988. Due to the violence and breakdown of infrastructure in the north, many people have been forced to abandon their homes and relocate to government “protected villages, ” guarded by soldiers of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF). Protection for displaced civilians is inadequate, however, and during LRA raids government forces have often fled, leaving the camps open to attack. The UPDF has also been accused of abuses, including beating, raping, and robbing the IDPs they are supposed to protect. Overcrowding and lack of access have contributed to other problems in IDP communities, including inadequate access to potable water, lack of health care and education, and the spread of cholera, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

9

Report Summary This report offers international agencies, nongo vernmental organizations (NGOs), the media and the public an overview of the humanitarian and development assistance being provided to the people of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda by InterAction member agencies. Twenty-nine member organizations reported their current or planned relief and development operations in the Great Lakes. The programs address a broad range of sectors, including: agriculture, food production, nutrition, and food security; business development; disaster and emergency relief; education and training; gender issues; health care and medical training; HIV/AIDS; human rights; peace and conflict resolution; refugee and IDP assistance; rural development; infrastructure rehabilitation; and water and sanitation. These activities take place throughout the Great Lakes, including those regions with limited or no control from the central governments of the relevant countries. This includes the Ituri District and North and South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, areas that are largely outside the control of the Kinshasa government. The agencies in this report have presented various objectives for their programs in the Great Lakes. Many deal with addressing the immediate needs of the refugee and internally displaced populations through the distribution of food and non-food supplies, provision of health care services, etc. Some agencies focus on particularly vulnerable populations, such as women and children. Other common themes among program objectives include education, agriculture, infrastructure rehabilitation and small business development. Many of the agencies in this report work with the support of, or in coordination with, local and international partners.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

10

Organizations by Country Burundi

Rwanda, cont.

Action Against Hunger Adventist Development and Relief Agency International American Friends Service Committee CARE Church World Service Concern Worldwide Interchurch Medical Service International Rescue Committee Refugees International U.S. Committee for Refugees USA for UNHCR World Relief World Vision

CARE Christian Reformed World Relief Committee Church World Service Concern Worldwide Heifer International International Rescue Committee U.S. Fund for UNICEF U.S. Committee for Refugees USA for UNHCR World Relief

Democratic Republic of the Congo Adventist Development and Relief Agency International American Friends Service Committee Baptist World Aid CARE Catholic Relief Services Christian Reformed World Relief Committee Church World Service Concern Worldwide Food for the Hungary Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. International Medical Corps International Rescue Committee Refugees International United Methodist Committee on Relief U.S. Committee for Refugees USA for UNHCR World Relief

Uganda ACDI/VOCA Action Against Hunger Africare American Friends Service Committee Baptist World Aid CARE Christian Children’s Fund Christian Reformed World Relief Committee Church World Service Concern Worldwide Heifer International International Medical Corps International Rescue Committee Lutheran World Relief Refugees International Save the Children Trickle Up Program U.S. Fund for UNICEF USA for UNHCR

Rwanda ACDI/VOCA Africare American Friends Service Committee American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Baptist World Aid InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

11

Organizations by Sector Activity Agriculture, Food Production, Nutrition, and Food Security ACDI/VOCA Action Against Hunger Adventist Development and Relief Agency International Africare Baptist World Aid CARE Catholic Re lief Services Christian Children’s Fund Christian Reformed World Relief Committee Church World Service Concern Worldwide Food for the Hungary Heifer International International Medical Corps Lutheran World Relief Save the Children Trickle Up Program U.S. Fund for UNICEF United Methodist Committee on Relief USA for UNHCR World Relief World Vision

Business Development ACDI/VOCA Africare CARE Christian Reformed World Relief Committee Concern Worldwide Heifer International International Rescue Committee Lutheran World Relief Trickle Up Program World Relief

Disaster and Emergency Relief Adventist Development and Relief Agency International Air Serv Baptist World Aid Catholic Relief Services Christian Children’s Fund Church World Service International Medical Corps International Rescue Committee USA for UNHCR World Relief

Education and Training ACDI/VOCA Adventist Development and Relief Agency International Africare American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Baptist World Aid Catholic Relief Services Christian Children’s Fund Christian Reformed World Relief Committee Church World Service Concern Worldwide Heifer International International Medical Corps International Rescue Committee Lutheran World Service Save the Children Trickle Up Program U.S. Fund for UNICEF United Methodist Committee on Relief USA for UNHCR World Vision

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

12

Gender Issues (Only those organizations with genderspecific programs are listed here, however, most organizations included in this report take gender into account in all their activities) Adventist Development and Relief Agency International American Friend’s Service Committee Church World Service Heifer International International Medical Corps International Rescue Committee Trickle Up Program U.S. Fund for UNICEF USA for UNHCR

Health Care/Medical Training Action Against Hunger Adventist Development and Relief Agency International Baptist World Aid Catholic Relief Services Christian Reformed World Relief Committee Church World Service Concern Worldwide Food for the Hungary Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. International Medical Corps International Rescue Committee Lutheran World Relief Save the Children United Methodist Committee on Relief USA for UNHCR World Vision

Human Rights, Peace & Conf. Res. Adventist Development and Relief Agency International Africare Baptist World Aid CARE Catholic Relief Services Church World Service Concern Worldwide

International Rescue Committee World Vision

Refugee and IDP Assistance Africare CARE Church World Service International Medical Corps Lutheran World Relief U.S. Committee for Refugees USA for UNHCR World Relief World Vision

Rural Development Africare Baptist World Aid Church World Service Heifer International International Rescue Committee Trickle Up Program

HIV/AIDS Africare Baptist World Aid CARE Catholic Relief Services Christian Children’s Fund Christian Reformed World Relief Committee Concern Worldwide Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. International Medical Corps International Rescue Committee Lutheran World Relief Save the Children U.S. Fund for UNICEF USA for UNHCR World Relief World Vision

Water and Sanitation Action Against Hunger Baptist World Aid CARE

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

13

Water and Sanitation, cont. Christian Children’s Fund Christian Reformed World Relief Committee International Rescue Committee USA for UNHCR

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

14

Glossary of Acronyms Acronym

InterAction Member

ACF-USA ADRA AFSC CARE BWAid CRS CCF CRWRC CWS FHI IMA IMC IRC JDC LWR UMCOR USCR U.S. Fund for UNICEF USA for UNHCR

Action Against Hunger (Action contre la Faim- USA) Adventist Development and Relief Agency American Friends Service Committee Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, Inc. Baptist World Aid Catholic Relief Services Christian Children’s Fund Christian Reformed World Relief Committee Church World Service Food for the Hungr y International Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. International Medical Corps International Rescue Committee American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Lutheran World Relief United Methodist Committee on Relief U.S. Committee for Refugees U.S. Fund for the United Nations Children’s Fund United States Association for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees World Relief World Vision

WR WV

Other Acronyms CBO CHH CIDA CSO DFID DRC, DROC, DR Congo ECHO EPI FAO HIV/AIDS IDP IFAD INGO LRA MCH MOH

Community-based Organization Child-headed Households Canadian International Development Agency Community Service/Civil Society Organization UK Department for International Development Democratic Republic of the Congo European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office Expanded Program on Immunizations Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Internally Displaced Person International Fund for Agricultural Development International Non-Governmental Organization Lord’s Resistance Army Maternal and Child Health Ministry of Health

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

15

NGO OFDA ORT PHC PVO SFC SGBV SIDA STIs/STDs TFC UNDP UNFPA UNICEF UNOCHA UPDF USAID USCCB WFP WHO

Nongovernmental Organization U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance Oral Rehydration Therapy Primary Healthcare Private Voluntary Organization Supplementary Feeding Center Sexual and Gender-based Violence Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency Sexually Transmitted Illnesses/Diseases Therapeutic Feeding Center U.N. Development Programme U.N. Population Fund U.N. Children’s Fund U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Uganda People’s Defence Forces U.S. Agency for International Development U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops World Food Programme World Health Organization

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

16

ACDI/VOCA US Contact Rwanda Suzanne Berkey Tel: (202) 879-0241 Uganda Adrian Ng’asi Tel: (202) 879-0240 Elizabeth Farmer Tel: (202) 879-0268

Field Contacts Rwanda ACDI/VOCA-RWANDA B.P. 4628 Kigali, Rwanda Tel/Fax: 250-571358, 250-516241 Email: [email protected] Chief of Party/Country Representative: Paul DeLucco Uganda ACDI/VOCA-P.L. 480 Uganda Office Warehouse Complex Plot 6-8, Kibira Road Kampala, Uganda Tel: (256-41) 348-205 Fax: (256-41) 345-288 Chief of Party: Bernie Runnebaum Email: bfrunnebaum-pl480@acdivoca- ug.org

Introduction to ACDI/VOCA ACDI/VOCA empowers farmers and other entrepreneurs worldwide to succeed in the global economy.

ACDI/VOCA in Rwanda ACDI/VOCA manages a USAID- funded P.L. 480 Title II program to help farmers increase agricultural production, restore and protect cropland, boost farmer incomes and increase access to important imported food commodities. The project is funded through monetization of $1.4 million worth of U.S. food aid (vegetable oil). With the proceeds, ACDI/VOCA partners with smallholder farmers to form watershed associations, works with smallholder groups to strengthen their business skills and to increase their involvement in commercial agricultural markets and supports international and local initiatives that increase commercial agricultural activities. ACDI/VOCA provides grants to develop economically viable businesses through which smallholder farmers can realize increasing returns and contribute to economic development through group action.

ACDI/VOCA in Uganda ACDI/VOCA’s USAID- funded Rural Economy and Agricultural Production Program prepares approximately 10,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in the Gulu district of Uganda—a region devastated by civil war for the past 16 years—for eventual resettlement. The program creates jobs through cash- for-work activities and promotes self-sufficiency by introducing improved farming techniques. The cash-for-work component directly benefits 500 workers and their families while benefiting the greater community through the InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

17

rehabilitation of 80 kilometers of roads. Outreach to improve farming techniques is conducted by contact farmers through the use of demonstration and communal plots. Training in farming as a business, post-harvest handling and marketing is also provided. In the Gulu municipality of Uganda, through a partnership with Catholic Relief Services, ACDI/VOCA provides take-home rations to elementary school students, strengthens parent-teacher associations, provides technical support to educators and administrators and establishes school gardens. Through these Food for Education food aid activities, ACDI/VOCA bolsters the ability of rural families to send their children — especially girls — to school. Approximately 20,000 eligible children at 20 schools receive the nutritionally complete ration. ACDI/VOCA expects that this program will result in a 10 percent overall increase in school attendance rates at the targeted schools. ACDI/VOCA’s Specialty Coffee Production in Eastern Africa Project (SCOPE) focuses on strengthening the Eastern Africa Fine Coffees Association (EAFCA), established in May 2000. Headquartered in Kampala, Uganda, EAFCA has country chapters in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia and currently has over 80 member groups representing all aspects of the coffee industry. ACDI/VOCA focused on building the capacity of the EAFCA secretariat and assuring regional policy dialogue and coordination, along with supporting smallholder producer organizations and establishing a market platform and a regional specialty coffee exchange. ACDI/VOCA also helped representatives from EAFCA to attend Specialty Coffee Association of America events, which enabled them to make contacts with buyers as well as leading suppliers of resources for the specialty coffee industry. ACDI/VOCA’s Worldwide Farmer to Farmer Program in the Greater Horn of Africa is part of a larger global effort to provide targeted technical assistance and training to beneficiary organizations in a wide range of skills. Volunteer consultants impart knowledge and technologies in a cost-effective manner, and ACDI/VOCA has managed Farmer-to-Farmer activities continuously over the last 16 years, recruiting thousands of volunteers to provide direct assistance to farmers, agribusinesses, associations, and credit institutions around the world. Almost 200 American volunteer consultants have served 67 clients in the Greater Horn region since 1973, building the capacity of agribusiness associations, enhancing food and income security and reaching alternative domestic and international markets. ACDI/VOCA manages a $26 million USAID- funded P.L. 480 Title II program that monetizes U.S. food aid (wheat and vegetable oil) on behalf of a consortium of PVOs operating in Uganda. The sales stimulate the local commodity markets and generate funds for a variety of development activities. With its portion, ACDI/VOCA provides grants to local NGOs for agricultural training, infrastructure development, capacity building of local financial institutions, associations and cooperatives, and direct distribution of goods to NGOs and rural business associations. Our partners implement food production activities, farm-to- market road rehabilitation, rural financial services through loan guarantees and distribution of rations to people living with HIV/AIDS. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

18

Action Against Hunger US Contact Roger Persichino Desk Officer Action Against Hunger - USA Suite 1201, 247 W37th St NY, NY 10018 Tel: 212-967-7800, ext. 113 Fax: 212-967-54 80 Email: rp@aah- usa.org

Field Contact Burundi Laurent Saillard Head of Mission Action Contre la Faim BP 6532 Chaussée du peuple Murundi Bâtiment UCAR II Bujumbura Tel: 00 257 22 60 22 Fax: 00 257 21 68 79 Email : [email protected] Uganda Regis Billaudel Head of Mission Action Against Hunger – USA Kyadondo Road, Muyenga P.O. Box 3177 Kampala – Uganda Tel: (256) 041-510 415 Mobile: (256) 77- 713 723 Email: [email protected]

Introduction to Action Against Hunger Action Against Hunger’s mandate is to save lives by combating hunger, disease, and those crises threatening the lives of helpless men, women and children. Action Against Hunger intervenes in the following situations: • In natural or man-made crises which threaten food security or result in famine; • In situations of social / economic breakdown, linked to internal or external circumstances which place particular groups of people in an extremely vulnerable position; • In situations where survival depends on humanitarian aid. Action Against Hunger intervenes either during the crisis itself, through emergency intervention, or afterwards, through rehabilitation and sustainable development programmes. Action Against Hunger also intervenes in the prevention of certain high-risk situations. The ultimate aim of all of Action Against Hunger’s programs is to enable the beneficiaries to regain their autonomy and self- sufficiency as soon as possible.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

19

Action Against Hunger in Burundi General Objectives: ACF has been present in Burundi continuously since April 1994 and has developed programs in the following sectors: nutrition, health structures rehabilitation, water and sanitation, food security. Overall Goal: To prevent mortality and morbidity linked with malnutrition Specific Objectives: • To treat the severely malnourished persons • To integrate the existing feeding centres into the national health structures • To reinforce food security in vulnerable households Program Sectors: Nutrition and Food Security Nutrition and Food Security (as of October 2003): ACF operates 5 Therapeutic Feeding Centers (TFCs) and 55 Supplementary Feeding Centers (SFCs) in 5 districts (indicated below) The Food Security programs consist on the followings: • Developing cattle breeding (such as goats) and culture • Support to agricultural groups • Nutrition and health education • Improving access to land • Improving agricultural methods At present, ACF is carrying out an anthropometric nutritional survey in order to measure the nutritional status of the more worrying districts Specific locations of projects or programs: The projects are located in the following districts: • Ruyigi • Muramvya – Mwaro • Bubanza • Kayanza • N’Gozi • Bujumbura Funding sources: Programs are funded by ECHO, the Swiss Cooperation, UNICEF, FAO and the PNUD. Scale of programs: Nutrition Program:

over over

1591 beneficiaries in TFCs 5368 beneficiaries in SFCs

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

20

Food Security Programs:

over

1286 beneficiaries

Cooperative efforts: For all the programs, ACF works in close collaboration and cooperation with the following actors: local and national authorities, INGOs (Médecins sans Frontières, Solidarités), UN agencies (WFP, FAO, UNICEF). ACF belongs to the UN and NGO coordination body at national level (Bujumbura). Special concerns: • Strong security constraints (chaotic peace process) • Difficulties in terms of humanitarian access • There are still a lot of IDPs • Insecurity linked to growing acts of looting, rapes etc. • Weak local capacities (especially in the context of the integration of the nutrition)

Action Against Hunger in Uganda ACF USA has been present in Uganda continuously since 1994, serving the Sudanese refugee population in Moyo and Adjumani districts until end 2001, as well as the needs of IDPs in Bundibugyo District until 2002. ACF USA currently focuses on the crisis in northern Uganda, where it has been active since 1996. Overall Goal: To address the emergency needs of the displaced population in Acholiland. Specific Objectives: • To prevent and treat severe acute malnutrition in Gulu District • To improve the sanitation and water coverage of the most vulnerable and under served IDPs in Gulu District ACF-USA is currently enhancing its response capacity to sudden onset crises caused by short- to medium-term displacements in other conflict affected areas of Uganda (Soroti, Lira, Katakwi districts). Nutrition and Food Security: • ACF-USA operates in Gulu District, operating 3 Therapeutic Feeding Centers (TFCs) and 6 Supplementary Feeding Centers. • Plans are being made to develop 3 more TFCs, on a home treatment basis and an additional 6 SFCs by end 2003. • ACF-USA carries out nutritional surveillance activities in Acholiland (nutritional surveys, nutrition screenings, rapid assessments, etc.). • ACF-USA has just carried out an evaluation of the food security situation among IDPs In Gulu District. Some reports are available on our website, at http://www.aahusa.org/thought/surveys.html InterAction Member Activity Report for 21 Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

Water and Sanitation: • ACF USA provides safe water to IDPs through the development and/or rehabilitatio n of adequate infrastructure (spring protection, shallow wells and boreholes, etc.). • The sanitation program targets institutions (schools and health centers) with VIP latrines to enhance coverage. In addition, tool kits (pangas, shovels, buckets) are given to IDPs for the construction of traditional latrines. Health Education and Community Mobilization: All programs above are completed by extensive health education activities, aiming at promoting: • Safe water usage • Waste disposal and handling • Sound breast feeding and weaning practices In addition, and whenever possible, ACF USA aims at developing Water Source and Sanitation Committees (WSSC) around water points so as to enhance community ownership of infrastructures and materials. ACF USA places a great emphasis on gender issues in the design and implementation of its program, nowhere more so than through the WSSC. Specific locations of projects or programs: All projects are in northern Uganda. Funding sources: Programs are funded by ECHO and OFDA, each sharing about 50% of an overall budget of about $ 850,000 in 2003. Scale of programs: Water and Sanitation Program: Nutrition Program:

over 110,000 beneficiaries over 1,000 beneficiaries in TFCs over 2,000 beneficiaries in SFCs

Cooperative efforts: ACF – USA works in the SFCs with the support of the World Food Program. Nutrition programs are coordinated through OCHA with other agencies such as GOAL and IMC. Special concerns: Security in Uganda is of a paramount concern. In 2003 alone, 10 aid workers have been killed while carrying out their duties. Relations with local authorities are generally good, although the general state of underdevelopment in northern Uganda is such that Local Government structures tend to have other priorities than the delivery of relief, and very little means to do so. Overall, the Government of Uganda’s insistence to settle the 17 years old conflict through military means only is increasingly seen as unlikely to lead to a full settlement of the InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

22

situation in the near future. The humanitarian crisis, affecting over 1,200,000 IDPs (the third largest IDP caseload in Africa) is thus likely to linger on.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

23

Adventist Development and Relief Agency International US Contact Burundi Tereza Byrne Bureau Chief for Marketing & Development ADRA International Bureau for Marketing & Development 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: (301) 680-6380 Fax: (301) 680-6370 Email: [email protected] Congo South (DRC) Tereza Byrne ADRA International 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA Tel: (301) 680 6380 Fax: (301) 680 6370 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Burundi Ghislain Kikudji Country Director ADRA Burundi Phone: (257) 21 2146 Fax: (257) 21 4622 Email: [email protected] Congo South (DRC) Andrew Njoke, Director ADRA Congo South 765 Avenue de la Révolution P.O. Box 2099 Lubumbashi Democratic Rep. of Congo Tel: (243) 81 515 8839 Fax: (243) 23 48 428 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.adra.org

Introduction to Adventist Development and Relief Agency International The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International is an independent humanitarian agency established in 1984 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the specific purposes of individual and community development and disaster relief with headquarters in the United States of America. Through a variety of projects, ADRA supports the dignity that is inherent in each person. Committed to improving the quality of human life, ADRA helps people in need, especially the most vulnerable such as women and children, without regard to their gender, ethnicity, or political or religious association. In response to the uncertainty, fear and despair that characterize the daily realities of many in the world, ADRA believes in spreading a ray of hope that can change and enrich the quality of many lives. Hence, ADRA commits its resources to five core portfolios to alleviate the cycle of poverty, poor health and lack of education. These include Primary Health, Food Security, Economic Development, Basic Education, and Disaster Preparedness and Response.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

24

ADRA in Burundi Since the death of the first democratically elected President, Melchior Ndadaye, on October 21, 1993, Burundi has been in a state of civil war that has resulted in the death of over 300,000 (approx 5% of the population) and the destruction of the physical and social infrastructure. 800,000 of the population fled to the bordering countries of Tanzania and the DR Congo. Inside the country 385,000 still rely on food aid and 24,000 are treated for malnutrition every month. Large numbers (388,000) are still living in Internal Displacement Camps as the situation is unsafe for them to return to their own lands. Of these, 71% (275,500) do not have access to the minimum daily requirement of safe drink ing water. The people of Burundi are attempting to recover from this environment where frequent and continued armed conflict has resulted in the destruction of properties and the death, injury, or displacement of tens of thousands of people. Added to this situation is the ever-present, ever-growing problem of HIV/AIDS. To secure the peace that is being restored, the Government of Burundi is continuing attempts to negotiate a ceasefire with opposition groups. Recent negotiations have achieved many things, but the major problem remains a definitive, enduring ceasefire. This needs to be achieved before elections in October 2005. It is the objective of ADRA to work within the community to restore hope and a future for all Burundians. Programme Sectors: Current Programmes are operated in the following sectors: • Agriculture & Food Production • Disaster & Emergency Relief • Education & Training (including Teacher Training) • Gender Issues/Women in Development • Health Care • Human Rights/Peace/Conflict Resolution Project Outlines and Locations: ADRA is operational in seven of the seventeen Provinces of Burundi. The nature and location of each intervention is as below: HIV/AIDS 2002-2007: Province: Bujumbura $ Value: 160,000$US per annum Population: 360,000+ Intervention: 7 Clinics. 1 full time Doctor and medical staff. Services: Diagnosis, medical & psychological supervision of patients, daily hospitalization, counseling, residential support, and Sensitisation & Awareness Campaigns. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

25

Peace & Reconciliation 2002-2003: Province: Karusi $ Value: 25,000$US Population: 9,000+ Intervention: Sensitization campaign, followed by formation and training of community groups (committees) to help individuals reconcile their differences and resolve disputes peaceably. Human Rights, and Gender Equality were major principles of the programme. These issues were not only addressed in theory, but individuals were engaged in the practical application and outworking of the theories in order to develop their skills. It was a highly successful intervention for refugees, IDP’s, and members of the existing community. Rehabilitation of Homes 2001-2003: Provinces: Karusi, 2,000; Muyinga 1,500; Rutana 800 $ Value: 330$US per home Population: 21,500+ Intervention: To assist the most vulnerable me mbers of the community (refugees, IDPs, and vulnerable members of the community) reconstruct their homes that were destroyed during the conflict. Services: Sensitization of the community to form committees to determine who the beneficiaries should be, and encourage cooperation during the construction of one another’s homes. This can form part of Peace and Reconciliation activities. Tangible supplies will be technical assistance and advice during construction, and the supply of doors, windows, roofing sheets, and nails. Rehabilitation of Schools 2000-2003: Provinces: Karusi & Muyinga $ Value: 91,000$US per school Population: 360+ pupils per school (direct) + other indirect beneficiaries. Intervention: Reconstruction of 7 Primary Schools and 6 homes for teachers, destroyed during the conflict. Services: Project included the formation and training of Parent Teachers Associations in the disciplines of Financial Management, School Building Maintenance, Conflict Resolution, etc. Agriculture & Food 2002-2003: Province: Karusi & Muyinga $ Value: 25$US per home Population: 3,500+ Intervention: The provision of 15 kg seeds, fertiliser, and agricultural implements (hoes, etc.) to beneficiaries who had homes built as part of the Rehabilitation programmes in Karusi and Muyinga. This programme was to help individuals become self sufficient by giving them the means to cultivate their own crops, once they had returned to their own lands. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

26

Education & Training 2002-2003: Provinces: Karusi & Rutana $ Value: Karusi 34,000; Rutana 140,000$US Population: 4,300+ Intervention: Karusi – formal Teacher Training for 32 practicing, partly qualified teachers. 30 of the group were awarded the full National Qualification. Rutana – Functional Adult Literacy programme to enable 4,300 women to be able to read and write in their native tongue, Kirundi, and become competent in basic mathematics. Services: The “functional” aspect of the programme was to develop knowledge, skills, and competence in areas of health and hygiene. Disaster & Emergency Relief: Provinces: Rutana, Ruyigi, Gitega, Makamba $ Value: 150,000$US Population: 350 – 400 tonnes per month Intervention: Receipt, safeguarding, management, and dispatching of emergency food provisions in conjunction with World Food Programme. Funding Sources ADRA Programs are funded by partners such as DANIDA, Solidarite Protestante in cooperation with the Belgian Government, by UNHCR, CIDA, UNDP, WFP, SIDA, and the Japanese Government. Cooperation & Coordination ADRA Burundi attends the Contact Group meetings, a joint effort coordinated by the United Nations to synchronize the work of development agencies in Burundi. In addition, ADRA is a member of an International NGO Association in Burundi called RESO, which meets every other week. The agency works in collaboration with the other NGO’s in the same area to avoid overlapping or duplication of services. In the field, we work in close collaboration with the Governors of Provinces, the Administrators of Communes, and with the population of the area of operations.

ADRA In Democratic Republic Of Congo The goal of ADRA in the D.R. of Congo is to assist the most vulnerable groups affected by years of political and social instability, war and prolonged internal displacements. Programs are managed from ADRA Congo South Office based in Lubumbashi, provincial headquarters of the Katanga Province. Education Program ADRA has developed and is presently leading in the educational sector in the Katanga Province through its school support program. Since the early 1990s, ADRA Congo South is running a large school sponsorship program for children whose parents cannot afford to secure basic education for their children. Through this program, ADRA invests about $400,000 every year in school support to about 4000 children per year. Over 20 schools in InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

27

the Katanga Province receive pupils and students enrolled in the school sponsorship program. Children are provided with school supplies, food, and health and school fees. In all, about 25,000 children have received assistance through this program. ADRA’s basic education program in the Katanga Province also provides vocational training in fields such as agriculture, sewing and home economics to children who cannot cope with formal education. ADRA has created school farms and technical workshops in schools to pursue this line of training to youngsters. Primary Health Care Program The ADRA School Support project is well integrated into the overall community support program run by the agency. In its Primary Health Care portfolio, ADRA has established health centers in schools receiving sponsored children. Health care is paid for by the project since parents and children cannot afford the cost. ADRA’s Primary Health Care program secures primary health care services to children, mothers and communities through a participatory agenda combining local community interests with the agency’s development goals. This program also assists in reinforcing local capacity of existing health structures, particularly owned by private partners. Hence in Songa, Kilobelobe, Kitenge, Kipushi, Mwilambwe, Bulaya, Kolwezi, Benze, Katwatwa, Milumbu, and Lubumbashi, ADRA has assisted in setting up functional primary health care facilities to cater for the needs of the population. Orphanage in Bulaya ADRA has also established an orphanage in a village called Bulaya, about 31km from Lubumbashi. This resettlement home plays host to about a hundred children who have lost their parents as a result of war, illness and HIV/AIDS. ADRA provides food, lodging and school support to these children.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

28

Africare US Contact Alan Alemian, Regional Director East and Anglophone West Region Africare House 440 R Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 Tel: 202-462-3614 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Burundi Anthony Ngosi Country Representative for Burundi and Rwanda Africare/Burundi Africare, B.P. 191 Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 11-257-40-3119 Email: [email protected] Rwanda Anthony Ngosi Country Representative for Burundi and Rwanda Africare/Rwanda Africare, B.P. 137 Kigali, Rwanda Tel: 011-250-577484 Email: [email protected] Uganda Abdalla B. Meftuh Country Representative for Uganda Africare/Uganda P.O. Box 7655 Kampala, Uganda Tel: 011-256-41-230266 Email: [email protected]

Introduction to Africare Africare works to improve the quality of life in Africa, assisting families, villages and nations in two principal areas—food and agricultural, and health and HIV/AIDS—as well as water resource development, environmental management, basic education, microenterprise development, governance and emergency humanitarian aid. In the United States, Africare builds understanding of African development through public education and outreach. Africare has its head office in Washington, D.C., with field offices in 26 African countries. A private, nonprofit organization, Africare was founded in 1970. Since that time, communities in 35 nations Africa-wide have benefited from direct Africare assistance. During the fiscal year 2002, Africare supported more than 150 programs in 26 African countries. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

29

Africare is a charitable institution under Section 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) of the Internal Revenue Code. Africare’s financial support comes from charitable foundations, multinational corporations and small businesses, the religious community, other private organizations, the U.S. government, foreign governments, international agencies and thousands of individuals. Africare is a member of Global Impact (formerly, International Service Agencies): part of the Combined Federal Campaign and many corporate as well as state and local government workplace drives.

Africare in Burundi Africare’s three main objectives in Burundi are to: • Strengthen capacities of local entities to effective ly promote the crosscutting themes of good governance/civil society participation, peaceful conflict resolution, gender and human rights. • Support community-based development through participatory development techniques, food security/natural resources ma nagement and rehabilitation/construction of basic social infrastructures. • Support to reinsertion of displaced populations (internally displaced persons and returning refugees). Strengthening Civil Society Organizations Project “SCSOP” (August 2000 - December 2003) [Sectors: Credit, Training, Rural Development] The goal of SCSOP is to enhance the capacity of grassroots communities to plan and manage their development in a peaceful manner, and to strengthen all levels of civil society. The project’s baseline survey and feedback sessions identified all community-based organizations (CBOs) in Karusi and Gitega provinces and their priority needs. Following this, Africare extended civil society support activities to rural-based community service organizations (CSOs), and organized training in participatory organizational management and micro-project design/ implementation. This capacity-building exercise was reinforced by action learning opportunities through self- help sub-grants. Overall, 116 sub- grants were provided to community-based organizations, 76 for food security activities such as fish breeding, poultry breeding, and seed multiplication. Thirty sub-grants were provided to intermediate support organizations for human rights, gender issues and peace-building training activities for CBOs. Four sub- grants were provided to local NGOs for adult literacy programs in the two target provinces. Thirty-two social infrastructures including schools, health centers, and water supply facilities identified by the community were constructed, rehabilitated or equipped. Civil society steering committees were democratically created at the province and country levels. Members of these steering committees were trained as trainers, who will take over Africare’s role in providing training to grassroots associations at the end of the project. SCSOP has trained leaders of 540 community-based organizations (CBOs) and 80 intermediate support organizations (ISOs); provided self- help sub-grants for 2,500 participants and rehabilitated/constructed and equipped 32 community infrastructures. Community Justice Project (2002-2003) [Sector: Education/Training, Human Rights/Peace Conflict Resolution] This project revived the traditional, informal conflict management/justice system of democratically chosen elders, the Bashingantahe council. In partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Africare identified all previously communityInterAction Member Activity Report for 30 Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

elected council members, reinstated their original positions, and trained them in human rights and in a number of modern legal domains, including family succession and land laws. The CJP translated the land code into Kirundi, the local language, to facilitate the settlement of land disputes (frequent due to displacement of populations) in a manner similar to modern courts. Under this project, Africare assisted in the creation of Bashingantahe committees/councils at village, sub-county and county levels. Support to this institution continues in partnership with CRID (a local NGO) with resources provided by the European Union through the UNDP. The Community Justice Project covered the provinces of Gitega and Karusi (18 communes) and works with 750 traditional elders / notables to develop plans of action to revive their institution in accordance with human rights and modern laws. Community Development Project (2002-2004) [Sector: Rural Development] Two subsequent, one- year grants from IFAD allowed Africare to carry out a community development program in Karusi Province, with emphasis on the agricultural sector. Under this activity, a thorough participatory analysis of community needs, resources, constraints and opportunities at all levels from each sub- village up to the province level was conducted. At each level, a Community Development Plan of Action was developed on a participatory basis, and a Community Development Committee (CDC) was democratically established to serve as the steering structure for the implementation and regular update of action plans, and as the populations’ interface with the various developme nt partners. The third phase (grant) is being prepared for Africare to continue the activity. The Community Development Project covers the Province of Karusi (7 communes). KAFSI Food Security Project (2003-2004) [Sector: Ag/Food Production] Based on the priorities established in the Community Development Plans of Action under the IFAD Project, Africare launched a community-based food security project in Karusi Province. This project is sub-village and village-centered. The goal of the KAFSI project is to improve the living conditions of the target populations by increasing food security (the ability of all people at all times to have sufficient food meeting their dietary preferences to live a healthy and productive life). KAFSI has four main objectives: 1) increase the volume, quality and variety of food production, and improve food-storing practices for household consumption; 2) protect the soil against erosion and establish/create local means to maintain and increase soil fertility; 3) upgrade/construc t access roads for year-round marketing of agricultural produce and trade in general; 4) improve nutrition of children under three, utilizing the available foodstuffs. Under KAFSI, Africare provides agricultural and livestock inputs, implements community’s capacity building activities in food security, and supports forestry/agro- forestry and other erosion control activities such as hedgerows. Africare also promotes composting, provides seed storage and veterinary drug facilities, trains the households in nutrition, and upgrades access roads for the marketing of agricultural products. The KAFSI Food Security Initiative project covers two counties within the province of Karusi. At the end of its pilot approach, it will cover all the households of the two counties. Initiative for the Return of Displaced Populations in Burundi (2003-2004) [Sector: Human Rights/Peace/Conflict Resolution, Migration Services, Education/Training]: This InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

31

project is being launched in the two Gitega and Karusi provinces. With the implementation of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, a mass repatriation of Burundian refugees is expected. The overall goal of this reinsertion project is to create an enabling context for the return and reinsertion of the displaced populations by promoting mutual trust, social cohesion and cooperation between the host and the returning populations. The two specific objectives are to develop the capacities within the target communities to promote peaceful conflict resolution, and to support material needs of the community, which are mutually identified and monitored by the host and returning populations. This project will be implemented in partnership with the Burundian local NGOs that were already supported under Africare’s current and past projects. The Initiative for the Return of Displaced Populations in Burundi project will also provide health care insurance cards and school supplies to 4860 vulnerable households, sub-grants to 15 ISOs, and professional training to 160 youths. Strengthening the NGO Sector Project (2003-2008) [Sector: Democracy/Governance, Education/Training]: This project is to be launched by the end of this year and will cover the provinces of Gitega and Karusi. The goal of this 5-year project is to enhance the NGO sector’s role and capacity in Burundi to deliver development services and improve the strategic, managerial, financial, and advocacy skills of individual NGOs, networks, and ISOs (Intermediate Support Organizations). It will develop the institutional, financial and operational capacities of 45 ISOs providing services to the communities in HIV/AIDS (20 ISOs) and promotion of community development (25 CSOs). The project aims to build a sustainable NGO sector in Burundi and help establish a critical mass of competent, sustainable NGOs in key sectors such as community development and HIV/AIDS. These NGOs will be a standard of competence and success that others will then emulate. They will also be basis for establishing networks that provide supporting services and help new NGOs establish competence and sustainability.

Africare in Rwanda Africare’s activities in Rwanda began in 1984 with an integrated rural development program. Since that time, Africare has provided a range of relief and development assistance to Rwanda. In 1994, Africare provided emergency health care and food assistance to war victims. Widespread killing, rape, the flight of survivors into displaced people’s camps, and the extensive damage to the health infrastructure left more than 300,000 Rwandan children in child- headed households, and a national high HIV prevalence rate of 13.5%. Also in the post-war period, the organization assisted with refugee resettlement, and in 2001, Africare completed a USAID-funded local government support project that provided capacity building in democracy and good governance to local government institutions in 30 administrative districts. With funds raised from the private sector, in October 2001 Africare began partnerships with local government and community members in two separate locales (Gikongoro Province and the greater Kigali area) to undertake two community-based HIV/AIDS projects -- the Gikongoro AIDS Project (GAP) and in the Kanombe Vocational School Integrated Development Activity (KVSIDA). InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

32

Gikongoro Province was chosen for Africare response because of its unattended levels of poverty and HIV/AIDS prevalence, and because of Africare’s success there under prior relief and development initiatives. GAP has provided a continuum of AIDS-related services to Gikongoro Province residents, the overall goal of which is to reduce rates of HIV transmission among young people between the ages of 16 and 24 and provide care to those already infected by HIV. Africare and its local government and community partners organized GAP activities around five main areas of intervention: behavior change communication, voluntary counseling and testing, HIV/AIDS sensitization, community service by locally recruited and trained Africare HIV/AIDS Volunteers, and the work of staff at the Gikongoro Youth Center. The following became the related objectives: improve knowledge, perceptions and behaviors related to reproductive health (emphasizing HIV/STIs) and people living with AIDS, increase the availability of decentralized, quality primary health care (PHC) and services addressing HIV/AIDS/STIs, and reduce the spread of STIs including HIV. KVSIDA is an AIDS prevention and income- generation project for child- headed households in Kigali-Ngali Province. Africare is using its resources and experience to help improve collaboration between NGOs toward the development of best practices for AIDS activities in Rwanda. In January 2002, Africare hosted a workshop that brought together local associations and international partners involved in home-based health care activities to share experiences and materials. Africare has also entered into a unique arrangement with the World Food Program, which provides over 300 tons of food- for work and foodfor-training stocks to support peer education, home-based care and to enable families affected by HIV to hire day laborers to minimize reduction in agricultural production.

Africare in Uganda Sustainable Natural Resources Management (SUNAREM) (2002-2004) [Sector: Rural Development] The purpose of the SUNAREM project is to strengthen the capacity of local communities to plan and implement productive natural resources management initiatives in selected watersheds. The project focuses on improving the management of natural resources for expanded economic opportunities and is located in southwest Uganda which includes five regions: Kabale, Ntungamo, Kisoro, Rukungiri, and Kanungu. The total number of beneficiaries is 117,600 people from 225 villages. Community IMCI Phase II (2003-2008) [Sector: Health Care] The purpose of the Community IMCI project is to reduce morbidity of children under five and improve the health status of women of reproductive age in the Ntungamo District of Uganda. The project incorporates new, evolving priorities of immunization and HIV/AIDS and addresses accessibility and facility linkages. Over the next five years, 39,180 children under five years old and 42,911women of reproductive age will benefit from this project. UFSI II (2002-2006) [Sector: Agriculture and Food Security] UFSI is located in five southwest regions of Uganda: Kabale, Ntungamo, Kisoro, Rukungiri, and Kanungu. Throughout the next four years, this project will increase food security through interventions in agricultural production, natural resources management, household nutrition, and farm-to- market road improvements. The project will also enhance nutrition InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

33

activities and expand the total package of food security interventions to additional food insecure areas. The beneficiaries of this project are 148,764 people from 21,252 households. Water for Child Health (October 1999- September 2003) [Sector: Health Care] The objective of this project located in Ntungamo, Uganda is to prevent diseases among children caused by unsanitary water usage. The project focuses on protecting springs and wells, training community members in proper handling of water, and in the early home recognition and treatment of dehydration associated with diarrhea among children. The project also teaches community members proper storage and use of water for human consumption. In order to improve community health, project workers established demonstration gardens on how to grow and use vegetables and fruits therefore improving local diets. Approximately 100,000 people will benefit from this project. HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention (October 1999- September 2003) [Sectors: Health Care and Education] The main objective of this project in Ntungamo is to educate health workers and the general population about the causes of HIV/AIDS, the methods of prevention and the appropriate care of those infected with HIV/AIDS. Project workers provide material, technical support and training to community groups, traditional healers, birth attendants and formal health sector care providers. Overall, the project establishes links between the community and the government health services in order to improve awareness about causes of HIV/AIDS and methods of prevention as well as its treatment. The total number of beneficiaries is approximately 100,000 people. Title II - HIV/AIDS Life Initiative Project (2001-2006) [Sector: Health Care] This project in Ntungamo assists HIV/AIDS affected households with food aid and non-food aid services such as counseling. Services such as counseling are primarily for the orpha ns whose parents or family members died from AIDS. The beneficiaries are people living with HIV/AIDS, orphans and dependents totaling 1,500 people. Africare World Space HIV/AIDS Initiative (July 2001- September 2003) [Sector: Health Care] These are the project objectives: to increase access to information of HIV/AIDS prevention and care, to increase adoption of safe sex practices by individuals, households and communities, and to increase utilization of voluntary counseling and testing services. The total number of beneficiaries in Ntungamo is 100,00 people, which includes people living with HIV/AIDS, men, women, youth and orphans. Africare HIV/AIDS Volunteer Service Corps Project (July 2002- June 2004) [Sectors: Health Care, Education] This project has two main goals: to increase the demand for, access to and use of male and female condoms and to reduce the rate of HIV/AIDS transmission. This project focuses on community mobilization, information dissemination and education for behavior change. Project workers promote safer sexual behaviors and use of testing services available in the districts. The project benefits 20,354 people directly and 51,443 people indirectly.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

34

Africare Well Project in Ntungamo (August 2003-October 2003) [Sectors: Health Care, Rural Development] The objective of this project is to prevent diseases among community members caused by unsanitary water usage. The project focuses on protecting springs and wells, training community members in proper handling of water, and in the early home recognition and treatment of dehydration associated with diarrhea among children. The project also teaches community members proper storage and use of water for human consumption. In order to improve community health, project workers established demonstration gardens on how to grow and use vegetables and fruits therefore improving local diets. The total number of beneficiaries is 5,660 people. Uganda Malaria Partnership Program - Kanungu District (2003-2006) [Health Care] The main goal of this project is to reduce malaria related mortality and morbidity through improved home based management of malaria fevers in children and pregnant women. Program workers assist networks within the district that can be used to implement the home based management strategy. Workers also promote timely treatment of fevers among children at health facilities and drug shops until the district establishes community Homapak distributors. The beneficiaries of this project are 54,464 children under five years old and 60,000 women of reproductive age. Uganda IMCI/RBM NGO Secretariat (2003-2004) [Sector: Health Care] The two objectives of the project are to improve documentation and dissemination of best practices for scaling up IMCI/RBM initiatives and to improve coordination between MOH, districts and NGOs through improved communication among stakeholders. The project works to support RBM and IMCI to mobilize additional resources to support Secretariat activities.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

35

Air Serv International US Contact Dolores Weis VP Administration Air Serv International 6583 Merchant Place Warrenton, VA 20186 Tel: 540-428-2323 Fax: 540-428-2326 Email: [email protected] Web: www.airserv.org

Field Contact DRC – Goma Clarisse Goussaud Country Director - Goma Air Serv International 139/4 Avenue Pelicans Quatier des Volcanes Goma, DRC Tel: 250-083-05-030 Email: [email protected] DRC – Kinshasa Serge Lelotte Country Director – Kinshasa Air Serv International c/o UNHCR Regional Office/Central Africa P.O. Box 7248 6729 Avenue de L’Oua Commune de Ngaliema Kinshasa 1, DRC Tel: 243-81-512-9954 Email: [email protected] Uganda Robert Dira, Country Director Air Serv Limited Hangar One, Old Airport Entebbe, Uganda Tel: 41-321-251/2 Email: [email protected]

Introduction to Air Serv International The Air Serv team uses aircraft and other appropriate technology for relief and development, restoring hope to the suffering.

Air Serv International in the Great Lakes Regional Objectives (Congo) • Continuing excellent aircraft management • Focus on truly inaccessible areas: Targeting areas of emergency humanitarian need, opening new temporary bases to meet that need, maintaining close relations with humanitarian actors, supporting humanitarian access negotiations, building up security networks InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

36

•

Rehabilitating airstrips and airstrip infrastructure: Targeting strategic strips, mobilizing communities to maintain existing strips

Program Sectors • Disaster & Emergency Relief • Aviation Transportation of Personnel & Cargo • VSAT Communications Program Descriptions and Locations (DRC and Uganda) Kinshasa, DRC: Air Serv International provides aircraft transportation and logistical support for UNHCR and related NGO programs in the Western Congo. Goma, DRC: Air Serv provides assistance to NGOs in Eastern Congo via a weekly passenger and freight service to open up areas of South Kivu that up until mid-2003 were totally inaccessible to humanitarians. In conjunction with OCHA Bukavu humanitarian access to Mwenga, Kitutu, Kamituga, Kilembwe, Lulingu, Kama and Baraka is provided. The Ituri program provides humanitarian access to zones in Ituri – a very unstable area with ethnic violence and also active bandit groups. Air Serv also offers a shuttle to South Katanga. Air Serv’s operations in the DR Congo support specific urgent health care actions such as mass immunization programs. Air Serv also supports refugee/migration/returnee actions and agricultural and education services. Entebbe, Uganda: Air Serv International maintains a hangar and overall base of operations for service to other Air Serv programs in the region and other areas of Africa. Funding Sources: Funding from USAID & UNHCR Scale of Program Air Serv International provides air transport and cargo services to all NGOs in the Eastern Congo and to most NGOs in the Western Congo. Special Concerns Safety in the region is the largest concern. Operational security remains a primary concern for aircraft operations. Air Serv works to ensure that all its aircraft are recognized as humanitarian aid aircraft not transporting people or cargo that are not directly related to the relief effort.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

37

American Friends Service Committee US Contact Dianne Forte Regional Director International Programs 1501 Cherry Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 Tel: (215)-241-7138 Fax: (215)-241-7026 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact AFSC Africa Regional Office 48 Cork Road Box A1338 Avondale, Harare Zimbabwe

Introduction to American Friends Service Committee The American Friends Service Committee carries out service, development, social justice, and peace programs throughout the world. AFSC in Africa works in collaboration with Africans on economic, social and political justice initiatives, including community development, adult education, leadership training, and local institutional capacity building. AFSC also stands ready to respond with short-term emergency relief in situations resulting from natural disasters and violent conflict, with particular attention to assist more vulnerable communities with methodologies that enable them to move from dependency upon aid on to empowered recovery and development. Peace, Reconciliation and Human Rights Program The goal of this program is to bring the perspectives and concerns of local people to national, regional and international forums to resolve differences based on various forms of intolerance so that far-reaching and lasting peace and social justice be achieved.

American Friends Service Committee in the Great Lakes Activities • Facilitate discussions among religious leaders in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Rwanda to form inter-faith leadership groups that will engage in national reconciliation and peace building and promote religious tolerance and harmony. • Support programs for community education and advocacy on peace building and peace with reconciliation in the region. • Work with local and international organizations to promote alternative to violent programs. • Engage with local and international organizations to promote the use of healing/restorative justice in the judicial systems. • Empower electorate to advocate for equal media time, free movement of people, audit of voter roles and easy access to polling stations. • Create mechanism for civic/peace education—especially among youths.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

38

Economic Justice Program AFSC partners with local organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda to raise awareness to involve more people in economic decisions of the countries in the Great Lakes at the policy level. Activities: • Assist national and regional media organizations to develop media programs for visibility of ideas of peace, justice and accountability. • Enhance Parliamentarians’ capacity for people-based economic planning and decision- making. • Strengthen Jubilee/Africa to cancel debt for poorest countries. • Facilitate people’s participation in alternative national budget processes. Youths and Women Leadership Formation AFSC collaborates with youth and women groups to challenge the cultural and political authorities and push for increased participation in the decision making process. Activities: • Organize workshops at national and regional levels to build the capacity of leaders of professional women’s organizations within the four countries of concentration. • Sponsor exchanges between different local women’s organizations to strengthen their networks in the areas of peace and human rights and political life. • Facilitate the establishment of programs that will build the capacity of youth political and economic leadership. • Mobilize youths for popular economic workshops. • Develop strategies with policy- makers and civil society to expand public space for women.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

39

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee US Contact Marcia Presky Director JDC-International Development Program 711 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017 Phone: 212-885-0832 Fax: 212-370-5467 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Please contact the home office.

Introduction to American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) works on behalf of the American Jewish community in over 50 countries outside of North America. Its mission is the rescue, relief and reconstruction of Jewish communities worldwide. Through its International Development Program (IDP), JDC conducts development and disaster relief activities on a non-sectarian basis. Non-sectarian projects have been completed in more than 40 countries.

JDC in Rwanda JDC’s initial efforts aided Rwandan refugees who had fled their country in response to the violence that erupted in 1994. JDC’s emergency relief addressed some of the urgent medical and sanitation needs of refugees residing in overcrowded camps. Upon the refugees’ return home, JDC, in partnership with several other InterAction members such as the International Rescue Committee, conducted agricultural and water supply rehabilitation projects, trauma relief training utilizing Israeli expertise, and income generation activities. Assistance was also provided to IRC for its unaccompanied minors and family reunification projects. The final JDC non-sectarian activity in Rwanda is the “Back to School” Project, which is being carried out in partnership with the local NGO, the Benishyaka Association. Initiated in 1997, this educational project provided 1,500 orphans aged 12-18 from the Kibungo Prefecture with school supplies and uniforms to enable them to return to secondary school. Approximately 200 of the most impoverished students were also selected for sponsorship for what was initially the four-year secondary school program. Mid-project, however, the course of study was changed to six years, extending JDC’s involvement. Despite the many challenges faced by these students, in July 2003, 37 young women and 46 young men became the first graduating class of the JDC-sponsored project. Today, 88 students remain in the program, which includes schools from nearly every prefecture in the country, and it is anticipated that the remaining students will complete the course by July of 2006.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

40

Baptist World Aid US Contact Paul Montacute Director 405 North Washington Street Falls Church, VA 22046 Tel: 703 790 8980 Fax: 703 790 5719 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bwanet.org

Field Contact N/A

Introduction to Baptist World Aid Baptist World Aid (BWAid) is the compassionate arm of the Baptist World Alliance, supporting those in need irrespective of tribe, caste, color or religion through relief, development and fellowship assistance.

BWAid in the Great Lakes BWAid works with and through seven Baptist Conventions and Unions in Uganda, Rwanda and the northeast of the DR Congo. Program Sectors Agriculture and Food production, Disaster and Emergency Relief, Health Care, Human Rights/Peace/Conflict Resolution, Education/Training, Rural development, HIV/Aids, Water and Sanitation. Brief Description of Projects Each project is administered by the local indigenous leadership of the particular Baptist group. Project Locations Northern Uganda, most areas of Rwanda, and the Kivu region of DR Congo, centered on Goma. Funding Sources Primarily from churches and individual donors. Cooperative Efforts Each Baptist group tends to have other NGO partners as well as BWAid. Special Concerns Safety and security.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

41

CARE US Contact Michelle Carter Deputy Regional Director, East and Central Africa CARE 151 Ellis St. Atlanta, GA, 30303 Tel: 404-979-9177 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Burundi Kassie McIlvaine Tel: 257 21 4660 Email: [email protected] DRC Brian Larson Tel: 243 9820 9183 E- mail: [email protected] Rwanda Anne Morris Tel: 250 583 147 Email: [email protected] Uganda Phil Vernon Tel: 256 41 258 568 Email: [email protected]

Introduction to CARE CARE's mission is to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. We aim to help people overcome poverty by creating lasting solutions to their most threatening problems. CARE seeks to facilitate lasting change by: strengthening capacity for self- help; providing economic opportunity, delivering relief in emergencies, influencing policy decisions at all levels, and addressing discrimination in all its forms.

Care in the Great Lakes In the Great Lakes, CARE works in partnership with other stakeholders to understand and address the underlying causes of poverty, and to contribute to the establishment of peace and reconciliation, in order to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable and marginalized groups. In Burundi, CARE is the major World Food Programme partner, distributing food to displaced people, recently returned refugees, and those coping with drought and other crises. Other projects include: providing small livestock to vulnerable households in the north, peace education (radio programs, dramas) in Ngozi, helping formerly displaced people rebuild their homes in Ngozi, establishing an early warning system for natural disasters, helping small-scale farmers increase crop production, malaria prevention and improving maternal and child nutrition.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

42

In DRC, CARE is involved in a nationwide civil society peace-building program (for example, in Ituri, activities include radio programs and fixing roads). In Manyema, CARE helps rehabilitate health clinics. CARE is part of a coalition preparing to undertake childsoldier demobilization activities, and another coalition preparing to restore the railway system. In Rwanda, projects include working with orphans and vulnerable children, to improve their nutritional, health and economic security; working with district hospitals to reduce maternal mortality; microcredit and savings activity for 7,500 rural households; basic and life skills (i.e. literacy, income-generation, HIV prevention) for children not attending school; and training community mentors to support 3,000 child-headed households. In Uganda, CARE is working with lake communities to strengthen fishery resources, which are their primary means of income; improving access to reproductive health services; supporting local efforts to advocate, care for and support children impacted by AIDS (including orphans) and prevent further spread of HIV; and providing emergency support, including health services and water, to people displaced by fighting.

CARE in Burundi Ngozi Watershed Rehabilitation: The project promotes the participatory management of natural resources including wetland farming, and promotes community-based management structures. Community Based Bujumbura Peace Project: The project promotes conflict management/resolution, youth economic activities and civil society strengthening. Early Warning Systems: CARE and FAO are spearheading efforts to monitor interventions and to build permanent capacity for emergency needs assessments. In collaboration with FAO the Early Warning provides a system of data collection, analysis and dissemination to respond to food information needs for humanitarian response. Health and Nutritional Improvement in Burundi: The goal of the proposed project is to reduce maternal, infant and child mortality and morbidity in Burundi. The purpose is to increase use of key MCH and nutrition interventions and products among low- income populations. The project will address: malaria prevention and control, maternal and child, diarrheal disease through improved hygiene, increased practice of ORT, water treatment (HWT), and increased immunization coverage through communications and social mobilization. Muyinga Livelihood Project: CARE Burundi proposes an integrated approach for enhancing agricultural production and economic security. The following framework provides the major and potential components of integrated (multi-sectoral) interventions for improving the livelihood of people in Muyinga province: InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

43

Rehabilitation and Civil Society Strengthening for Peace Building: Goal/Overall Objective is to facilitate the restoration of the physical, economic and social environment of war affected communities in Burundi. The project works with local organisations to target the most vulnerable that will benefit from the proposed civil society strengthening and peace building activities. Food distribution: CARE and WFP are working together to target the most vulnerable populations and monitor as closely as possible the end use. By initiating the community-based approach, the project is aiming to make the beneficiaries more involved in all aspects of CARE Burundi's food distribution project. CARE is working closely with committees chosen by the community and always consisting of a female, to identify and ensure those most vulnerable receive the distributed food. Livestock: CARE has entered into phase II of this project to help vulnerable households in northern Burundi diversify their food supply and increase their income by raising goats, a traditional activity interrupted by the insurgency war. Each participating household, many of which are headed by women, both in displaced sites and in the surrounding hills receives a female goat. CARE trains a community-elected committee in each village to manage the resultant stock. CARE provides continuous workshops to each community committee to ensure project objectives are being met. Community Development and Rehabilitation (Tangara): CARE Burundi provides assistance to help Burundian IDPs return home and rebuild their lives. The project will assist IDPs to reconstruct their houses and improve sanitation facilities. Over 750 families receive assistance in constructing residences and latrines. The project will also rehabilitate schools, markets and water sources to strengthen the community infrastructure. The project also works with the local artisans to improve their skills and artisanship and establish micro-credit to assist them in starting their work. Peace Education (Ngozi): CARE works with local partners to help the people of Burundi reconcile the past and build together towards a promising future. The project staff work with different forms of media to create dialogue among citizens concerning peace-building activities. Locally written and produced dramas presented in villages by community players spur the audience to discuss the current situation and realize that the keys to peace are found in communities and households as well as with civil society and political leaders.

CARE in the DRC Peace and Reconciliation Project: Support to Civil Society activities in relation to Peace & Reconciliation, through small grants program.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

44

Health Project—S. Maniema Province: Support to health services in 2 health zones: EPI, Essential Drugs, MCH, rehab health infrastructures, and training. Kasongo Water and Sanitation (KWASA): Aim is to rehabilitate wells in 30 villages and in health centres and schools. Training, hygiene sensitization/education and community participation are important components of the project. KWASA project will complement other current and planned projects implemented by CARE in the same geographical areas (health, infrastructures, food security, peace & reconciliation). Infrastructure S. Maniema Province: Rehabilitation of roads & bridges in South Maniema Province to help re-open trade and economic links with other areas. Child Soldier Reintegration: Work with local NGOs to trace child soldiers in Maniema Province, and return them to their home communities. Works with local communities to reintegrate and rehabilitate children who have been in armed groups.

CARE in Rwanda Women Agricultural Rural Development (WARD): To improve productive capacity among 80 women's groups (from phase II), totaling 1500 households in six communes of Gikongoro Prefecture, through improving agricultural productivity and improved farmer- led food security management mechanisms, organizational structure and analytical skills for self- management. Community Based Livelihood Enhancement (CLE): To enhance management capacities of community development stakeholders in Ruhengeri prefecture, through enhanced linkages among community development stakeholders, increased conceptual and technical expertise amongst stakeholders groups, and improved organizational and financial capacities of local communities. Mobile Community Health Services for Umutara Prefecture: To improve the health status of reproductive age women and children under the age of 5 through increased access of maternal and child health care, increased capacity for community health providers to provide improved basic health , and increased capacity and improved knowledge of government health personnel for provision of quality reproductive services. LIFE: To advance the rights and, particularly, the food, nutritional, health, and economic security of orphans and vulnerable children through enhancing their resolve and capacities and those of the broader communities in which they live to address the situation.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

45

Foundations to Enhance Management of Maternal Emergencies (FEMME): Reduce at least to 10% maternal mortality in 3 district hospitals by April 2004, through access to quality EOC Services and improved facilities that can provide EOC services. Community Learning and Action for Savings Stimulation Enhancement (CLASSE): To improve substantially the access of 7,500 agribusiness-oriented rural households through promotion of locally mana ged micro-savings services, enhanced local financial resource mobilization and support rural savings, improve and maintain high operational performance of community savings-based organization, and establishing a supportive environment for community savings organizations. Trees for the Future (CAPII): To enhance capacity of primary schools and women's associations to raise environmental awareness and to develop and implement sustainable income-generating activities for improved household livelihood security. Strengthening New Communities (SNC): To improve the economic and social viability of new communities through improving government/local association relations, organizing group income generating activities, and improving community participation in enforcing bylaws concerning the use of community environmental resources and empowering women. Civil Society Support Project: Support umbrella civil society organizations and their members through institutional strengthening, development of civic education initiative, and development of mechanisms for policy dialogue. Rapid Effective Action to Combat HIV/AIDS (REACH): To provide care and support to chronically vulnerable households, especially by strengthening local PLWHAs and child-headed household associations and linking them to public and private health and legal aid service providers. Programme d’Appui a la Decentralisation et au Development (PADDEP): Decentralization project in Ruhengeri province, designed to enable and support provincial economic development through support to governance at the provincial and district levels. Key activities include capacity strengthening of government and civil society and facilitation of the development and implementation of the province’s poverty reduction strategy and plan. SCORE-AIDS: To support community- led analysis of HIV/AIDS-related vulnerability and planning and implementation of grassroots action in response. Community response plans will protect and promote the livelihoods of AIDS-affected households, identifying innovative ways to reduce poverty, ignorance of HIV/AIDS, and stigma associated with AIDS.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

46

Community Harnessed Initiatives for Children’s Learning and Development (CHILD) Project: To advance basic and life skills education for out-of-school children and youth who cannot be reintegrated into the formal school system. This pilot will be community led, with a strong focus on linking literacy (reading, writing, mathematics), vocational (skills development, income-generation activities, cooperative principles) and life skills (gender, rights and peace education, conflict mitigation, leadership, HIV prevention). Nukunabana Initiative for Psychosocial Support: To equip 600 community mentors (Nkundabanas) to assume a parenting role for 3000 child headed households (CHH), especially to provide psychosocial support to orphans and vulnerable children. Such assistance is vital in light of the fact that many of these children lived through and remain deeply scarred by the genocide of 1994 and the loss of one or both parents due to AIDS.

CARE in Uganda Development Through Conservation (DTC): The project supports the conservation of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the sustainable development of the surrounding communities. Activities are divided broadly into three components: Park management and community conservation, Institutional Development, and Agricultural Development. Community Reproductive Health Project (CREHP): The project consolidates district level family planning services and integrates selected interventions in maternal health and sexually transmitted infections. CREHP has been instrumental in promoting and supporting the model of community reproductive health workers with strong linkages to local health units. Joint Encouragement of New Gainful Activities (JENGA): The project aims to enable people to start up and operate income generating activities (IGAs) and microenterprises (MEs) profitably and so contribute to the livelihood security of the participating households, through reinforcing linkages between businesses, local training institutions (in particular the local partner CREAM) and low income households. Educational Development for Greater Empowerment (EDGE): EDGE is targeting non- literate adults and young people, providing them an opportunity to access out-of-school basic education. The REFLECT learning process emphasizes discussion, critical analysis and reflection on participants’ own living conditions. Reintegration, Employment and Income in the North (REIN): The project objective is to establish a sustainable foundation for the social and economic rehabilitation of Gulu and Kitgum Districts, through cash employment, access to markets, training, and social services.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

47

Integrated Lake Management (ILM): The project aims to sustain and improve the livelihoods of these communities by sustaining their primary means of income and food security—their fisheries resources. This will be done though empowering communities to manage their resources, and developing and advocating for policy frameworks that promote community based management supporting joint government-CS management institutions. Conservation of Biodiversity for Sustainable Development (COBS): The project (under the lead agency ARD) works at both national and district levels with an overall goal of biodiversity conservation, sustainable rural development, and mainstreaming environmental concerns into development at all levels, through: Rationalizing protected area planning, Environmental Action Planning, and Raising awareness in environmental impact assessment. Queen Elizabeth National Park Community Conservation (QEPA-CCP): The project aims to harmonize the relationship between the Park authorities and the surrounding communities, building upon a common interest in the natural resources of the protected area itself. This will be achieved through the realization of three immediate objectives: A collaborative management framework for sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships. Food Security Through Farmers Innovations Project (FIP): The project aims to improve the food security of 4,000 resource poor households in Kabale district through enhancing their capacity to respond to production challenges and opportunities in their environment. The project emphasizes community based planning and stakeholder analysis, including an action-research and policy advocacy component (implemented by a coalition of CSOs and research institutions) related to the privatization of agriculture extension services. Nakasongola Community Reproductive Health Project (FP+): The project, jointly implemented with SCF-USA, seeks to eliminate barriers to access quality reproductive health services by: Providing access to preventive sexual and reproductive health information, facilitating communities to improve the quality of and access to existing district RH/FP services, reduction of social barriers to better sexual and reproductive health through community action. Hope for the African Child (HACI): The HACI is a joint initiative of five international organizations to address prevention-care mitigation continuum with mutually reinforcing program strategies, strengthen the capacity of local communities to advocate, care for and support children impacted by HIV/AIDS and prevent further spread of HIV. Initiative for Participation and Active Collaboration (INPACT): This project works with civil society organisations and local government in Arua District in NW Uganda to improve their capacity to work jointly in the promotion and fulfilment of basic human rights. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

48

Programme Design Initiative (PDI): PDI was a 6- month collaborative design initiative to work with other actors in SW Uganda in the development of a 5-year strategy for funding by the DANIDA. The program designed (REPA, see UGA 074 – 077) aims to promote equitable sharing of costs and benefits of conservation and management of common property natural resources. Gulu Emergency Response (GER): GER started as an emergency operation focusing on provision of shelter supplies, support of health services and rehabilitation of water supply to IDPs in Northern Uganda, especially Gulu. Currently it also includes the establishment of an Emergency and Rehabilitation sector unit based in Gulu and the support to a coalition of CSOs for peace in Northern Uganda (CSOPNU). Community Resilience and Dialogue (CRD): CRD is implemented by a consortium of six international NGOs to promote, facilitate, and enhance community-based activities to address and overcome effects and underlying causes of conflict and chronic vulnerability. The CARE team trains CRD consortium staff and their partners in the area of microfinance and small business development approaches, targeting 200,000 families in war affected areas in western and northern Uganda, using well established and tested savings & loans mechanisms and small business training modules. Sexual Health for Adolescents in Kabale (SHADO): The Sexual Health for Adolescents in Kabale Project (SHADO) aims at enabling adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years living in the predominantly rural district of Kabale in South-Western Uganda, to make informed sexual and reproductive health choices, in an empowering and supportive environment. Income Smoothing Through Agricultural Marketing Intervention (ISAMI): ISAMI has been designed in collaboration with the Farmer Union of Kabale district which supports and is comprised mainly of subsistence farmers in southwestern Uganda. ISAMI uses innovative approaches like Inventory Credit and ROSCAs to achieve its target of an "increased and steady income flow for at least 5,000 subsistence farmers, with total family members of 30,000". Rights, Equity and Protected Areas (REPA) - Environmental Advocacy component: This is the first of a number of components of a new rights-oriented natural resource management program implemented in SW Uganda (REPA). REPA works with the landless and resource poor to promote the equitable sharing of costs and benefits attached to the management within common property areas such as lakes, forests, wetlands or wildlifeprotected areas. The advocacy component is implemented by a number of local and international CSOs focusing on environmental rights advocacy, supported by a CARE advocacy expert.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

49

REPA -Programme Design and Coordination Facility (PDCF): This integrated unit coordinates and harmonises the efforts of the various components and partners within the broader REPA programme, supports the development of individual programme components as well as negotiating partnerships and roles, and ensures the implementation of a joint monitoring and cross- learning plan. REPA - Applied Research component: Managed jointly by CDRN (specialised in civil society research) and ITFC (tropical forest research), applied research carried out under this component will assess assumptions linking the strengthening of civil society with the alleviation of poverty, improvements in governance and the integration of conservation with development. Research results will inform the development and refinement of REPA components. REPA - Conservation Costs and Benefits component: This component will review, disseminate and promote successes, lessons learned and experiences of CARE and other players in the region to refine and more systematically apply a rights based approach to the management of protected areas in Uganda. REPA further supports NGO partners in interventions that ensure an equal share of benefits for poor, protected area-adjacent communities.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

50

Catholic Relief Services US Contact Ed Kiely Catholic Relief Services 209 West Fayette Street Baltimore MD 21201 Tel: 410- 625-2220 x 3554 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Kevin Hartigan Country Representative No. 75 bis, Av. De la Justice C/o ECC/SANRU Kinshasa, Gombe, Democratic Rep. of Congo Tel: 243-880-5413 Email: [email protected]

Introduction to Catholic Relief Services CRS was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and disadvantaged outside the country. It is administered by a Board of Bishops selected by the National Council of Catholic Bishops and is staffed by men and women committed to the Catholic Church's apostolate of helping those in need. It maintains strict standards of efficiency and accountability. The fundamental motivating force in all activities of CRS is the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it pertains to the alleviation of human suffering, the development of people and the fostering of charity and justice in the world. The policies and programs of the agency reflect and express the teaching of the Catholic Church. At the same time, CRS assists persons on the basis of need, not creed, race or nationality. CRS gives active witness to the mandate of Jesus Christ to respond to human needs in the following ways: by responding to victims of natural and man- made disasters; by providing assistance to the poor to alleviate their immediate needs; by supporting self- help programs which involve people and communities in their own development; by helping those it serves to restore and preserve their dignity and to realize their potential; by collaborating with religious and nonsectarian persons and groups of goodwill in programs and projects which contribute to a more equitable society; and by helping to educate the people of the United States to fulfill their moral responsibilities in alleviating human suffering, removing its causes and promoting social justice.

Catholic Relief Services in the DR Congo CRS/DR Congo divides its energies between development projects, emergency relief, and peace and justice work. Most of our development work is concentrated in the Kasai region in the center of the country, and in the Bas Congo region directly southwest from Kinshasa. The geographic focus of our emergency relief and justice/peace work is the eastern region of the country. We also manage HIV/AIDS and street children activities in Kinshasa. The great majority of our partners are diocesan and national Church agencies but we also work with several non-Church and Protestant partners. Program activities include: InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

51

Justice & Peace CRS/Congo recently finished a four- year project to strengthen both national and diocesan Justice and Peace Commissions. A new project is now beginning which will focus on further strengthening commissions in the most conflict-affected dioceses in eastern DRC. This work is supported by a number of our European Catholic partners (Cordaid, Trocaire, Secours Catholique). The project includes training and assistance in areas of conflict resolution, reconciliation, civic education, legal aid, women’s rights and human rights. In addition CRS supports the peacebuilding activities of the Association of Bishops Conferences of Great Lakes (ACEAC), taking in Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC, as well as advocacy contacts and exchanges between the USCCB and the DRC Episcopal Conference. Community Health CRS/Congo works with local partners, primarily diocesan- level medical offices, to help improve access to quality primarily health care, with a focus on mothers and children less than two years of age. This work is especially important in a country where churches provide most health care services, as the government has virtually abdicated its responsibility in the health sector. Our health work is supported by USAID and UNICEF. Agriculture CRS currently supports community-based agricultural projects in several areas of the country, including a World Bank- funded program to rebuild farm-to- market infrastructure (roads and bridges). Emergency Response Over the past five years, CRS/Congo has assisted victims of war (in the DRC and neighboring countries), floods, volcanic eruptions, mudslides and epidemics. This assistance has taken the form of food, medicine, shelter, clinic and school rehabilitation, flood mitigation work, etc. CRS/Congo is also pursuing a strategy of strengthening local partners in emergency preparedness and response, concentrating on diocesan structures in the war-affected eastern region of the country. This program was initiated recently with support from several international Caritas partners, most notably Caritas New Zealand. CRS/Congo and the diocese of Kisantu have been providing assistance to approximately 15,000 refugees from Angola since September 2001. This assistance, funded by the UNHCR, includes medical care, primary and secondary education, food and non- food distributions and social services for vulnerable groups (e.g. orphans, handicapped). Education CRS/Congo works with Catholic, Protestant and Ministry of Education authorities in the Sankuru district to revitalize primary education through teacher training, school rehabilitation, translation and distribution of teaching manuals, and promotion of girls’ education. CRS recently secured DFID (British Govt.) funding for the program’s expansion. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

52

HIV/AIDS CRS supports two HIV/AIDS projects in the DRC and is planning to expand this work in the coming years. AIDS has been a low priority of our Church partners during the recent war but is beginning to get more attention. We currently support a women’s association in Kinshasa doing care, support, awareness raising in schools, and voluntary counseling and testing. We also recently began supporting an AIDS education project with the rural diocese of Popokabaka. We are working with the Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference to hold a national meeting of Church agencies working on AIDS, with the objective of accelerating the development of such activities nationwide. Street Children CRS currently supports the most important organization assisting street children in Kinshasa - ORPER (Oeuvre de reclassement et de protection des enfants de la rue)—which manages a network of drop- in centers and homes for girls and boys throughout the city.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

53

Christian Children’s Fund US Contact Toni Radler Christian Children's Fund P.O. Box 26484 Richmond, VA 23261-6484 Tel: 804-756-2722 Email: [email protected] Webs: www.ChristianChildrensFund.org

Field Contact James Ameda National Director Christian Children's Fund-Uganda P.O. Box 3341 Kampala, Uganda Tel: 256-41-34-5352

Introduction to Christian Children’s Fund CCF is an international development organization which assists 4.6 million children and families worldwide. CCF is a non-sectarian humanitarian organization working for the survival, development and protection of children without regard to race, creed, or gender. CCF works for the well being of children by supporting locally led initiatives that strengthen families and communities, helping them overcome poverty and protect the rights of their children. CCF programs are comprehensive—incorporating health, education, nutrition and livelihood interventions that sustainably protect, nurture and develop children. CCF works in any environment where poverty, conflict and disaster threaten the well being of children.

Christian Children’s Fund in Uganda CCF has been working in Uganda since 1980, assisting approximately 176,000 children and families in approximately 50 communities in 22 districts. In addition to CCF's traditional health, nutrition, sanitation, micro-enterprise, education and early childhood development programs, CCF-Uganda has launched several innovative programs including: Community-based approaches to HIV/AIDS; water development programs; malaria prevention programs; and emergency assistance to children and families who have been displaced and affected by ongoing violence in northern Uganda. On a yearly basis, CCF provides approximately $4.8 million in services to Ugandan children and families, most of this from private contribution sources. Emergency Relief In Northern Uganda CCF works in many of the communities most heavily affected by the ongoing incursions of the Lord's Resistance Army; as residents flee from the LRA, CCF is helping reunite children and parents, and assisting with distribution of supplies. CCF continues to distribute food, blankets and household supplies to IDPs in Gulu, Lira, Soroti and Katakwi districts in northern Uganda. CCF is working with the World Food Program to distribute food throughout N. Uganda. Agriculture and Food Production To ensure that families are empowered to meet basic needs, CCF provides heifers and goats as part of its revolving livestock program, and provides families with groundnut InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

54

seeds in the form of in-kind grants. CCF also provides parents with training in improved farming methods and animal husbandry. HIV/AIDS CCF social workers and trained community members provide home-based care training to family members and community members, helping them care for AIDS victims at home. CCF's HIV/AIDS awareness programs include peer counseling, drama presentations, and life skills training for youth and reproductive health education. In addition, CCF provides psychosocial training for AIDS affected families and provides support groups for those with AIDS and for AIDS affected family members. Nutrition, Water & Sanitation To assist in nutrition, CCF-affiliated communities establish kitchen gardens. CCF works with communities to create access to water, and improve environmental sanitation with pit latrines. Early Childhood Development CCF has established Early Childhood Care and Development Centers in communities where it works throughout Uganda. ECCD monitors and stimulates the growth and development of children from the age of birth to 8. This includes physical, mental and emotional growth support. Education CCF continues to participate actively in the building of the National Civil Society Coalition to advocate for functional access to education for all and to disseminate government and donor policy on education. In addition, CCF has built and/or repaired classrooms in communities throughout Uganda, provides classroom equipment such as desks, helps build and/or maintain teacher houses and helps pay school fees for CCFassisted children. CCF has also launched a sensitization campaign on the importance of girl education in communities where we work.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

55

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee US Contact Kristen deRoo VanderBerg 2850 Kalamazoo Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49560 Tel: 800-55-CRWRC Fax: 616-224-0806 Web: www.crwrc.org

Field Contact Please contact Grand Rapids (US) office.

Canadian Contact (inquiries and updates) Marcia Mantel 3475 Mainway PO Box 5070 STN LCD 1 Burlington, ON Canada L7R 3Y8 Tel: 800-730-3490 Fax: 905-336-8344

Introduction to Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) CRWRC is a Christian international relief and development agency that comes alongside of the poor in 29 countries around the world. CRWRC’s mission is to engage God’s people in redeeming resources and developing gifts in collaborative activities of love, mercy, justice, and compassion. This mission is carried out in partnership with local churches and nongovernmental organizations in all of the countries where CRWRC works.

CRWRC in the Great Lakes DRC CRWRC was last active in the Congo following the Goma volcanic eruptions in January of 2002. There are currently no permanent staff in the country, although there is potential capacity to respond in the event of a disaster or to a situation requiring relief materials. In light of this, CRWRC will be part of a delegation of Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) members to visit Congo and other conflict areas in different countries (including northern Uganda). The basic purpose of the delegation would be to assess the overall situation of displaced populations, the needs for food and seeds, and possible programming responses with CFGB resources, as appropriate. Rwanda CRWRC began working in Rwanda after the war and genocide of 1994. The focus of its relief work has been Kibuye Prefecture, one of the most impoverished regions in Rwanda. Kibuye was also hit especially hard by the massacres of 1994 and tensions remain strong. Although CRWRC’s strategy normally focuses its work with church partners, Rwanda presents a special challenge in doing so since several church leaders in Rwanda perpetrated some of the genocide. Thus, there is an enormous need to work on reconciliation and peace-building issues, generally recognized as demanding a long-term approach. CRWRC is partnering with the Association Wihogora, the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR) InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

56

and the Free Methodist Church of Rwanda (EMLR) on food security projects covering four Kibuye districts. Uganda CRWRC has been working in Uganda since 1982, when it started partnering with the Church of Uganda (Episcopal) in Arua. Since then, CRWRC has partnered formally and informally with 23 Christian organizations, church-based groups, and other programs. CRWRC’s focus in Uganda has always been to combine organizational development with the support of integrated/holistic community development programs. Several of the organizations CRWRC has worked with have graduated into mature interdependent organizations and many others have continued to implement their own programs after CRWRC ceased funding. Currently, CRWRC works with a number of churches and community based Christian organizations, mainly in the north and northeastern areas of Uganda. These are also the areas most affected by insecurity. Except for Arua District in the northeast, all of these other CRWRC working areas are hosting displaced populations. Organizational Capacity Building CRWRC’s ministry in DR Congo, Rwanda, Uganda and around the world, is carried out in partnership with local, nongovernmental organizations. CRWRC staff work alongside of these partner groups and provide them with mentoring and training, while receiving valuable feedback and insight from the partner groups in return. Through partnerships like these, CRWRC is able to become more closely linked with the communities with which it works. CRWRC is also able to equip partner agencies to carry out effective programs long after CRWRC’s partnership with them is over. Agriculture and Food Production Rwanda: CRWRC has initiated a number of goat projects in partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR) and USAID, the Free Methodist Church in Rwanda (EMLR), and Association Wihogora and USAID. Each program provides training in animal husbandry, beneficiaries receive forage seeds, and support staff, including vets, are put into place. In total, 4,000 households are targeted with the distribution of as many goats. Uganda: There are currently 3 agricultural programs in place in Uganda. CRWRC’s partners in these projects are the Christian Charity Centre of Uganda (CCC), Nebbi Diocese Planning and Development Office - Church of Uganda (Nebbi), and Ukuru Archdeaconry Planning and Development Committee, Church of Uganda (UAPDC). The CCC project involves 300 farmers of both genders and provides for training in modern techniques, training of oxen, and loans for plows. The Nebbi project targets 10 farmers in each of 6 groups for training in crop and animal production and post- harvest techniques. The third project, through UAPDC, involves just over 700 beneficiaries and it aims to help them increase their yields in groundnut, beans, and maize production. Income Generation/Small Business Development InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

57

Uganda: With UAPDC, CRWRC has initiated a project through which 318 members of associations receive both training and loans for small business development. There are also 2 goats projects in Uganda that are classified as income generation projects. The first one, through Nebbi, targets 5 groups of widows (over 300 participants) with training in small business management and the care of goats. Beneficiaries also construct their own huts for the goats. The first female kid of the goat is given to another widow. Nebbi is also engaging 60 participants in a market feasibility study on coffee, millet and beans. This project has also encouraged the formation of 5 produce-buying groups, which receive training on buying and selling produce. The other goat project, through Pentecostal Assemblies of God - Katakwi Integrated Development Organization (PAG-KIDO), involves the provision of goats on credit and the training of community development workers, para-vets and participants. Also through PAG-KIDO, CRWRC is involved in providing 500 kg of improved groundnut seeds for 20 groups with training in modern farming techniques and group dynamics (with 380 participants). Lastly, through CCC, CRWRC has engaged 70 participants (6 groups) in community banks and the provision of loans accompanied by training and workshops. Health Uganda: Over 750 participants are benefiting from a project with CRWRC’s partner Christian Outreach Ministry and Education (COME) which assists groups of internally displaced peoples living with AIDS. A malaria project with Nebbi targets 627 (495 female) participants in 4 communities. Surve ys are conducted, health committees are established and members are trained. Through community cost sharing, mosquito nets are provided. Other health projects, through UAPDC, include the construction of protected springs and latrines, selection and training of water committees. Health workers, including birth attendants, are also trained and form health committees. Literacy Uganda: One project, through UAPDC, provides training for teachers, helps in the acquisition of literacy materials, and establishe s classes and testing for the participants. The other literacy project, which targets 250 participants, is established through PAGKIDO and provides scholastic material, small group loans to start a group revolving fund, and other supplies like blackboards and reading charts. Other projects, especially in Uganda, include the training and mobilization of youth, and leadership training for deacons.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

58

Church World Service US Contact Donna J Derr Church World Service Emergency Response 110 Maryland Avenue, NE. Suite 108 Washington, DC 20002 Tel: 202-544-2350 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Please contact the Washington office.

Introduction to Church World Service Founded in 1946, Church World Service is the relief, development, and refugee assistance ministry of 36 Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations in the United States. Working in partnership with indigenous organizations in more than 80 countries, CWS works worldwide to meet human needs and foster self- reliance for all whose way is hard.

Church World Service in the Great Lakes Church World Service (CWS) has long-standing ties with churches and ecumenical agencies in the Great Lakes region. CWS has responded to needs in the region as a member of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) International network. Among the CWS partners in the Great Lakes region are the Council National des Eglises du Burundi (CNEB); Eglise du Christ au Congo (ECC); the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Rwanda; the Rwanda Women's Network (RWN); Rwandan Union of Agriculturalists and Animal Breeders (INGABO); Church of Uganda Planning, Development & Rehabilitation (COU – PDR). Program Sectors Agriculture and Food Production; Disaster and Emergency Relief; Education/Training; Gender Issues/Women in Development; Health Care; Human Rights/Peace/Conflict Resolution; Refugee and Migration Services; Rural Development. Program Locations CWS-supported work is being conducted in four countries: Burundi, DRC, Rwanda and Uganda. Funding Sources Denominational funding; public support. Scale of Programs CWS-supported programs are assisting more than 250,000 persons in the region. Cooperative Efforts CWS works with partners; our work model is to work cooperatively with other agencies, including church-related groups, local governments and international bodies. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

59

Special Concerns Beyond emergency relief in areas affected by conflict, a particular concern of our work in the region is providing skills-training and other assistance to empower women in rural communities.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

60

Concern Worldwide US Contact Mr. Dominic MacSorley Concern Worldwide US 104 East 40th Street, Room 903 New York, NY 10016 Tel: 212-557-8000 Email: [email protected] Web: www.concernusa.org

Field Contact Burundi Mr.David Crawford, Country Director Rohero 1, Avenue Muyinga Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: (257) 241 660/241 659 Email: [email protected] DRC Ms. Auriol Miller, Country Director Avenue Likasi No.8 Quartier Royal Commune de la Gombe Kinshasha, DROC Tel: (243) 81 502 9670 Sat. Phone: 00 871 7630 39 158 Email: [email protected] Rwanda Mr. Eddie Rogers, Country Director Avenue de la Justice P.O.Box 2278 Kigali, Rwanda Tel: (250) 57 2208/51 5646 Email: [email protected] Uganda Mr. Tim Fowler, Country Director Cape town Road Mawanga Zone, Ggaba P.O. Box 6599 Kampala, Uganda Tel: (256) 41 501 907/8 Email: [email protected]

Introduction to Concern Worldwide Concern Worldwide is a non-denominational voluntary organization dedicated to the relief, assistance and advancement of the poorest in the least developed countries of the world. Our mission is to enable absolutely poor people to achieve major achievements in their lives which are sustainable without ongoing support from Concern. To this end we work with the poor themselves and with local and international partners who share our vision to create just and peaceful societies where the poor can exercise their fundamental rights.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

61

Concern Worldwide in Burundi Concern has been working in Burundi since 1997 and manages community based programs that focus on food security, nutrition and health in three provinces: Bururi, Cibitoke and Bujumbura Rurale. Food Security The food security program had evolved from emergency based assistance to longer-term sustainable livelihood support. Working with local community associations, Concern’s three-year program aims to improve overall food security for 1,500 households in the provinces of Bururi, Bujumbura Rurale and Cibitoke. Program activities include agricultural and livestock support, expansion of micro- finance, development of seed multiplication centres, and capacity building with the DPAE (Ministry of Agriculture). Health Funded by the European Development Fund, Concern’s Health and Nutrition program is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health to improve health management, enable equitable access to health care and develop community based health care capacity. The program works in six communes and targets directly 95,000 beneficiaries and indirectly 380,000. The program focus is on: providing management and technical support to health centres, supporting health centre outreach programs, providing community based health care and building the capacity of the Provincial Health Bureau. Nutrition Working towards the Ministry of Health strategy, Concern’s nutrition program has remained an emergency intervention, supporting malnourished target groups in three communes in Bujumbura Rurale. The nutrition program targets an average of 400 beneficiaries a month. Activities include: managing two supplementary feeding programs, provision of outreach screening and referral services, nutrition education, surveys provision of a simple food security program for women and developing an expanded emergency response mechanism. Vulnerable Children/Education Implemented in the provinces of Bujumbura Rurale and Cibitoke, the emphasis of the program is on improving the economic and social position of children and adolescents. Program activities include primary school education and teacher training, school rehabilitation and community participation of children, targeting 2,500 children. HIV/AIDS As part of the broader organisational strategy, Concern is integrating HIV/AIDS at programming level. In order to achieve this objective, Concern Burundi will dedicate appropriate resources, conduct training and develop a country strategy to mainstream HIV/AIDS into our work. Funding Sources The program bud get for 2003 is 3,162,000 USD with key funding sources from USAID, ECHO, Ireland Aid, Concern general donations. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

62

Concern Worldwide in the DRC Concern first began working in D.R. Congo in 1994 and has its main office in Kinshasa with programs located in North Kivu and Maniema province. North Kivu: Volcano Hazard Awareness Funded by OFDA, Concern began implementing this program in July 2002. The program focuses on training people in participative communication methods and their roles in a volcano related emergency. Further it develops risk mapping and emergency plans for the Goma population of 350,000 and conducts information dissemination throughout the region using the joint Concern/OCHS/ Volcanoligists video produced in late 2002. This is disseminated via local media and the UN Radio Okapi as well as through churches, schools, and administrative structures. Concern’s partners in implementing this program are CRONGD, the Observatory of Volcanology, Radio Goma and Radio Okapi. Maniema: Nutrition & Food Security In October 2002, Concern began working in Kasongo, Maneima after a four month research period. A nutrition survey indicated global malnutrition at 11.7% and led to the opening of a therapeutic feeding centre in Kasongo hospital which, by the end of the year was treating over 100 children. The program has been expanded into four health zones and into previously insecure areas affected by the conflict between Mai-Mai militia and RCD forces. The program works with health centres to reduce malnutrition in fewer than fives. Four supplementary feeding centres and a therapeutic feeding centre with a capacity of 1,000 children have been constructed/rehabilitated. Finally the program works with sixteen agricultural associations (16,000 people), providing them with training in food security and supported with agricultural inputs. Funding Sources The program budget for 2003 is 2,283,000 USD with key funding sources from USAID, ECHO, Ireland Aid, and Concern general donations.

Concern Worldwide in Rwanda Concern has been working in Rwanda since 1994 and currently focuses its rehabilitation and longer-term development operations in the provinces of Butare, Gitarama, Ruhengeri and Umatara. Livelihoods & Community Development Targeting 8,750 people, Concern’ s livelihood community development program aims to improve the capacity of targeted communities and their elected representatives to promote sustainable improvements in their livelihoods through enhanced participation in democratic processes. Activities include training workshops on government’s decentralisation policy, assistance to associations through local NGOs and provision of essential services (schools, water, sanitation facilities) through local community development committees.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

63

Social Education Based in Butare and Gitarama provinces, this program focuses on utilising communitybased support systems that support vulnerable children. Activities include community training and increased awareness of children’s rights, literacy training and the development of income generation activities. Health Concern is working with the Nemba District health authorities in Ruhengeri province to improve the quality and coverage of health care services. The overall purpose is to contribute to a sustainable reduction in morbidity and maternal and child mortality and to increase life expectancy with a focus on HIV/AIDS prevention, malaria control and prevention of chronic malnutrition and newborn care. Child Survival Funded by USAID, Concern’s Child Survival program began in Butare in October 2001. Targeting 33,800 families, the five- year program focuses on HIV/AIDs prevention, malaria control and prevention of chronic malnutrition and newborn care. Agriculture & Infrastructure Development In collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and other NGOs, Concern is implementing a ten- year program in Umatara. The overall aim is to improve governance, reduce conflict and strengthen social cohesion to facilitate social reconciliation in Umutara province. Concerns activities are part of the on- farm investment component with provision of technology advisory and agricultural production services. Microfinance Post Conflict As part of a DFID funded research aimed at establishing best practices in the design and implementation of micro- finance projects in post conflict situations, Concern has been implementing a three-year micro- finance program in Gitatrama, Rwanda. Documents (Best Practice & Tool Kit) have been designed from the research and lessons learned in the first year of implementation. The program will be expanded in phase three providing savings for 3,000 people and small loan facilities for 800. Further details are available on: www.postconflictmicrofinance.org Funding Sources: The program budget for 2003 is 2,779,000 USD with key funding sources from USAID, DFID, EU, UNICEF, and Concern general donations.

Concern Worldwide in Uganda Concern has been working in Uganda since 1990 with projects located in four districts: Rakai, Mpigi, Kampala and Katakwi. Rakai Community/Capacity Development The overall goal of this five- year program is to improve the living standards of the poor in Rakai district by strengthening the capacity of local development actors to sustain longterm development. Activities are focused on building the capacity of parish and subInterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

64

county level structures within local government that can support villages to prepare and implement development plans in the sub-districts of Kirumba, Nabigasa and Lwamaggwa. Mpigi HIV/AIDS Capacity Building Covering five sub-counties in Gomba and Butambula, Concern has initiated a new fiveyear HIV/AIDS capacity building project that aims to reduce the socio-economic effects of HIV/AIDS on the poorest communities in Mpigi district. The program will focus on strengthening local communities activities in: home care; micro-finance, legal rights, vocational skills and advocacy. The key target group for this program will be people living with HIV/AIDS and their caretakers, AIDS orphans, their guardians and the youth. Kampala Community Empowerment Based in Kampala, the five year Concern community empowerment program is being implemented through local government structure and civil socie ty organisations in the poorest areas of the city covering: Kamwokya II, Ndeeba, Kiseny II and Kisenyi III parishes. The principal target group is low- income families, particularly households headed by women and orphaned guardians. Activities will focus on health, saving and credit groups and increasing access to employment opportunities for youth. Katakwi Decentralisation Support This program works to strengthen the capacity of decentralised/local government in the sub-counties of Obalanga and Kapelebyong to address development priorities of the poorest more effectively. Insecurity in the area, due to long-term problems with their Karimojong neighbours have resulted in many people being displaced with significant decreases in their living standards. Through cooperation with peace building groups, such as the Soroti justice Peace and Commission, an inter-church group, the program aims to enhance peace building efforts. Funding Sources The program budget for 2003 is 2,417,000 USD with key funding sources from Ireland Aid, DFID, EU, and Concern general donations.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

65

Food for the Hungry US Contact Dave Evans Food for the Hungry 1224 E. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85034-1102 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Michael Satin Program Director BP 514, Cyangugu, Rwanda Tel: (250) 0830-2259

Introduction to Food for the Hungry Mission Statement : motivated by Christ’s love, the international partnership of Food for the Hungry exists to meet both physical and spiritual hungers of the poor. Food for the Hungry US Operational Statement: FHUS seeks to walk with churches, leaders, and families in overcoming all forms of human poverty by living in healthy relationship with God and His creation.

Food for the Hungry in the DRC FH has been active in the DR Congo since 1994, with programs to aid Rwandan refugees. Since 1997 FH has been working to improve the capacity and willingness of local leaders, churches, families and organizations to solve the problems of their communities, and to increase the overall food security in eastern Congo. FHI works extensively with local organizations and committees for distributions and infrastructure projects. As agriculture is only one aspect of many in food security, and as FH is only one age ncy among several working in food security, FH closely coordinates with other international NGOs. Past and present funding sources have included USAID/OFDA, UN-OCHA and private sources. DR Congo programs in 2003 and 2004 are expected to include: Sectors of operation: • Agriculture and food production • Infrastructure rehabilitation • Health care (nutrition) South Kivu Food Security program This USAID/OFDA operation is funded by a $1.5 million grant and includes the following interventions: • Seed and tool distributions: FH is distributing seeds and tools to 23,000 families in Shabunda, Kamituga, Kalehe, Bunyakiri, Kabare and Walungu. • Agricultural extension: FH has updated the skills of 30 government extension agents who had been trained before the outbreak of the most recent wave of violence. In addition to agricultural training the agents have received instruction in disaster InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

66

• •

•

preparedness. Those agents will now train and provide technical support to 10,000 farmers. Seed fairs: FH organized seed fairs benefiting 8,000 families, to distribute staple seeds and tools to displaced and returning families. Fishery rehabilitation: FH will assist local residents in rehabilitating 30 fishery production centers. Projects include rebuilding fishponds, technical assistance to communities and individual households, and capacity building to the government agency responsible for fisheries. Health/malnutrition: 1,000 mothers of malnourished children have been trained in vegetable production at nutrition centers run by partner INGOs. The mothers also received seed packets and tools.

Operation Kambelembele This project, funded by a $1 million grant from USAID/OFDA, will enable reconstruction of 500 km of railroad from Kindu (Manema Province) to Ngwena (Katanga Province). Additiona lly, the project is slated to reconstruct a 300-meter railway bridge in Katanga Province. Reestablishment of the railway system will improve food security by allowing greater access to markets. Cooperative efforts Food for the Hungry is the lead agency on the railroad rehabilitation project in the eastern Congo. The project is funded by USAID / OFDA, which has sub-granted portions to other international NGOs and working closely with these agencies to oversee and supervise work for completing the rail system rehabilitation by May 2004. International partners on this project include: CARE international, Concern Worldwide and Catholic Relief Services/Caritas. Along with Food for the Hungry, these three partners will oversee work on the ground along the five hundred kilometers of railroad track. Additionally, the SNCC, (the Congolese National Railroad Agency) will serve as technical advisor, and will provide certification of the completed project. Finally, negotiations are underway on developing a partnership with MONUC, the United Nations military-observer presence in the DRC. We are looking to MNUC to provide support in telecommunications, logistics and protection in regions still under the control of rebel forces, to de-mine in areas where mines are a concern. Special concerns Food for the Hungry is taking precautions to address potential problems. Given the fact the war is "over" and there is now a transitional government, there are still armed groups that have not fully accepted the disarming and demilitarization elements in the transition agreement. Therefore, security continues to be a very big concern. Additionally, Food for the Hungry is working with UNOCHA to ensure that all local, regional and national authorities are aware and agree in principle to the project. More specifically, that they will offer support and make all efforts to encourage local populations to be receptive to the project, allowing the project to advance without hurdles. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

67

Finally, as mentioned above, some of the mines used during the war are located along the area the railroad runs. In efforts with MONUC, Food for the Hungry is trying to take as many precautions as possible to avoid injury as works progresses along the railroad track. The work itself is not easy. The majority of the regions where the tracks run are isolated and difficult to penetrate due to years of non- use, neglect and forest overgrowth. The track also experienced pillage of parts and materials by local populations that were in distress or from military persons in search of a living. For example, these populations used railroad wood for fire and construction purposes and railroad metal for household and commercial needs.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

68

Heifer International US Contact Libby Frith Program Officer – East Africa 1015 Louisiana St. Little Rock, AR 72202 Tel: 501-907-4936 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Rwanda Gerald Katusabe Deputy Country Director Concord Bldg Kacyiru Kacyiru Branch B.P. 4785 Kigali Tel: 250 510525 Email: [email protected] Uganda Bernard Muyeya Plot 1 Kitante Rd. Nakasero P.O. Box 28491 Kampala, Uganda Tel: 256-41-231828

Introduction to Heifer International The mission of Heifer International is to work to end hunger, and poverty, and to care for the earth.

Heifer International in Rwanda Heifer Project Rwanda is working toward increasing milk production where there is a high demand, improving household income leading to better nutrition, creating employment within the community, and improving the environment by using modern technique through community development. Projects Heifer International Rwanda has implemented a three-year small-scale dairy development project in Rwanda, initially in Byumba and Ruhengeri Provinces since 2000 with support from the USAID Mission to Rwanda. The program will soon be extending to the rural communities surrounding Kigali. Since its development the availability of milk has improved and there is growing community involvement in productive economic activities. Utilization of limited land resources has improved as a result of HPI farmer training. The project has added the other tangible benefits of encouraging peace, unity and reconciliation, thus creating a demand for a similar project in the adjacent and neighboring communities. USAID and Heifer Matching Grants are providing the funding for these projects and have been supportive of the community since the establishment of the country program. Heifer International Rwanda has a close relationship with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Resources and Forestry, as well as the Ministry of Local Government and Social Affairs InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

69

office. Their support provides farmer groups with more opportunity for private sector participation to achieve improved income and savings.

Heifer International in Uganda Heifer Project Uganda gives priority to funding projects that provide support toward agriculture and food production, business development, cooperatives and credit, education/ training, gender issues/women in development, and rural development. Projects Heifer International has had an uninterrupted presence in Uganda since 1982. At the request of the Church of Uganda, Heifer International began its program with one project providing needy families in the Gulu District with improved dairy cattle. The primary mission of the organization was to increase household nutritional status and income. From that initial start, Heifer International Uganda has expanded into 24 districts. Managing 36 projects, the program has expanded to include dairy goats, meat goats, bee keeping, and rabbit production, although dairy cattle remain the program’s primary livestock focus. In addition to improved nutrition and income focus, the program now has a well-developed agroecology focus emphasizing integrated organic farming techniques and biogas cooking and lighting. In the 1990s, the program began receiving a succession of grants through the local USAID mission. These additional funds enabled the program to accelerate its growth and establish a variety of services including artificial insemination, acquisition of veterinary drugs available at a nominal fee to farmers, establishment of loan programs for farmers for biogas construction, and the establishment of milk collection centers equipped with cooling tanks. The program partners with farmers associations, women’s self- help groups, local religious institutions, government agencies, and local and international organizations to support its projects. To date, an estimated 4,250 families have received direct benefits from Heifer International Uganda efforts.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

70

Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. US Contacts Vickie Johnson Communications Manager Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. P.O. Box 429 New Windsor, MD 21776 Tel: 410-635-8720 Fax: 410-635-8726 Email: [email protected] General Email: [email protected] Web: www.interchurch.org

Field Contact Please contact home office.

Introduction to Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. (IMA) provides essential medical products and services for overseas emergency, health and development programs that serve the poor without regard to ethnicity, creed, color, gender, national origin, or political or religious affiliation. As an association of twelve U.S. Protestant relief and development agencies, IMA works through a broad faith network to administer its programs overseas. IMA also works collaboratively with governmental, nongovernmental and corporate partners, provides technical assistance and management oversight, and acts as a liaison between international partners and grassroots church-based organizations.

Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. in the DRC Health Care Development IMA serves as the U.S. partner in a multi- million dollar health development project, SANRU III, for which the Eglise du Christ au Congo (ECC—the Protestant Church of Congo) serves as the in-country implementing partner. USAID is the primary funder, with IMA’s Member agencies, U.S. faith communities, and corporate donors providing additional support through human and material resources and cash funding. SANRU III is a re-establishment of the SANRU I and II health development projects begun in the 1980s, a bilateral health program that was managed by ECC on behalf of the Ministry of Health to provide development assistance to 1/3 of the health zones throughout the country. SANRU III, launched in 2001, is designed to strengthen the capacity of 60 health zones managed by non- governmental organizations throughout the country for primary health care interventions and health zone support systems. Through the SANRU structure, the ECC has added support services in 11 additional health zones in collaboration with and resources from the Ministry of Health and the World Bank through its Emergency Multisector Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project. The ECC is responsible for providing preventative health care interventions that are currently focused on the primary causes of mortality, routine immunization services, InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

71

HIV/AIDS and STIs, malaria, control of diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infection, nutrition, water and sanitation, and re-emerging diseases such as TB, among other interventions. ECC interventions at the health zone level include support in planning and management, training and supervision; supply line and cost recovery, infrastructure rehabilitation and equipment; and information and surveillance systems. Additionally, ECC serves as liaison with national programs and the Ministry of Health. IMA is responsible for grant management, external procurements and general backstopping from the U.S., as well as providing long- and short-term technical assistance to the ECC for the project planning and management.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

72

International Medical Corps US Contacts Rabih Torbay Vice President of International Relief and Development International Medical Corps 1919 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 300 Santa Monica, CA 90404-1950 USA Tel: 310-826-7800 Fax: 310-442-6622 Email: [email protected] Web: www.imcworldwide.org

Field Contact Burundi Sonja van Osch Country Director International Medical Corps PO Box 1141 Boulevard Uprona, no 111, Rohero 1, Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 218265 Fax: 257 218267 Email: [email protected] DRC Sheryl Martin Program Director International Medical Corps 41 Avenue Kabare Muhumba / Bukavu DRC Tel: 250 08637136 Email: [email protected] Uganda Henk Bruyn Country Director International Medical Corps Plot 56 Ntinda II Road NAGURU Kampala, Uganda Postal Address: P.O. Box 39 NTINDA Kampala, Uganda Tel: 256 007 222 800 Email: [email protected]

Introduction to International Medical Corps International Medical Corps (IMC) is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and medical relief programs. Established in 1984 by volunteer U.S. doctors and nurses, IMC is a private, nonpolitical, non-sectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in areas worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

73

situations, IMC rehabilitates devastated heath care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.

International Medical Corps in the Great Lakes IMC has projects in Burundi, DRC, and Uganda in the following areas: • Disaster and Emergency Relief • Education/Training • Gender Issues/Women in Development • Health Care • Nutrition/Food and Water Distribution • Refugee and Migration Services

International Medical Corps in Burundi IMC has worked in Burundi since 1995 to provide immunization, water and sanitation, distribution of food to the malnourished, and preventative and curative care. IMC's current programs are based in the Muyinga, Kirundo, Rutana, and Muramvya provinces. IMC operates therapeutic and supplementary feeding centers in health facilities in all four provinces, where drought and insecurity have exacerbated malnutrition. IMC provides medically- supervised therapeutic feeding to the severely malnourished (primarily children) in Muyinga, Kirundo, and Rutana provinces, while beneficiaries and caretakers at these therapeutic feeding centers (TFCs) receive health, nutrition, and hygiene educatio n six times a week. IMC’s 39 supplementary feeding centers (SFCs) in Muyinga, Kirundo, and Rutana together see more than 30,000 admissions per year. IMC has planted demonstration gardens adjacent to its TFCs and SFCs in order to strengthen household agricultural practices and to improve the quality and quantity of fruits and vegetables available to IMC beneficiaries. In all four provinces, IMC also operates a malaria program, offering treatment, insecticidetreated bed nets, and health education. IMC is also training traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and community health educators to provide information on nutrition, sanitation, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. In order to increase access to health services and improve the quality of care provided in Burundi’s public health facilities and communities, IMC’s preventative and curative health interventions build the capacity of local health providers. IMC provides essential medicines, supplies, and training to multiple health posts, clinics, hospitals and laboratories in its program areas. IMC provides refresher-training sessions for active IMC-trained traditional birth attendants who in turn assist in home deliveries, and for community-based health workers who provide health care to their communities through house-to-house visits in Muyinga, Kirundo, and Rutana provinces. IMC has trained displaced civilians in transit camps to identify and help prevent common diseases, and has coordinated mobile clinics that visit villages in some of the most inaccessible parts of the country.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

74

In Muramvya Province, IMC also serves a population of more than 12,000 internally displaced persons through health centers and mobile clinics, which focus on malaria surveillance and treatment. In addition, IMC has begun an emergency preparedness program in the provinces of Muyinga, Kirundo, Rutana and Muramvya to reduce the incidence and prevalence of potentially epidemic and communicable diseases among the local population and IDPs. The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance supports IMC’s health and nutrition, and emergency preparedness programs and UNICEF supports IMC’s malaria epidemic control project and its nutrition surveys.

International Medical Corps in the DRC IMC initiated its first health program in eastern DRC in early 1999, and in June 2002 returned to DRC after receiving a grant from the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) for an emergency health intervention project. IMC implements and administers emergency health and nutrition activities in Bunyakiri Health Zone, South Kivu District, where IMC’s primary goal is to reduce malnutrition rates and increase access to quality primary health care services. IMC is working to improve community based health services through the training of traditional birth attendants (TBAs), community based health workers (CBHW), other local health providers, as well as health committee members. IMC’s operations in DRC are administered through cooperative memoranda of understanding with BCZS, World Food Program, UNICEF, and FAO. In Bunyakiri Health Zone, through logistics support and training of key hospital and health center staff, IMC supports building the capacity of health facilities to provide effective therapeutic and supplementary feeding services for the severely and moderately malnourished. IMC also facilitates the integration of nutrition activities into the hospital and health centers services and grows demonstration gardens adjacent to the feeding centers for food demonstrations. In addition, IMC provides essential drugs and medical supplies to health facilities; monitors and assures the rational use of drugs, and trains hospital and health center staffs. IMC’s programs also aim to improve community-based health services through training traditional birth attendants and community-based health workers, reinforcing and coordinating local health committees, and increasing EPI activities. IMC organizes measles immunization campaigns and strengthens the capacity in Bunyakiri Health Zone for emergency preparedness and effective epidemic disease response.

International Medical Corps in Uganda In response to the drought and acute food shortage in the northern Ugandan districts of Gulu, Kitgum, and Pader, IMC has implemented an emergency health and nutrition program to increase access to preventative and curative health services for vulnerable populations, as well as provide therapeutic and supplementary feeding to malnourished children. IMC’s program establishes mobile health clinics, trains Traditional Birth InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

75

Attendants, and provides therapeutic and supplementary feeding to moderately and severely malnourished children under five years of age. In addition, IMC is the lead agency in a program to establish a prevention and response system for Sexual Exploitation and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in both Uganda and Burundi. Recent shifts in refugee populations in both countries led IMC to identify a clear need for SGBV initiatives. IMC’s programs in Uganda and Burundi are in response to the lack of adequate reporting mechanisms and structure within refugee populations to effectively respond to and prevent SGBV. Working with local partners, the programs establish community-based SGBV advocacy teams, build the capacities of communities to prevent and respond to SGBV through behavior change communication campaigns and the strengthening of safety nets and social support networks, establish SGBV community forums, and develop referral mechanisms.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

76

International Rescue Committee US Contacts David Sullivan Program Manager, Great Lakes International Rescue Committee 122 East 42nd Street, 12th Floor New York, NY 10168 Tel: 212-551-3058 Email: [email protected]

Field Contacts Burundi Jan Coffey, Country Director Blvd de la Nation (Route Aeroport), Ave. Bunogera No. 42 PO Box 1540, Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257-21-8240 Email: [email protected]

Regional Contact Michael Despines Regional Director, Great Lakes Life Ministry Building, 2nd Floor Jabavu Road Kilimani, Nairobi Kenya Email: [email protected]

Democratic Republic of the Congo Werner Vansant, Country Director 34 Avenue Pumbu, Gombe, Kinshasa, DRC Tel: 243-815-146-884 Email: [email protected]

Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children Matthew Emry Project Manager, Children and Adolescents Project 122 E. 42nd Street, 12th Floor New York, NY 10168 Tel: 1-212-551-3042; Fax: 1-212-551-3180 Email: [email protected] US Contact for Uganda Semir Tanovic Program Manager, Horn of Africa International Rescue Committee 122 East 42nd Street, 12th Floor New York, NY 10168 Tel: 212-551-3069 Email: [email protected]

Republic of Congo Julie Dargis, Country Director 1 Avenue Foch, Face Cathedrale Centre Ville BP 1410, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo Tel: 242-81-14-65 Email: [email protected] Rwanda Jean-Claude Desmarais, Acting Country Dir. Rue Akagera No. 4682, Kigali Town Kigali, Rwanda Tel: 250-516-176 Email: [email protected] Tanzania Amanya Michael Ebye, Country Director Raha Towers, 2nd Floor Corner of Bibi Titi Mohammed Street & Azikiwe Street, PO Box 106048 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: 255-22-212-6587 Email: [email protected] Uganda Kurt Tjossem, Country Director PO Box 24672 Kampala, Uganda Tel: 256-41-349-217 Email: [email protected]

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

77

Introduction to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a non-sectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity, and self-reliance. This commitment is reflected in well-planned global emergency relief, rehabilitation services, resettlement assistance and advocacy for refugees.

IRC in the Great Lakes The IRC in the Great Lakes seeks to improve the quality of life of its partner and beneficiary populations by implementing appropriate and context-specific relief, rehabilitation, and post-conflict programs in Burundi, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Each of these countries is intertwined in a comp licated military, economic, ethnic, and social web. Many of these countries receive refugees, while also producing refugees. With country programs in each of the Great Lakes countries, the IRC is one of the few international agencies with a truly "regional" view of events and the ability to respond with a range of programs designed for the realities of their host countries. This diversity of programs provides a rich pool of trained professionals who can be called upon for any emergency in the region.

IRC in Burundi The IRC began emergency assistance in 1996 following the first internal displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. IRC continues to provide emergency assistance to the displaced while assisting communities recovering from conflict through infrastructure rehabilitation, environmental health, separated children, and youth programs. Geographically, IRC is operational in Bujumbura Rural, Bururi, Makamba, Muyinga, Rutana, and Ruyigi Provinces. Environmental Health: The IRC aims to reduce the incidence of disease resulting from inadequate environmental health conditions through a public health program including sanitation, safe water supply, hygiene promotion, and local capacity building for conflict-affected communities. During acute emergencies such as large population displacements or cholera outbreaks, the IRC responds by trucking in potable water. When emergency interventions are no longer necessary, IRC works with local authorities and communities to rehabilitate or construct wells, water systems and latrines, while training Community Health Workers to promote good health and hygiene practices. In 2003, IRC expanded its public health program through a "roll-back malaria" project in three provinces, distributing insecticide-treated bed-nets to high-risk groups, such as children under the age of five and pregnant women. Youth: The IRC implements an education and psychosocial support program in three provinces, constructing youth centers, training peer educators on HIV/AIDS, life skills and peace building. IRC also constructs and rehabilitates school sports facilities, and coordinates cultural and recreational extracurricular activities for displaced and conflict-affected InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

78

children. By training parents, teachers, coaches and youth in HIV/AIDS transmission prevention and conflict resolution, IRC uses sports and culture to increase healthy personal development and reduce risky sexual behavior and intolerant and violent beliefs. Separated Children: IRC assists separated refugee children when they return to their families in Burundi. Working at refugee transit centers in Makamba, Muyinga and Ruyigi, IRC provides immediate assistance and temporary placement with foster families or local care associations. IRC works with local associations, other humanitarian agencies and local authorities to trace and reunify the families. UNICEF estimates that 2,522 separated Burundian children currently reside in Tanzanian refugee camps. Related Disability Study: With U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention funding, the IRC is conducting a three-year study to document prevalence of disabilities among Burundi’s war-affected populations.

IRC in the Democratic Republic of the Congo The IRC first began programs in the DRC in November 1996, providing assistance to Rwandan refugees and the local population. The IRC has since expanded into six additional provinces. With headquarters in Kinshasa and field offices in Bukavu, Boma, Kinsangani, Kalemie, Kananga, Kimpese, and Mwenga, IRC is one of the largest humanitarian actors in the DRC. IRC has conducted a large-scale mortality survey each of the past three years to measure the war's impact on civilians. Findings from the most recent survey in September and October 2002 show that the DRC mortality rate is higher than the United Nations reports for any country. The crude mortality rate among people surveyed in the eastern part of the country was 3.5/1000/month; the figure was 2.0/1000/month in the west, indicating a national mortality rate of 2.4/1000/month—twice the African average and almost twice what UNICEF reported for 1997, the year before the war began. Based on IRC data, an estimated 3.3 million people have died as a result of this war. While this estimate could vary from 3 million to 4.7 million, the conclusion remains the same: this is the most deadly war ever documented in Africa, indeed the highest war death toll documented in the world since World War II. Health Care: IRC currently implements primary health care interventions in Kabare, Mwenga, and Nundu Health Zones in South Kivu, Lubunga Health Zone in Orientale Province, Demba Health Zone in Kasai Occidentale, and Nyunzu and Kabalo Health Zones in Katanga. The goal is to save lives by increasing access to health care. IRC provides each health center in these zones with essential drugs, medical supplies and equipment, and technical training and support. IRC also works closely with local health committees to identify the most vulnerable persons (widows, orphans, the elderly, the handicapped), to whom we provide free health care. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

79

Child Survival: In Kabare Health Zone, South Kivu, IRC’s five-year USAID- funded Child Survival Program focuses on preventing deaths from malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, malnutrition, and vaccine-preventable diseases among the estimated 29,200 children under 5 and 35,000 women of reproductive age in Kabare. HIV/AIDS: IRC is conducting a 12-month blood-screening program in ten of the most affected health zones in Bas-Congo to ensure safe blood transfusions for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases. Funded by the Canadian International Development Agency, IRC is working at hospitals to train staff, raise awareness, and ensure use of universal precautions and provide test kits, building local capacity to conduct laboratory tests and increase knowledge among local health workers. Demobilization and Reintegration of Child Soldiers: With World Bank funding, IRC is researching, designing, and implementing demobilization and reintegration of former child soldiers in Orientale Province. As part of a consortium with CARE International, the International Foundation for Education and Self- Help, UNICEF, the national government and other NGOs, the program will assess and document the situation of child soldiers and their communities of origin to determine possibilities for demobilization and reintegration, as a basis for design of a program to help children leave the armed forces and resume their development within a family and community environment. Environmental Health: The IRC maintains a response team that goes to any site to provide clean water to victims of the war. IRC water-pumping stations collect and treat water for up to 20,000 people at a time. The IRC is rehabilitating local water sources and water supply systems to provide clean water to war- impacted communities and areas where cholera epidemics are common. The pumping stations address immediate, life saving needs, while our rehabilitation program looks at addressing longer-term water solutions. For refugee host communities, the IRC helps reduce the burden by constructing emergency shelter structures and communal latrines, interventions that help reduce public health risks posed by large concentrations of displaced persons. Capacity Building/Gender-Based Violence: IRC conducts a funding program for local organizations to implement projects for female victims of sexual and gender-based violence. IRC also provides training and technical support to agencies to improve their response to emergency needs in areas international agencies cannot access, and to provide essential medical, counseling and livelihood programs for rape and sexual violence victims. Refugee Assistance: IRC programs for 13,000 Angolan refugees in camps in the Bas-Congo, south of Kinshasa, include health, shelter, water and sanitation, education, self- reliance, social services, InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

80

support to extremely vulnerable refugees, and food and non- food distributions. Due to the Angola peace accords, IRC is preparing these populations to return home during 2004. Street Children: IRC Congo Brazzaville conducts a program for the care of an estimated 1,500 street children, and their tracing and reunification with their families.

Congolese and Rwandan Refugees in the Republic of Congo IRC responded to successive civil wars in the Republic of Congo in 1997 and 1998, as well as the mass influx of refugees from neighboring DRC in 2000. The IRC head office is in Brazzaville, with operational bases in Boko, Pointe-Noire and Betou. The IRC works closely with relevant government ministries, United Nations agencies and local nongovernmental organizations. Previous IRC programs include an innovative collaboration with IRC in Rwanda to trace and reunite children separated from their families who fled to Brazzaville from Rwanda. The IRC also assisted the health ministry rehabilitating health centers in Dolisie, and combating sexual and gender-based violence in Brazzaville. Health Care: IRC is implementing a comprehensive primary health care program in the Kinkala-Boko health district of the Pool Region, devastated by civil war. Program activities include rehabilitation of health centers, essential drugs, trainings to build the capacity of Ministry of Health staff, and public health outreach education campaigns. Refugee Assistance: IRC programs for approximately 25,000 refugees from DRC in Betou District include primary health care, water and sanitation, education, community services, and programs addressing sexual and gender-based violence. Street Children: The IRC operates two daytime counseling and education centers for children living on the streets of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Center activities prepare children for reunification with families and reintegration into the community through schooling and apprenticeships.

International Rescue Committee in Rwanda The IRC began work in Rwanda immediately following the genocide and focused on emergency and relief operations. As Rwanda stabilized, the IRC devoted its attention to restoring the country's physical infrastructure. IRC programs now focus on restoring trust, civil society and sustainable economic growth in devastated communities. We help community-based organizations rebuild the physical, social, political and economic institutions devastated in the war. The IRC assists the government and communities to design procedures to prevent renewed conflict, and lay foundations for lasting peace and development. The IRC's Rwanda headquarters are located in Kigali, with field offices in the Kibungo, Gisneyi, Cyangugu, Gitarama and Ruhengeri provinces.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

81

Decentralization and Good Governance: When people have a personal stake in their community's economic, social and political development, the likelihood of further conflict is diminished. The Decentralization and Good Governance program operates on this principle and promotes sustainable development, social cohesion, and civil society. New initiatives under the current programs include civic education, community radio, fiscal decentralization, and strengthening the capacity of women, and vulnerable youth and children for participation and leadership. Unity and Reconciliation: One step toward coping with the trauma of the recent past has been formation of the Rwanda National Unity and Reconciliation Commission with a mission to promote peace, security, and respect for human rights. The IRC supports the effort through direct involvement in a monitoring team and by helping the commission obtain financial support. Vulnerable Children and Youth: An estimated 250,000 children were orphaned or separated from their families during the 1994 genocide. The Vulnerable Children Program targets the most difficult "untraceable" and "implacable" unaccompanied children currently living in centers or on the street. While the program strives to reunite every child with his or her family, the IRC finds foster parents helps adolescents live on their own when this is not possible. The IRC is working to help street children find homes and towards preventing at risk children from ending up on the streets. Health Care/Child Survival: The Child Survival Program works with the Rwandan government to reduce child and maternal mortality and to improve the health and nutritional status of children. The IRC built a network of traditional birth attendants trained in healthy and safe birthing practices and pre- and post-natal care. The IRC trains community members to monitor and administer nutrition and malaria programs. The program targets more than half a million people in Kibungo Province, placing particula r emphasis on 120,000 children under five and 130,000 women of childbearing age. Gender-Based Violence: The IRC has initiated a gender-based violence prevention program that works with the government and community-based institutions to redress and preve nt acts of sexual and domestic violence through counseling, sensitization, and awareness campaigns. Particular focus is being given to prepare communities for the "gacaca" process during which sexual crimes will be tried; the program is working with "gacaca" judges and Rwandan police to ensure women's security and confidentiality. HIV/AIDS: With more than one in ten Rwandans infected with HIV or AIDS, the IRC has integrated HIV/AIDS education into all programs. Because youth are particularly at risk, our prevention awareness campaigns target this population.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

82

Burundian, Congolese, and Rwandan Refugees in Tanzania The International Rescue Committee began operations in Tanzania in 1993 in response to a large influx of refugees from Burundi. Thousands of refugees from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) followed. The IRC implements programs for refugees in health, water, sanitation, camp management and social services, as well as programs for refugee-affected areas in Western Tanzania. Health Care: The IRC runs a hospital and four health outposts in three camps served by IRC in Kibondo District. Our health services target a total population of over 130,000 Burundian refugees, providing a full range of health and nutritional services at the hospital and community level, including maternal and child health care, clinical training for local health care workers, immunization services and malaria prevention, distribution of pharmaceutical supplies, and health education. Medical and nutritional screening and medical services are also provided in Kigoma District for newly arriving refugees. Gender-Based Violence: The IRC assists sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) survivors with medical and counseling services, community awareness campaigns, and strengthening community assistance to survivors. Men's discussion groups and committees have formed to encourage male involvement in violence prevention and support for survivors. Youth: The IRC works in three refugee camps in Kibondo district to improve the health and social well being of over 26,000 adolescent refugees. IRC has established adolescent reproductive health clinics in each camp and runs youth centers that provide educational, vocational and recreational activities in coordination with UNHCR and other NGOs. Youth center staff and adolescent peer educators provide hygiene education and preventive health information. A youth radio program in coordination with community station Radio Kwizera is being launched, to be run by the adolescents, with information on topics such as sexual and reproductive health issues, youth rights and adolescent responsibilities, along with music and entertainment. Refugee-Affected Areas: The IRC has implemented a variety of activities under its Refugee Affected Areas program in the Kigoma region, which has long hosted refugees. The IRC provides support and services for Kibondo District Hospital, the main hospital for the local population and a major referral center for refugees. The IRC focuses on reproductive health and emergency obstetrics, providing experienced medical staff, training, drugs and equipment. In 2001, the IRC rehabilitated the hospital's water system, and in 2002 renovated the maternity ward. IRC also works with local partners in Kigoma Region on infrastructure improvement and capacity building projects, providing equipment to health facilities, construction of two primary schools, construction of government health offices, support to two youth centres, and revitalization of markets in three villages.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

83

International Rescue Committee in Uganda IRC began working in Kitgum and Pader Districts in 1998 in response to the needs of children who escaped from the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, IRC opened offices in Lira and Masindi, following LRA attacks on an IRC- managed refugee camp in Pader and the flight of over 20,000 Sudanese refugees from Pader through Lira to Masindi. In 2003, IRC opened an office in Nakapiripirit, to implement the IRC-led CRD consortium in Karamoja. IRC Uganda strives to meet immediate needs of internally displaced people and refugees, while promoting opportunities for refugees and war-affected communities to enhance their livelihoods and self- sufficiency. Kiryandongo: In addition to internal displacement and underdevelopment, Acholiland and neighboring districts strain under an estimated 200,000 Sudanese refugees. IRC implements the following sectors in Kiryandongo: Environmental Health: To increase safe and adequate water supply through access to useable and effective sanitation facilities, and to contribute to elimination of conditions conducive to an epidemic of water and excreta related diseases. Health Care: Curative health services are provided through three clinics, two providing outpatient services only and the third an inpatient service with a forty-bed capacity. Preventive health services are mainly provided through 30 community health workers involved in health education, hygiene promotion, community mobilization, condom distribution and followup of discharged patients. Reproductive health services include antenatal and intrapartum care, support to traditional birth attendants, family planning, management of sexually transmitted infections and health education. The clinic services are integrated into the District Health Service and receive some support in terms of drugs, vaccines and supervision from the District. Gender Based Violence: The primary clients are refugee and host population women of reproductive age. To ensure the protection, confidentiality and dignity of the survivor, while availing her with medical, psychological, social and emotional support, the program uses participatory methods and awareness raising campaigns. Environmental Health, Kitgum, Lira and Pader Districts: The IRC’s emergency water and sanitation program for internally displaced people in Kitgum, Lira and Pader Districts, Northern Uganda covers all internally displaced camps in the Kitgum and Pader and four sub-counties in Lira District. The goal is to improve the standard of living in Kitgum, Pader and Lira Districts following displacement caused by LRA attacks. The main objectives of this program are to increase safe and adequate water supply to 330,857 IDPs in Northern Uganda, and to eliminate conditions conducive to an epidemic of water and excreta related diseases through increased access to useable and effective sanitation facilities. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

84

Psycho-Social Program, Kitgum: Established in 1998 in response to complex needs of war-affected communities, the program has since expanded to work with all members of affected communities, with a focus on vulnerable children and adolescents. Current and ongoing activities include: support to two local NGOs (Kitgum Concerned Women Association - KICWA, and Concerned Parents Association - CPA) in their running of reception and reintegration centers for formerly abducted children and adult returnees, educational support for children, skills training and income generation projects for vulnerable families and groups, promotion of cultural and recreational activities and culturally appropriate cleansing rituals, advocacy and emergency response. Community Resilience and Dialogue (CRD), Northern Uganda: As the lead member of a six-agency consortium, IRC is implementing a program in sixteen districts, with national and local NGOs, to provide psychosocial rehabilitation, conflict resolution, and HIV/AIDS services to victims of conflict. This includes formerly abducted children, former combatants, orphans and vulnerable children, victims of torture, youth and elder networks, child-headed households, young mothers, and persons affected by and living with HIV/AIDS. The consortium includes Associazione Volontari per il Servizio Internazionale, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, International Rescue Committee, Save the Children Denmark and Save the Children UK. Reducing Adolescent and Child Labor Through Education: In alliance with Associazione Volontari per il Servizio Internazionale, IRC implements a program to reduce child labor, improve community awareness and attitudes toward educational and developmental needs of children, enrich the educational environment for children at risk of economic exploitation by focusing on augmenting the number and skills of teachers, and ensure access to children at risk of exploitation through material support, transitional and non- formal education programs, and family poverty reduction.

The Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children (WCRWC) The Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children (WCRWC) works to improve the lives and defend the rights of refugee and internally displaced women, children and adolescents. • We advocate for their inclusion and participation in programs of humanitarian assistance and protection. • We provide technical expertise and policy advice to donors and organizations that work with refugees and the displaced. • We make recommendations to policy makers based on rigorous research and information gathered on fact-finding missions. • We join with refugee women, children and adolescents to ensure that their voices are heard from the community level to the highest councils of governments and international organizations. • We do this in the conviction that their empowerment is the surest route to the greater well being of all forcibly displaced people. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

85

The Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children is an independent affiliate of the International Rescue Committee . The Commission was founded in 1989.

WCRWC in the Great Lakes In 1999, the Women’s Commission’s Children and Adolescents Project launched an international campaign to increase services and protection to adolescents affected by armed conflict, promoting their capacities and participation in decision- making and constructive action. We helped adolescents and youth conduct adolescent-led research and follow-up advocacy in the war-torn region of northern Uganda, calling on decision- makers to make specific policy and program changes to address the concerns young people raised. The Women's Commission continues to advocate with young people and others in the region for a peaceful settlement to the conflict in northern Uganda and humanitarian assistance and protection for the civilian population. Support for young people’s education and protection have been top priorities. We also provide technical assistance to key stakeholders supporting the rights and capacities of children, adolescents and youth in appropriate programs and policies. Program Sectors (northern Uganda): • Education/training • Gender Issues • Health care • Human rights ORACLE - Opportunities for Reducing Adolescent and Child Labor through Education: As part of our advocacy work with young people in northern Uganda, the Women’s Commission has worked with international NGOs to secure funding from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for a comprehensive education program for adolescents. The following is a description of the ORACLE project, which is being newly undertaken in northern Uganda. We will continue to assist the project’s implementing agencies with technical advice, particularly on the monitoring and evaluation of outcomes and participatory approaches. The Opportunities for Reducing Adolescent and Child Labor through Education (ORACLE) project has been launched this mo nth in northern Uganda, as administered by the International Rescue Committee and implemented with a range of partners, including Associazione Volontari per il Servizio Internazionale. The DOL’s decision to fund ORACLE is a strong victory for education in emergencies. ORACLE will work to prevent and eliminate child soldiering as a worst form of child labor in northern Uganda by means of improving the access to quality education. Specifically, ORACLE will address the level of community awareness of and attitudes toward the educational and developmental needs of children. Types of programs include reception and reintegration of formerly abducted children, psychosocial assistance, formal and non- formal education, curative and preventive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, income generating activities, and water and sanitation. ORACLE will involve many local partners, including through the Acholi Education Initiative (AEI), which seeks to increase secondary school sponsorships. It is InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

86

anticipated that the strategies deve loped and implemented in ORACLE can be replicated elsewhere in the future. Field-based Advocacy with Adolescents and Youth for Implementing Lessons Learned: Through direct partnership with adolescents and youth groups, and the American Jewish World Service, the Women’s Commission will continue to support young people’s capacity to monitor and document rights issues and to advocate for and implement programs on their own behalf in northern Uganda. Beginning this fall, we will specifically provide young people and some of their organizations in northern Uganda with the technical support, resources and encouragement needed to develop and implement advocacy plans and follow-up programs to address adolescent and youth issues. This work will follow up on advocacy and program actions already taken as a result of our participatory study previously conducted with adolescents in the region. The work will also support constructive relationships between youth groups and community adults, as well as with key operationa l stakeholders, including United Nations agencies, nongovernmental organizations and government departments. It will inform global advocacy efforts to expand practical knowledge and use of rights-based approaches to create systemic change that will improve the well being of refugee adolescents and youth. Friends of the War-Affected Children of northern Uganda: The Women’s Commission convenes a group of NGOs and individuals concerned about the lives of young people in northern Uganda. Through e-mail and telephone conversations the Friends of the War-Affected Children of northern Uganda share information and coordinate advocacy to promote the release of abducted children and promote peace in the region. We collaborate to raise awareness of the humanitarian problems facing the local and refugee populations in the north, and offer specific solutions to governments, the United Nations, NGOs and community members for protecting young people in the north. Anyone interested in participating in the friends’ group discussions should contact Matthew Emry at [email protected] Special concerns: The Women’s Commission continues to urge governments to take action to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict in northern Uganda and provide much needed humanitarian assistance and protection to young people.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

87

Lutheran World Relief US Contact General Inquiries: Mike Merker Program Assistant for Humanitarian Response 700 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21230 Email: [email protected] Media Inquiries: Jonathan Frerichs Communication Director Tel: 410-230-2802 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact East Africa Regional Office Asenath Omwega, Regional Representative Lutheran World Relief PO Box 66220 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) 2 447611 Fax: (254) 2 445838 Email: [email protected]

Introduction to Lutheran World Relief Lutheran World Relief (LWR) works with partners in 50 countries to help people grow food, improve health, strengthen communities, end conflict, build livelihoods, and recover from disasters.

Lutheran World Relief in the Great Lakes LWR Africa has identified as its target population impoverished rural communities vulnerable to the challenges of natural and man-made disasters. These include but are not limited to socially marginalized communities, those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, those suffering from chronic food insecurity, and those affected by floods, conflict and drought.

Lutheran World Relief in Uganda Vocational Training for Orphans Lutheran World Relief (LWR) works with the Kiteredde Vocational Institute (KVI) in southeastern Uganda in the Rakai District, to provid e vocational training for 600-orphaned children. Civil strife and the continuing HIV/AIDS pandemic have left more than 50,000 orphans, one in ten of the local population. The government is unable to bear the cost of caring for these children and the vocational institute trains orphans and other deprived youth in carpentry, construction, agriculture, tailoring, typing and cooking. LWR’s support allows the institute’s teachers to acquire professional qualifications to permit KVI to receive government subsidies and also to enable to institute to meet 95% of its costs by intensifying livestock and crop production. Focus: • Education/Training • Agriculture and Food Production InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

88

Building Sustainable Community Based Support for HIV/AIDS Orphans and Vulnerable Children LWR’s partner is the African Medical and Research Foundation which will strengthen and support 17 parish orphan committees to manage the orphan support program in the Butuntumula sub-county of Uganda. A total of 1,130 orphans will benefit from the program to ensure access to primary schools, secondary schools, and vocational training. Credit and enterprise assistance to 113 orphans will allow them to start income generating activities. Recognizing the importance of ensuring a lasting effect from the project, parent teacher associations and 950 community leaders will be sensitized to child needs, rights, and succession laws. Focus: • Education/Training • Orphans Wakiso Agro-Forestry In Wakiso County located in central Uganda, LWR’s partner Voluntary Action for Development (VAD) equips farmers with skills in sustainable farming and livestock production to increase agricultural yields and revenues. Over 4,500 people benefit directly from this project including over 2,500 women and girls. VAD also promotes proper use and management of natural resources implementing water and soil conservation techniques in their training and the use of energy-saving cooking stoves to reduce encroachment on the trees. Focus: • Agriculture and Food Production • Education / Training Mobilizing Churches to Respond to HIV/AIDS LWR’s partner, Fare Ministries, a Christian interdenominational NGO in Uganda, works with 21 churches and 50 community groups to promote effective home-based care services and income generating activities to benefit people living with HIV/AIDS. The project benefits 306 people (199 women) and promotes networking among faith-based organizations in the region, extending the benefits of individual organizations through collaborative efforts. Focus: • Health Care • Business Development, Cooperatives and Credit Resettlement and Integration of Refugees LWR has partnered with LWF-Uganda since 1999 to support refugees in the Adjumani District of northern Uganda. In 2002, Adjumani was host to over 60,000 refugees from Sudan, which has been in a civil war since 1983. The goal of the program is two- fold: InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

89

move refugees towards self-sufficiency and improve district administration capacity to deliver services equitably to host and refugee population alike. Focus: • Refugee and Migration Services • Education/Training

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

90

Refugees International US Contact Joel Charny Vice President for Policy Refugees International 1705 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-828-0110 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Please contact home office.

Cliff Bernath Dir., Conflict Prevention and Resolution Refugees International 1705 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-828-0110 Email: [email protected]

Introduction to Refugees International Founded in 1979, Refugees International generates lifesaving humanitarian assistance and protection for displaced people around the world and works to end the conditions that create displacement. RI advocates travel to the scene of humanitarian emergencies, take a reading of the situation at the ground level, and brings its insights and recommendations to the attention of aid officials, the media, and the public. Its objective is to generate timely humanitarian action to save lives, reduce human misery and protect vulnerable people. RI’s advocacy generates increases in resources and policy changes by governments and UN agencies that improve conditions for refugees and displaced people. RI does not accept any government or UN funding.

Refugees International in DR Congo RI has advocated in the war-torn Great Lakes region consistently since the Rwandan genocide in early 1994. The current humanitarian crisis in the Congo has its beginnings in that same war. RI has repeatedly called for increased attention, assistance and a regionalized response to the crises in this region, frequently visiting Eastern Congo along with Rwanda and Burundi, and the refugee camps in Western Tanzania. In December 2000, RI called for donors to make greater efforts to provide humanitarian aid to needy Congolese by utilizing an extensive network of Congolese civil society and NGOs. In 2001, RI identified a food shortage for Congolese and Burundian refugees in Tanzania because of insufficient donor contributions. It published a bulletin on child soldiers in the Congo, bringing to light the continuing recruitment and use of child soldiers, highlighted by specific stories of children recruited by armies operating there. RI testified on this before Congress, and advocated with international NGOs who demobilize child soldiers to demobilize girls as well as boys. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

91

In January 2002, RI was on the scene when a well-publicized volcanic eruption destroyed one half of the city of Goma. RI pointed out that as destructive as the volcano was, the devastation of its impact paled in comparison to the consequences of the ongoing conflict in the region: that the war, a human disaster of unimaginable proportions, is the equivalent of daily volcanic eruptions. RI also continued our reporting on the plight of children affected by the war, including the growing population of street children in urban areas of the Congo. RI testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Sub-Committee on Africa about these issues. For the past two years, in addition to advocating on humanitarian issues, RI has been studying and reporting on the UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC) as part of an overall study of ways to improve peacekeeping operations to better enable them to shorten or prevent armed conflicts that are the cause of most of the world’s 35 million refugees and displaced persons. In 2002, RI advocated for a stronger MONUC mandate and an increase in manpower. RI’s second report on MONUC was published in September 2003. The latter report was based on a field mission to the conflict-ridden Ituri District of northeastern Congo in August.

Additional Work in the Great Lakes region In addition to work on the DRC, RI also conducts humanitarian assessment missions to surrounding countries. The agency is especially concerned about the situation in Burundi, where a ceasefire between the government and rebel groups has proven elusive, and there is a possibility that Burundian refugees will be forced back from Tanzania prematurely. RI assessed the situation for Burundian refugees in Tanzania in May 2003. RI has also focused on the problem of internal displacement in Uganda as a result of the on-going conflict in the north between the government and the Lord’s Resistance Army, which uses a strategy of kidnapping children to reinforce their ranks. More than one million Ugandans are displaced and the response of the international community has been inadequate considering the scope of the problem. RI just completed an assessment mission to Uganda in October 2003.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

92

Save the Children US Contact David Bourns Africa Area Operations Manager 203-221-4086 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Catherine Kennedy Field Office Director Location: Save the Children Plot 3,Block 262 Kampala, Uganda Mailing Address: P.O. Box 26345 Kampala, Uganda Tel: 011-256-41) 510-582 Fax: (011-256-41) 510-584 Email: [email protected]

Introduction to Save the Children Save the Children creates real and lasting change in the lives of children in need in the U.S. and in over 43 countries around the world.

Save the Children in Uganda The highest- level goal of the Uganda Field Office (UFO) is to empower disadvantaged children and their families to achieve dignity and improved quality of life. In line with Save the Children’s Breakthroughs for Children strategy, the office works in the High Impact Initiatives areas of Every Mother/Every Child and children in Emergencies and Crisis. In FY03, UFO has project activities in primary education (both community-based and formal), adult literacy, school feeding, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. For FY04, UFO is adding food security, agriculture, maternal and child health and school health and nutrition. The strategic objectives for this strategic planning period for the next 3 years are: 1. Increase access to high quality basic education for marginalized children and adults (especially girls and women). 2. Increase access to high quality reproductive health and HIV/AIDS services for vulnerable groups (especially young girls). 3. Provide maternal child health interventions for vulnerable groups. 4. Provide support to vulnerable households affected by HIV/AIDS (particularly child and elderly- headed households). 5. Promote food security for vulnerable pastoralists, fishing and agricultural families through various livelihood improvement initiatives. 6. Scale up management and systems and administration to support the program expansion These objectives also fall within the following two Africa regional priorities: InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

93

1. Enhance the food security of disadvantaged communities with particular emphasis on women and children. 2. Improve children and women’s access to basic social services and protection. Throughout its work in the above programs, the office is also making an impact in development at the country-level. Experience-based advocacy continues to be an important feature of UFO. Over the last four years UFO has established strong programs at the community level, built capacity of district partners, and advocated at national level on education and reproductive health issues. In FY03, UFO was on the task force to develop the Policy for Education for the Disadvantaged. In FY04, UFO will be working to ensure this policy is rolled out meaningfully. UFO will continue in its capacity as a member of the Steering Committee of FENU (Forum for Education NGOs in Uganda) where lobbying on a variety of issues is initiated. In FY03, SC jointly with CARE and the Ministry of Health funded and organized the first national symposium on Reproductive Health, which included a presentation by SC on Partnership Defined quality. As a result, UFO was invited to join the national Reproductive Health Task Force, and will be participating in this in FY04. UFO will participate in other national policy platforms and task forces when relevant to our strategic objectives. Program Quality: Child Centeredness: CHANCE and school feeding target children directly, and RH targets them indirectly by ensuring healthier, more educated mothers. SC takes gender very seriously. In all its programs, females have at least constituted 50% of the beneficiaries. This includes supervisory and management levels within community volunteer staffing. Within SC staffing, the same rules applied, with women representing at least 50% at all levels, except in ancillary where there are more male guards and drivers. Gender training is provided to all SC staff above ancillary level, and to community management and facilitator volunteers. In all baseline studies, gender was always factored in and the findings were used to inform program planning. Empowerment: All SC’s programs aim to empower the participants, starting with children. For example: children decide the school days and school year. The FO recognizes the fact that children do not live in isolation but rather with their families in a wider society and hence empowerment has been extended to other society members because the benefits reach the children. To this effect, teachers are trained in child rights and positive discipline techniques. SMCs are trained to supervise teachers, and have the power to hire and fire the teachers. Adult education classes use the REFLECT approach, whose main philosophical principle is empowerment. All training undertaken by SC uses empowering, participatory approaches—both men and women are encouraged to step out of their gender-stereotyped roles. Within the office management structure, participatory management techniques are emphasized, and information sharing through regular meetings provides a platform for everybody’s participation and involve ment. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

94

Policy sustainability: SC has been intensely involved in development of the national policies for Early Childhood Care and Education, and Education for Disadvantaged Groups. As we develop our in-country experience in RH, SC will also engage at the national level in the dialogue to try to ensure greater success in this field. Scaling up: All of our projects are conceived as models. SC will continuously advocate with donors and the government of Uganda to have them applied on a wider scale to meet the proven national- level need. Measurable Impact: All projects have a baseline, M&E indicators written- in and these are measured and reported to donors and the HO. Significant partnerships: The FO’s most significant partners in Uganda have been the district and local authorities with whom project planning and implementation have been jointly carried out. The other significant partner is CARE with whom the RH project has been implemented. The SC Alliance also has provided a very significant partnership most especially in terms of advocacy and lobbying, and has also provided avenues for fundraising. The district and community have been involved in almost every stage of the projects including: planning and implementation. This is evident by the introduction of Partner Defined Quality (PDQ) technique involving the community as the main determinants of their own quality. This enhances the communities’ capacity to takeover the programs when SC eventually phases out. CARE has continuously provided technical support for the RH project by availing the FO one of their senior advisors on RH issues. There is a strong bond between the FO and the NGO Forum in Nakasongola district which is chaired by Save the Children-Uganda. The forum usually meets monthly to share ideas about lessons learned and discuss general issues that affect each other’s work. Previously, disagreements over each other methods of work were very common but dialogue has been used to arrive at amicable agreements. The partnership with the Alliance members has yielded so much benefit in that regular meetings have provided a platform for sharing ideas, advocacy and fundraising although sometimes disagreements have been evident. The challenge in alliance has been duplication of each other’s work but plans to have a single country office are in advanced stages and hopefully by 2004 all the 4 Alliance partners in Uganda will be under the same roof. Geographic Coverage and Target Population: In FY04, SC-Uganda plans to be directly operational in four districts within the country: Nakasongola, Luwero, Wakiso and Lira. Nakasongola District has been the main beneficiary of SC activities since UFO began operations in 1999. It is two hours north of the capital, Kampala, and the main activities of its people are pastoralism and crop cultivation, with intense fishing along the shores of Lake Kyoga. The population is currently estimated at 128,000.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

95

Luwero District, located south of Nakasongola, will continue to receive SC-Uganda support within the two predominately pastoralist sub-counties that are very similar in terms of poverty levels and other social development indicators, low levels of government services, and economic/livelihood activities (Kinyogogo and Ngoma). Significant expansion will occur to other sub-counties and in other sectors, particularly CHANCE and PDQ for education. Wakiso District, is in turn south of Luwero, surrounds Kampala and borders Lake Victoria. Nearly half of the total population of 914,111 are dependent upon subsistence agriculture for their livelihood. Here, to address a primary school completion rate of 32%, UFO plans to apply to USAID for funding to introduce whole school approach to quality and CHANCE schools. Lira District, which is to the north of both Nakasongola and Lake Kyoga, is a semi-arid and more remote area within Uganda. The population, largely made up of subsistence farmers, pastoralists, and fishing communities, also includes more than 47,000 persons displaced by protracted civil conflict in the area. UFO has applied to USDA for additional funding to introduce SHN to Lira and Nakasongola Districts. A brief summary of planned activities within each district is as follows: Program Overview Save the Children Uganda Field Office (UFO) became operational in 1999, at the request of the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES). Since that time, it has successfully piloted a range of innovative activities and approaches in education, health and food security with some of the most disadvantaged children and families in the country. SO 1: Access to high quality basic education: UFO will continue to support and develop its flagship non-formal primary education project, CHANCE (Child-centered, alternative, non- formal, community-based education) in Nakasongola District that supports marginalized and vulnerable children. There are currently 69 schools and more than 2000 children. UFO will further develop its whole school quality improvement strategy in neighboring Luwero District, which has so far benefited 35 community schools and 900 children. In FY04, UFO will expand CHANCE to at least two more districts with funding from USAID. UFO will link the whole school quality improvement strategy with CHANCE schools and Partnership Defined Quality for Education (PDQE) to develop a model which will address issues of education access, quality, positive discipline and safety. This will be piloted in at least one new district with USAID funding. In Nakasongola, the Adult Literacy project (currently 47 circles, with over 1000 participants) will be strengthened and developed with additional topics under the DAP. In addition, UFO will explore intergenerational approaches to literacy to increase synergies between projects. In order to improve attendance, attention and performance in primary schools, the School Feeding Project funded by USDA, will be expanded, providing meals to approximately 33,000 children. A School Health and Nutrition piece will be added with USDA funding, and UFO will provide deworming, micro- nutrients (vitamin A) and health education in two InterAction Member Activity Report for 96 Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

districts – Nakasongola, and Lira (where Catholic Relief Services will provide school feeding). Schistosomiasis treatment will be added to all sub-counties which border Lake Kyoga, with funding from the Bill Gates Schistosomiasis Control Initiative for Uganda. 50,000 students will benefit. SO2: Access to high quality reproductive health and HIV/AIDS services: With funding from Barclays and HACI, UFO will continue to expand its work in Reproductive Health in Nakasongola District. District reproductive health indicators will be improved by the ongoing support of 131 Community Reproductive Health Workers (CRHWs) and 17 Field Workers as well as district health staff, all of whom have received training from UFO. Support to the Post Test Club and other groups that assist people living with AIDS will be strengthened. Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) will be expanded greatly within Nakasongola District through a sub-grant to the AIDS Information Centre. A sub- grant to FIDA will provide legal support to people affected by HIV/AIDS. Partnership Defined Quality for Health (PDQ-H) will be expanded within Nakasongola and to at least one other district by direct implementation. UFO will also provide technical support through USAID’s UPHOLD Project to other national organizations to take PDQ to other districts. Youth protection and development will be pursued through activities that include the dissemination of information and services through youth groups and peer to peer counseling, drama and music, and youth fairs for out of school youth. The previously established Quality Improvement Teams made up of representatives from District Health Units and communities will continue their use of the PDQ process in order to improve the services that health centers provide. UFO will pilot Youth Defined Quality, initially in Nakasongola District. SO3: Maternal child health interventions for vulnerable groups: Under the DAP, UFO will expand its network of community based staff and volunteers and partner with the MOH/other agencies to promote appropriate breastfeeding practices, infant and child feeding, growth promotion and care giving during illness. Behavior change communication (BCC) strategies for family planning services will be employed by trained Community Health Extensionists (CHEs) and Community Health Assistants (CHAs). Health education will also be expanded through the CHEs and CHAs, particularly focusing on the spread of information on control of malaria and diarrheal diseases, and the encouragement of complete childhood immunizations. S04: Support to vulnerable households affected by HIV/AIDS (particularly child and elderly- headed households) Again under the DAP, the HIV/AIDS component of the on-going reproductive health work will be strengthened. SC Uganda will work with up to 2,500 households affected by HIV/AIDS in Nakasongola District in order to build their capacity through skills development and resource mobilization. Specific actions include connecting families with support systems such as livelihood groups, improving opportunities for income-generation, and matching youth with volunteers who will teach them skills in livelihoods. In addition, InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

97

monitoring of the food security of HIV affected households will allow for district- level strategies in response to those in need. These families will receive food aid for supplementary feeding. With funding from HACI, SC plans to sub- grant to FIDA to provide legal advice and succession planning services to HIV affected individuals and households. There will also be linkages with CHANCE schools and their SMCs to increase enrollment of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs), and the provision of psycho-social training for teachers on the special needs of OVC and HIV/AIDS affected children. In further response to the impact of HIV/AIDS, child headed households will be assisted in terms of food security and grants will be provided to community groups working in household livelihoods (e.g. animal husbandry and community gardens). SO5: Food security for vulnerable pastoralists, fishing and agricultural families through various livelihood improvement initiatives: Overall, SC Uganda will be working to improve the access, production and utilization of food among targeted vulnerable households within Nakasongola District. Technical capacity in agricultural production at the local level will be established through identification and training of Key Farmer Coordinators (KFCs) throughout Nakasongola (184 persons). The KFCs will be supervised by Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and will learn and demonstrate agronomic practices to others in their community. Road infrastructure will be improved and training provided on crop production, storage, processing and markets. Action Contre La Faim America has been sub-contracted under the DAP to improve peoples’ access to and use of water and sanitation facilities through borehole and latrine construction and maintenance throughout the district. Those children who are at greatest nutritiona l risk will be aided through supplementary feeding. Political operating climate and political issues: During the year 2002, Uganda has undertaken a number of reviews and the most important ones include: the constitutional review exercise, which aims to promote democracy and good governance, and the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) review exercise. The PEAP is the government’s comprehensive development framework that guides medium term sector plans, district plans, and the budget processes. At the regional level, Uganda has joined the other two EA countries of Kenya and Tanzania to establish the EAC with a parliament (with seats in Arusha, Tanzania) with equal representation of the 3 member countries. The community is entrusted with role of handling cross border issues and harmonization of taxes, budget policies and politics. All these moves are aimed at addressing poverty issues, conflict resolution and promoting mutual cooperation among member states. Through the Inter Governmental Agency for Development (IGAD) peace has been negotiated in several countries: Uganda and Sudan have agreed to stop supporting each other’s rebels, i.e. the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Army (SPLA) and the Lords Resistance Movement (LRA) respectively. Sudan has signed a peace agreement with the SPLA. While Uganda on their part through a military campaign code named “Operation Iron Fist” that is currently under the command of President Yoweri Museveni himself, the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has intensified its efforts against the LRA. The campaign has even InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

98

extended into the Sudan upon agreement between the two governments. After the Lusaka agreement the governments of Uganda and Rwanda agreed to pull out the forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for as long as the latter stopped providing any support (be it material or moral) to the ADF and Interahamwe militia (for Uganda and Rwanda respectively). All these initiatives have brought renewed hope that peace might eventually prevail in the Great Lakes region. Following the world summit in May 2002, the Government of Uganda (GoU) embarked on the process of developing the Uganda National Plan of Action for Children (UNPACC 11). The process aims at ensuring that the World Fit for Children document forms the basis for UNPACC 11. The priority areas to be considered are prevention of exploitation, sexual abuse and neglect, HIV/AIDS, health, education, advocacy resource mobilization and child participation. The report on the UN convention on the Rights of the Child by the government was drafted in October 2001. The Alternative Report on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) by civil society organizations (CSO) is being drafted and is coordinated by Uganda Child Rights NGO Network one of SC Norway-Uganda’s partners. The National Youth Policy that aims at empowering the youth through key strategic action programs was launched in June 2002. The draft National Policy on Young People and HIV/AIDS is being developed and seeks to increase the participation of children and young people in all HIV/AIDS interventions. Regarding the protection of children’s rights in general Uganda has not only ratified all major conventions but has developed its own Children’s Statute. Some of the instruments ratified include: • The Rome statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which entered into force on 1st July 2002 and makes conscription and use of children less than 15 years in armed hostilities a war crime (Article 8). • International Labor Organization convention 182 concerning the prohibition and immediate action and elimination of the worst forms of child labor. • Optional protocols to the convention on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. • The optional protocol to the CRC on involvement of the children in armed conflict. • The ILO/IPEC tripartite arrangement to combat child labor has continued make good progress in addressing the issues in Uganda. While these ratifications may be seen as a sign of success, the proportion of the budgetary allocation to the social service sector that directly benefits children is paltry compared to the allocation to the Ministry of Defense. Childcare and protection interventions are inadequate and the orphans’ situation still remains a big challenge. Uganda is still among the countries where the rights of the children, especially those in armed conflict, are continuously being violated, and as such the country is still on the UN Security Council list of countries that have not done enough to protect the rights of children. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

99

Trickle Up Program US Contact Marinke van Riet Program Officer for Africa Trickle Up Program 104 W. 27th St., 12th Floor New York, NY 10001 Tel: 212-255-9980 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Please contact home office.

Introduction to Trickle Up Program Founded in 1979, the Trickle Up Program is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating poverty through micro-enterprise development. The mission of Trickle Up is to help the lowest income people worldwide take the first step out of poverty by providing conditional seed capital and business training essential to the launch of a micro-enterprise. This proven social and economic empowerment model is implemented in partnership with local Coordinating Partner Agencies. Trickle Up believes in people and their capacity to make a difference. We empower the world’s poorest people to develop their potential and strengthen their communities. We pursue this goal in a way that encourages innovation and leadership, maximizes resources, and promotes communication and cooperation among all Trickle Up constituencies. Since it was founded, Trickle Up has helped build more than 120,000 businesses benefiting a half- million people in 120 countries. It currently operates in 24 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and in the United States. Trickle Up’s program of business training and seed capital, in the form of $100 grants, is delivered by field-based partners, mainly nongovernmental organizations, which serve poor communities with development programs. These partner agencies select the poorest entrepreneurs for Trickle Up, using a customized poverty assessment tool.

Trickle Up Program in Uganda Trickle Up’s partners provide advocacy, training, and service programs to alleviate poverty in diverse communities across the country. Most of Trickle Up’s work takes place in rural areas, particularly in western Uganda – an area underserved by development agencies. In 2003, Uganda ranks 150th out of 173 countries according to the United Deve lopment Programme’s Human Development Index. Most Ugandans derive their livelihood from subsistence farming, but agricultural productivity is declining and the natural resource base is being degraded. The quality of health and educational services is poor. Over half of the population is under the age of 15 and is especially vulnerable to a new wave of HIV/AIDS infection. Therefore, in Uganda, Trickle Up is focusing on increasing the survival rate of HIV/AIDS affected families and encouraging sustainable agriculture through microenterprise development. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

100

Program Sectors in Uganda The Trickle Up Program is implemented in the Business Development, Cooperatives and Credit program sector. Trickle Up’s partners are involved in: • Agriculture and Food Production • Education/Training • Gender Issues/Women in Development • Rural Development Programs in Uganda • See “Cooperative Efforts,” as all programs are implemented through Trickle Up Coordinating Partner Agencies. Geographical Areas in Uganda Specifically, Trickle Up works in and around Kampala, Mbale, Fort Portal, Kasese, Jinja, Luwero, Kisinga, Mbera, and Pakwach. Many of Trickle Up’s Coordinating Partner Agencies maintain headquarters in these cities, while many programs are implemented in slum areas around the cities. Scale of Programs Since 1984, Trickle Up has helped entrepreneurs in Uganda build more than 6,753 businesses in cooperation with our partners there. Currently, Trickle Up works with 18 partners, and during its fiscal year, from September 1, 2002 to August 31, 2003, Trickle Up helped start 457 Ugandan businesses. Cooperative Efforts • American Medical Research Foundation (AMREF) is working in four villages in the Luwero district in central Uganda. There are many orphans in this district as result of the war during the 1980’s between Museveni’s rebel army and then-dictator Milton Obote. Many of these orphans also lost parents to AIDS. AMREF’s operations in Luwero focus on integrated development services such as agricultural modernization, polio immunization, sanitation, home improvement, and children’s rights enforcement. Trickle Up works with their “Orphans Program,” as it is known, to lend support to AMREF’s income-generating activities among orphans and guardians. Trickle Up entrepreneurs are mainly selected from the most vulnerable families, especially those who are taking care of orphans. •

Child Restoration Outreach (CRO) implements the Trickle Up program and works primarily in Mbale and in the slum areas around Jinja in eastern Uganda. The majority of the people CRO deals with are either internally displaced persons from western Uganda or refugees from southern Sudan. Due to extreme destitute conditions, many families expect their children to contribute to the household income. Children are forced to the streets to collect and sell scrap materials to agents and to find food on their own. By providing a health clinic, dining hall, showers, counseling rooms, a InterAction Member Activity Report for 101 Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

playroom/library, and a courtyard, CRO starts street children on a path reintegrating into formal schools. Through its women’s clubs, CRO also provides the mothers and guardians of these children with health clinics, literacy training, and Trickle Up grants. The Trickle Up entrepreneurs are selected as the poorest of the poor and usually have no steady income before receiving Trickle Up grants. This helps families take their first steps out of poverty and allows them to bring their children off the streets and into schools. •

Near Fort Portal in western Uganda, Trickle Up works with the Foundation for Rural Development (FORUD), a local NGO committed to training rural men and women in sustainable agriculture, savings and credit groups, beekeeping, and water and sanitation projects. FORUD also trains farmers how to plant bananas, a main staple in Uganda. Trickle Up is operational in Rubona, where FORUD has a demonstration farm to train households how to plow, dig holes, catch manure and prepare land for intercropping. Trickle Up is implemented as an extension of the agricultural program and a part of their profit is reinvested in their farms. Over 151 households have been trained in Rubona.

•

Kweterana Disabled Association (KDA), a partner in west Uganda since 1993, was founded “to enhance the standard of living of people with disabilities in all capacities.” To this end, KDA is involved in community sensitization, encouraging polio immunization, and, with the help of Trickle Up, income-generating activities. KDA also has its own institutional income- generating activities that help relieve dependence on donor funds. A donated maize/cassava grinder run full time by a disabled member further helps KDA support itself. KDA also hosts the Women’s Weavers Club—a basket-weaving association of 120 women (30 are disabled)—that provides training in basket weaving with intricate designs and natural colors. The baskets are sold locally and in Kampala. Trickle Up has helped the most vulnerable disabled members of KDA start 218 businesses and has provided training in business management, record keeping, and savings mechanisms.

Special Concerns The most compelling challenge Trickle Up faces in Uganda is caring for the orphans left behind by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. According to the UN, approximately half of the 24.6 million people in Uganda are under 15 years old, illustrating the size of the population affected. The Lord’s Resistance Army has impeded Trickle Up staff’s ability to reach northern Uganda. This has caused Trickle Up to temporarily suspend activities with partners located there until visitation is possible once again.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

102

U.S. Committee for Refugees US Contact Mr. Joel Frushone Africa Policy Analyst

Field Contact Please contact home office.

1717 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20036-2003 Tel: (202) 347-3507 Fax: (202) 347-3418 Email: [email protected] Web: www.refugees.org

Introduction to U.S. Committee for Refugees U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR) is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. that monitors, reports, analyzes, and advocates on humanitarian assistance and protection issues affecting refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide. USCR was founded in 1958. USCR is a strong advocate of adequate funding for refugee assistance and protection programs around the world. USCR shares its findings and recommendations with government officials, UN officials, humanitarian relief organizations, the media, and the general public.

U.S. Committee for Refugees in the Great Lakes Region USCR is a leading voice in reporting on and advocating for refugees and internally displaced persons in Africa’s Great Lakes region. USCR has monitored uprooted populations in the Great Lakes region for decades. USCR continues to focus on uprooted Burundians, Congolese, and Rwandans. Displaced Burundians: USCR has actively monitored and reported on the crisis in Burundi since 1993. USCR conducted a site visit in Burundi and Tanzania during mid2002. USCR closely examined the return of Burundian refugees to their unstable homeland and published “Returning to Partial Peace: Refugee Repatriation to Burundi” in June 2002. USCR also drew attention to the one million Burundians uprooted from their homes during 2002. USCR continues to monitor the monthly displacement of thousands of Burundians during 2003. In late 2002, USCR, in collaboration with Refugees International, wrote to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Rudd Lubbers, advocating for Burundian refugees’ fundamental rights and opposing their forced repatriation. USCR continues to urge the Tanzanian government to respect the rights of Burundian refugees to decide whether or not to repatriate voluntarily to Burundi. USCR also continues to urge the U.S. government and international donors to remain financially and diplomatically committed to keeping Tanzania’s Burundian refugee camps open and operating.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

103

Displaced Congolese: USCR visited Congolese refugee camps in Rwanda and Tanzania in late 2002. USCR reported that Rwandan government officials and rebel groups backed by the Rwandan government misled Congolese in Gihembe and Kiziba refugee camps to believe that peace, land, and humanitarian assistance awaited returnees to eastern CongoKinshasa. USCR wrote to Rwandan President Paul Kagame in 2002 urging the Rwandan government to avoid any further activity, including threats of forcible removal, that might influence Congolese refugees to return home against their will. USCR published The Forced Repatriation of Congolese Refugees Living in Rwanda” and “New Congolese Refugees in Tanzania” in late 2002, which highlighted the plight of Congolese refugee populations in Rwanda and Tanzania. Displaced Rwandans: USCR visited Rwanda and Tanzania to further examine the repatriation of Rwandan refugees in late 2002. USCR published a policy paper entitled “Repatriation of Rwandan Refugees Living in Tanzania” in early 2003. In it, USCR concluded that UNHCR reacted slowly in providing the assistance and protection monitoring needed in Rwanda to ensure that refugees repatriated in safety and dignity. Every year, USCR catalogues displacement throughout the Great Lakes region in its annual World Refugee Survey.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

104

U.S. Fund for UNICEF US Contact Kiní Schoop U.S. Fund for UNICEF 333 East 38th St. New York, NY 10016 Tel: 212/880-9132 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Rwanda UNICEF B.P. 381 Kigali, Rwanda Tel: 250 5730.06 Email: [email protected] Uganda UNICEF P.O. Box 7047 Kampala Republic of Uganda Tel: 256 41 234 591 Email: [email protected]

UNICEF in Rwanda The major objectives of UNICEF’s work are: (a) to reduce morbidity and mortality of children under five years old and to reduce maternal mortality by 25 percent; (b) to ensure universal access to quality primary education and improve young people's quality of life; (c) to reduce exploitation, abuse and harm of children, and enhance protection measures for children with special needs; and (d) to promote the involvement of children in the decision- making process at the community level on issues which affect them. Maternal and child health is supported through the expansion of the HIV/AIDS mother-tochild transmission pilot project, the continuation of malaria control activities, the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses, safe motherhood and health reform. Child growth and development is promoted through early childcare, nutrition, hygiene and environmental awareness, and education interventions. Community-based nutrition activities and the prevention and control of micronutrient malnutrition contribute to the reduction of protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in children under five years old and in pregnant and lactating women. The water and sanitation component supports water quality management, hygiene, sanitation and community environmental care through schools and policy development. The education, development and protection programs aim to fulfill the rights of children through: (a) achieving universal quality primary education through in-service training, curriculum development, certification of teachers, support to policy development, girls' education, pre-school education, the reintegration of out-of-school youth and the elimination of exploitative forms of child labor; (b) strengthening juvenile justice and vocational training for youth; and (c) continued support for children in need of special protection, including orphans and children in detention.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

105

UNICEF Response: Activities, Achievements and Constraints At this early stage, UNICEF, the Government, and its partners have accomplished the following: UNICEF has been a key partner in the follow up to the 2000 World Education Forum. As part of the EFA action-planning process, it established a national EFA committee with girls’ education as a key area for discussion and action. The system for data collection and analysis is improving with the establishment of the National Education Statistical Information System (NESIS). Efforts will focus on disaggregated data. Other partners such as DFID and the French Co-operation will continue to support this initiative. Support for the introduction of a system of Monitoring Learning Achievement also has recently been initiated. The cross-cutting HIV/AIDS prevention and child participation program will; (a) promote the involvement and empowerment of youth on issues that affect them; and (b) halve the seroprevalence of HIV among youth. Participatory problem analysis at the community level supports greater empowerment of young people in decision- making. An HIV/AIDS voluntary confidential counseling and testing component for youth has been established. The Sara Communication Initiative launched in eastern and southern Africa in 1996, helps young women make the transition into adulthood. Sara is an animated cartoon character, around 14 years old, who makes important life decisions such as whether to stay in school or how to deal with difficult adults. The episodes generate discussions on key issues affecting adolescent girls, including HIV/AIDS, the unequal workloads of boys and girls, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and early marriage. They also demonstrate essential life skills, including effective communication, negotiation and problem solving. This communication package has been expanded with materials on HIV/AIDS particularly relevant to Rwanda. UNICEF’s work is carried out within the framework of increasing program collaboration of United Nations agencies in Rwanda, mainly through the ongoing Common Country Assessment (CCA) and United Nations Development Assistance Framework exercises. Partnerships are maintained with NGOs and work with civil society organizations has been strengthened. The child protection program has reached the following beneficiaries: • 4,454 young detainees nationwide; • 156 street children in Gisenyi; • 2,700 households comprising about 8,500 children in Kigali-Ngali; • 1,250 househo lds comprising about 4,500 children in Kibuye; • 5,670 street children in Kigali City. Former street children have been reintegrated into the primary school system with many of them passing the national entrance test for secondary training. In addition, child heads of households have been able to send their siblings to school through income- generating projects.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

106

Children heads of households were also able to improve their nutritional status through these income generating activities – agriculture, livestock, fishing – and skills training, such as carpentry, metalwork, food processing, printing, etc. UNICEF’s current child protection program goals include: Juvenile justice • To ensure that children and youth in conflict with the law have their rights fulfilled in terms of due process, physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration. • To strengthen and develop the human capacity of key actors involved in the juvenile justice system. • To reduce the risks of offending with the active involvement and support of the community. • To protect children deprived of their liberty and family from violence, abuse and discrimination. Children deprived of their normal family environment • To strengthen social delivery systems, promote participation and reinforce the capacity of children, families and communities to fulfill the rights of children deprived of their family. • To develop community-based models of care for high-risk HIV/AIDS groups of children. • To promote physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims of any form of abuse or exploitation. • To reinforce the capacity of local authorities to respond to violations of children’s rights (sexual exploitation, physical abuse and child exploitation). Long-term sustainability will be achieved by working with selected NGOs, communitybased organizations and local government entities to set up and operate child rights networks in at least four provinces. Institutional and legal frameworks for monitoring and protecting children’s rights will be reinforced and developed. Through advocacy, children’s rights will be integrated into the planning concerns of districts and communities.

UNICEF in Uganda Although, annual per capita income has increased it is estimated that almost 44 percent of Uganda’s 21 million people live in absolute poverty. HIV/AIDS poses the greatest challenge to Uganda's citizens and places a burden on the country's resources through rising medical expenditures, absenteeism from work, the need to train replacement labor and labor shortages stemming from HIV/AIDS mortality and morbidity. The agricultural sector has already been seriously affected by the epidemic, and national capacity-building efforts are endangered. UNICEF will be implementing early childhood development to additional districts in the country. Community participatory approaches will be consolidated into a community dialogue tool that will be used to promote community participation and involvement. The Health and Nutrition Program will, in collaboration with other programs, support the local InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

107

government structures to implement community-based interventions with impact of child survival, growth and development within the early childhood framework. Malaria control and prevention at the community level will be a focus—improving casemanagement at health facilities and in the community, increasing the use of insecticidetreated materials and the availability of drugs for pregnant women and children under five. Backed by strong political commitment to revitalizing immunization, the focus will be to strengthen routine immunization services as funding permits, simultaneously completing scheduled measles and maternal/neonatal tetanus campaigns. Maternal health issues will be integrated into early childhood and the links explored with prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, HIV/AIDS, girls' education and adolescent health. UNICEF in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will support the Ministry of Healt h in carrying out a national assessment on emergency obstetric care and to determine strategies for improving deliveries in health facilities during the first quarter of 2003. UNICEF Response: Activities, Achievements and Constraints The Country Representatives of UNICEF and of the World Health Organization in Uganda appealed to all belligerents in Uganda to cease all hostilities between 14th and 21st October to allow for the mass immunization of children against measles. The WHO Representative and the UNICEF Representative made this appeal for "days of tranquility" in the conflict-affected areas to allow more than 50,000 vaccinators and community mobilizers to immunize every one of 12.7 million children in Uganda during the mass immunization campaign. UNICEF and WHO are the principal supporters of the campaign that is being conducted by the Ministry of Health of the Government of Uganda. The two Representatives reminded all parties in conflict, particularly those in northern and northeastern Uganda, that the parties to the conflict have an obligation to all the children of Uganda to ensure that they enjoy their right to health. In calling for an absolute cessation of hostilities during the week of the campaign, both UNICEF and WHO expect that vaccination teams will reach every part of Uganda and immunize every child from age 6 months to 15 years, irrespective of location, parentage, gender, race, religious creed, ethnic origin or political affiliation. UNICEF supports a psychosocial program to ensure that children affected by armed conflict (those displaced in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and formerly abducted children) have access to counseling and rehabilitation programs (for the latter group). The program helps young people support each other. Many schools have been displaced, with the result that normal schooling has been disrupted. Temporary Learning Centers have emerged to replace schools, with each centre catering to between 2,000 and 10,000 pupils. To ensure continuity of learning, UNICEF has supported construction of these centers and provided education materials so that young people remain in class. UNICEF is also supporting the training of teachers in integrated psychosocial support to help them with children who exhibit particularly serious emotional difficulties. It is InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

108

providing life skills to young people who return from captivity, who may feel they are too old for insertion in the lower grades. In addition, UNICEF is providing household non- food items such as blankets, jerricans, plates and cups to displaced households and supporting displaced communities to improve their sanitation by providing mobile latrines. UNICEF is also supporting supplementary feeding in IDP camps for severely malnourished children.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

109

United Methodist Committee on Relief US Contact Jennifer Poitras, Senior Program Officer – Africa 475 Riverside Drive, Suite # 1374 New York, NY 10115 Tel: 212 870 3552 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Main Office: Shaun Skelton, Head of Office 389 Avenue des Chutes Commune Lubumbashi Lubumbashi Democratic Republic of Congo Tel/Fax: +243 23-42662 (office) Tel: +243 81 508 47 84 (mobile) Email: umcordrc@ic- lubum.cd Representational Office: 240 Ave des Marais Centre Ville Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction to United Methodist Committee on Relief Responding to natural or man- made disasters, the mission of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is to alleviate human suffering with open minds to all religions and open hearts to all people. UMCOR is a humanitarian, non-proselytizing, agency of the United Methodist Church, providing transitional development and relief assistance internationally. By working collaboratively with local communities UMCOR assists them in restoring social stability, revitalizing community structures, and empowering their members to retake control of their lives.

UMCOR in the Democratic Republic of Congo The United Methodist Church (UMC) has a long and far-reaching presence in the DRC with an emphasis in the Katanga region, in southeastern DRC. UMCOR has been supporting activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1982. Its focus is to address some of the humanitarian needs that have arisen in the country. UMCOR’s efforts currently focus on the following sectors: Food Security and Agriculture, Nutrition, Education, Infrastructure, Health, and Community Development. When fighting broke out in the DRC with the civil war several years ago, the different conferences of the UMC rushed to assist Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees who had previously fled to the DRC due to fighting in their own countries. Assisting with these local efforts were UMCOR and its Eme rgency Services Office (ESO). UMCOR continues to support its local counterparts in their efforts to address the many needs that face the people of the DRC, regardless of their background or faith.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

110

In response to the extensive needs in the country, and in addition to supporting the operations of its local counterparts, the UMC decided to establish an office of its international NGO unit in the DRC and in October 2002, the United Methodist Committee on Relief-NGO (UMCOR-NGO) launched its operations. UMCOR-NGO works primarily in Katanga province, in the southeast of the country. UMCOR DRC’s main office is located in Lubumbashi, with a representational office in Kinshasa and a sub-office in Pweto. The following outlines the work being directed by UMCOR through its NGO unit: UMCOR’s NGO unit established the office in Pweto in March 2003 and began a pilot agricultural programme in the region with the assistance of a small grant. In June UMCOR received a major grant to implement a one-year Food Security Programme in the Lake Mwero region, based in Pweto. UMCOR is assisting 4000 farming and fishing families by distributing seeds, tools, bicycles, wheelbarrows, fishing nets, lanterns and small boats to rehabilitate the agricultural economy in the region which was devastated by war, thereby encouraging refugees and internally displaced persons to return to the area. The programme also includes training in improved agricultural techniques. Communities can benefit from the procurement of maize and sunflower seed processing mills and the construction of three market centres and hundreds of village- level improved food storage bins. Some 32,000 persons are expected to benefit directly from the programme. A community mobilization and agriculture training project has just been funded which will allow UMCOR to provide training in the Mulungwishi and Kamina areas of Katanga Province. This UMCOR component is part of the USAID Livelihoods Program, a larger project being implemented in Katanga province by PACT, another INGO, which is subgranting this component to UMCOR. UMCOR DRC received a grant to support girls’ scholarships and mentoring in Lubumbashi and rural areas in the Katanga region. The project is designed to assist girls who show academic promise but are at risk of dropping out of school, or have stopped attending school, due to inability to pay the tuition. Under this programme, UMCOR DRC provides scholarships, mentoring, and educational support to approximately 1500 primary school girls. In Kinshasa, UMCOR has received a grant to renovate the UMC Riverboat, which, when complete, will ferry medical supplies and other desperately needed goods up the Congo River into the interior of the country, which has been cut off from supply lines for years because of the war. UMCOR DRC is currently developing other programmes in the areas of reconstruction of roads, bridges and public buildings, emergency health, income generation, peace-building and the reintegration of ex-combatants. UMCOR DRC’s projects in the DRC have been supported by funding from the following: Action by Churches Together, United States Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, United States Agency for International Development/EDDI/Winrock, United States Office of InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

111

Transition Initiatives/CARE, United States Agency for International Development/PACT International, and the UMC’s General Board of Global Ministries. The following outlines the work being implemented by UMCOR through its local counterparts: UMC infrastructure UMCOR has provided infrastructure and shelter assistance with the grant generated by the Bishop’s Appeal “Hope for the Children of Africa.” This project has resulted in the building of schools, orphanages, churches and houses in all 3 Episcopal areas of the UMC in the DRC (Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Kamina) through the purchase of a brick making machine and the training of local technician in the use of the machine. Hunger, Nutrition, Health and Orphan Children Kinshasa and Kimpesse: Since 2000, UMCOR’s Emergency Services Unit has provided relief food to uprooted and vulnerable children at 2 sites in the outskirts of Kinshasa and in Kimpesse. The Kinshasa portion of this feeding program, as well as the activities outlined below in this section, are conducted at a clinic/feeding center located 60 km from Kinshasa recently built with funds from UMCOR. At the center UMCOR also supports supplementary and therapeutic feeding to malnourished children. This center includes a delivery room. Staff conduct workshops on nutrition for new and expectant mothers each quarter. UMCOR is assisting the above center, and other clinics, with emergency medicine. More than 100 Medicines Boxes have been shipped to the Congo since the program started in 2002. At a facility near the above center, UMCOR provides education, feeding, and shelter support to children abandoned or orphaned by war and HIV/AIDS. Kamina (North Katanga Province): UMCOR has conducted food distributions to IDPs families in Kamina and to remote places in the region. In addition, UMCOR provides food to children at feeding centers in Kamina. In 2003, UMCOR initiated a nutritional program. The aim of this initiative is to conduct practical training on nutrition and the growing and use of nutritional crop in meeting children’s nutritional needs. UMCOR is also working on health interventions in the area. Lubumbashi (Katanga Province): UMCOR continues to support care for orphans and abandoned children in housing constructed last year with UMCOR funds. Sustainable Agriculture and Development UMCOR started an agricultural development in 2003 with the support of several if its units and is an extension of UMCOR’s agricultural program in Kamina, in the North Katanga Province. This project is designed as a transitional tool leading the community from relief toward self- help. The focus of the program is on nutritional crops (starting with soy bean, Moringa tree etc.), income generating activities (bee-keeping), low- input agricultural technology and integrated pest management

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

112

USA for UNHCR US Contact Jeffrey Meer, Executive Director United States Association for UNHCR 1775 K Street, NW Suite 290 Washington, DC 20006 Tel: (800) 770-1100 Web: www.UNRefugees.org

Field Contact Please contact home office.

Introduction to USA for UNHCR Established by concerned U.S. citizens, USA for UNHCR builds support in the United States for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partners. USA for UNHCR supports refugee programs in camps around the world, meeting the needs of displaced persons by providing resources from American individuals, corporations, and foundations. In addition, the organization reaches out to educate Americans in the United States about the plight of refugees through public education programs and events. UNHCR is responsible for protecting over 20 million people worldwide, including refugees, internally displaced persons, stateless persons, and former refugees who have returned home or are in the process of doing so. As the largest international humanitarian organization, UNHCR and its partners provide food, water, shelter, medicine, and other types of assistance to refugees worldwide. The agency operates in 120 countries.

UNHCR’s general objectives in the Great Lakes region UNHCR’s objectives in the Great Lakes region are to promote refugee law, respect human rights, and find durable solutions for those displaced throughout the region, which includes voluntary repatriation and sustainable reintegration. A special emphasis is placed on refugee women and children, ethnic minorities, and unaccompanied minors. UNHCR reviews refugee situations, provides protection and humanitarian assistance, communicates with governments, and mobilizes financial and material assistance. Specifically, UNHCR provides health care, education, and nutrition initiatives, as well as programs to empower women and protect unaccompanied minors. The agency also focuses on awareness and prevention of sexual exploitation and gender-based violence against refugees. UNHCR also provides also provides shelter, security, and employment assistance to urban refugees. Programs in the Great Lakes region are in the following sectors: Refugee Protection and Solutions, Monitoring and Coordination, Disaster and Emergency Relief, Education and Training, Health and Nutrition, Water Management, Sanitation, Income Generation, Agriculture and Food Production, Domestic Needs / Household Support, Legal Assistance, InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

113

Shelter and other infrastructure, Transport and Logistics, and Operational Support to other agencies.

UNHCR in Burundi In Burundi, UNHCR supports the adoption of national refugee legislation to protect refugees and asylum-seekers. The agency also works to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees as well as the return of Burundian refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and other host countries. UNHCR provides income- generating activities for women, adult literacy classes, health services to urban refugees, programs to reunite families, and advice to help the government draft comprehensive refugee law. UNHCR and UNICEF regularly meet to discuss the activities to be carried out in favor of the return of unaccompanied minors. Since January 2003, UNHCR and the World Food Programme have cooperated on the provision and distribution of food items to refugees and returnees. The agency also continues to work with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on refugee and returnee related issues through meetings and training sessions. Recently, the governments of Burundi and Tanzania have agreed to open more border crossing points to help Burundian refugees return to the east and south of their country. Thus far, UNHCR has limited its repatriation efforts to relatively safe areas in the north. The agency is not encouraging repatriation to other areas of Burundi at this time due to instability and continued violence, although the Tanzanian government continues to hasten the process. UNHCR is developing plans to repatriate a large number of refugees to these areas safely in the future. The lack of a peace agreement in Burundi has precluded an end to the conflict. 600,000 Burundians are internally displaced, 100,000 in 2003. A total of 180,946 people are of concern to UNHCR. The total budget for the Burundi is $6,691,466.

UNHCR in the Democratic Republic of the Congo UNHCR’s main objectives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are to help implement the recently adopted refugee law, prepare the repatriation of refugees from Angola, Rwanda, and neighboring states, assist in the demobilization and disarmament of ex-soldiers within DRC, distribute appropriate identification documents to displaced persons, and decrease the reliance of the refugee populations on humanitarian assistance. Among refugee populations, UNHCR promotes self-sufficiency through incomegenerating activities, provides peace education and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, and assists in the demobilization and disarmament of ex-soldiers from Rwanda and Burundi who have fled to eastern DRC. The agency maintains strong contact with the UN observer mission to the DRC (MONUC), as well as with the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UN InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

114

Development Programme, WFP, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. Along with the Food and Agriculture Organization, UNHCR attempts to decrease aid-dependency among refugees. The agency hosts quarterly meetings with government authorities, aid organizations, and donors. More than 300,000 Congolese refugees remain in neighboring countries following a civil war that left 2.5 million dead due to combat, disease, and starvation. In addition, internally displaced persons number about 2 million. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ruud Lubbers, visited DRC in August 2003 to discuss the impending return of thousands of refugees and to formulate a plan to assist in their repatriation. Poor government organization in DRC contributes to a depressed economy, continuing ethnic conflict, and disastrous infrastructure. Obstacles to UNHCR revolve around the perception that refugees in camps enjoy better living conditions than the local population, living in dire poverty. A restrictive mandate, however, prevents UNHCR from helping DRC nationals. There are 183,080 people of concern to UNHCR in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNHCR’s budget for the country is $30,064,761, which includes funding for food, education, health, sanitation, shelter, water, and other basic necessities.

UNHCR in Rwanda UNHCR’s main objectives in Rwanda are to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS, genderbased violence, sexual exploitation of women and girls among refugees, and the environmental degradation in refugee-affected areas. The agency also assists in tracing the relatives of unaccompanied minors and facilitating the return of Rwandan refugees from neighboring countries. UNHCR promotes conservation and reforestation activities in the environmentally degraded countryside, provides fuel-efficient stoves in camps to reduce deforestation for firewood, reunifies unaccompanied minors with their families or with foster families, and addresses the gender inequality between males and females in education. The agency also works with the Joint Commission for Repatriation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of Rwandan Refugees, as well as the Ministry of Local Administration and Social Affairs, in the Rwandan government. Other partners include the World Food Programme and five NGOs, which assist in the distribution of food and non- food items, respectfully. In September 2003, UNHCR was able to repatriate a number of unaccompanied minors and demilitarized soldiers who fled following the 1994 genocide. Also in early September, Tanzanian authorities expelled nearly 1,000 Rwandans who had been screened and refused refugee status. UNHCR offered to assist in their return, but the refugees refused, insisting on remaining in Tanzania. Although Tanzania sought UNHCR’s help, the agency does not assist in the forced repatriation of refugees.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

115

A cease- fire agreement remains largely unimplemented, and instability prevents the repatriation of many displaced persons. In Rwanda, there are 49,000 people of concern to UNHCR. The total budget for Rwanda is $8,036,195.

UNHCR in Uganda UNHCR’s main objectives in Uganda are to provide international protection for refugees from Rwanda, the Sudan, and DRC, and to assist in the repatriation, local integration, resettlement, and self-reliance of both refugees in camps and urban areas. UNHCR encourages the participation of women in local agriculture, the creation of a school meal program in local refugee-hosting areas, and community service programs that allow refugees to help maintain infrastructure while improving relatio ns with locals. UNHCR encourages women and girls to attend high school and provides counseling for children who have experienced trauma. An environmental program has been developed, and the agency is maintaining several small tree nurseries. UNHCR maint ains close contact with other UN agencies and national and international NGOs. The agency works in cooperation with WFP on the School Feeding Program, which provides school meals in refugee-affected areas. UNHCR also partners with the office of the Prime Minister and the regional governments in the areas affected by Sudanese refugees. Recently, widespread crop failure in Uganda has left many self-reliant refugees to the mercy of international aid. The region has suffered from a civil conflict that has uprooted 1.2 million, many of whom are now facing a food crisis. UNHCR assists 189,690 persons in Uganda. The agency’s budget for Uganda is $15,774,204

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

116

World Relief US Contact David van Vuuren Vice President for International Ministries 7 East Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 Tel: 443-451-1900 Fax: 443-451-1955 Email: [email protected]

Field Contact Daniel Brose Great Lakes Regional Director BP 6052 Kigali, Rwanda Tel: 250-84664 Fax: 250-87190 Email: [email protected]

Introduction to World Relief The mission of World Relief, as originated within the US National Association of Evangelicals, is to work with, for, and from the Church in alleviating human suffering and poverty worldwide in the name of Jesus Christ.

World Relief in the Great Lakes Region World Relief works with local Christian churches and denominations to meet the needs of fractured communities and displaced people within the Great Lakes region of Central Africa – i.e., Burundi, Rwanda, and Eastern D.R. Congo. Programs focus on disaster relief, rehabilitation, and development, as shown in the following table: Sector

Burundi

Agriculture, Food Production Business Development, Cooperatives, Credit

[

Rwanda

D.R. Congo

[

[

[

[

[

Disaster and Emergency Relief

Planned

Education and Training

[

[

Planned

[

[

[

Gender Issues, Women in Development

[

Health Care

[

Human Rights, Peace, Conflict Resolution Refugee and Migration Services Rural Development

[

Planned

[

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

[ 117

World Relief in Burundi (WRB) World Relief began work in Burundi in 2003, although WRB has a history of encouraging the evangelical churches in Burundi since 2000. Burundi’s challenges include a political crisis that dates back beyond the assassination in 1993 of the country’s first and last democratically elected president. The on-going conflict, referred to by some as a slow-onset genocide, has resulted in massive increases in poverty and suffering. World Relief’s current programs in Burundi include microfinance and HIV/AIDS. The microfinance program is funded by a five-year USAID grant, in which both Congo and Burundi are included. This program will establish a lead microfinance institution in Burundi that will create a replicable model of sound microfinance practices. By the end of 2004, there will be 950 clients and a loan portfolio of $22,500. In parallel with the establishment of an MFI, WRB will also support a local microfinance lateral learning and action forum. World Relief will create a local network and actively encourage other players in the sector to join. Activities will originate in Bujumbura, but will quickly move out into the semi- urban centers throughout the country. World Relief has also recently initiated HIV/AIDS activities in Burundi. To start, we are translating many of our materials from Kinyarwanda (Rwanda) into Kirundi, these materials will then be printed and used to train church partners throughout Burundi. These and other HIV/AIDS materials will also be used to train clients in the microfinance program.

World Relief in Rwanda (WRR) World Relief entered Rwanda in a relief capacity in 1994 and is committed to facilitating the long-term development of the country. Since 1994, WRR has implemented a variety of relief and rehabilitation programs including shelter rehabilitation, orphan and widow aid, food distribution, and refugee resettlement. Since 1997, through its communitybanking program known as URWEGO, World Relief has extended credit through small loans to more than 13,000 active members. Most members of URWEGO are widows and individuals from poor families who cannot get credit through the commercial banking system because they do not have the required collateral. URWEGO has been continuously supported by USAID grants since 1998, and URWEGO is projected to be financially self sufficient by 2005. In 1999, WRR launched Mobilizing For Life, an AIDS program aimed at helping the church and its leadership to grapple with this enormous issue. This program, which is now in its fifth year of activity under USAID support, has produced Kinyarwanda publications for pastors, youth, church counselors and home care volunteers to assist them in responding to this problem. In 2001, WRR started a 5-year, USAID-funded, Child Sur vival program in Kibogora Health District, with the objective to support churches and the Health District in reducing mortality and morbidity among women and children under five. This community-based education program that focuses on diarrhea and hygiene, immunization, HIV/ AIDS, malaria, nutrition and maternal care has a goal of close integration with the church. In 2002, WRR started a value-added agricultural program, also with USAID support, in collaboration with our local partner, Solace Ministries. In this program we are redeveloping the essential oils industry in Rwanda, focusing first on production of organic eucalyptus and geranium oils—both of which have high value in Europe and the US for use in perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

118

World Re lief Rwanda is helping Rwanda one person at a time. When one person is assisted, the whole family benefits, and as families are empowered, the churches and communities gain strength. Rwanda is in need of just such an approach to build a strong foundation for the future and to strengthen her present social fabric. WRR continues in its long-term commitment to mobilize and build capacity within the Church to sustainably improve the lives of the poor, the suffering and the vulnerable in the name of Christ. In order to fully fulfill its mission with regard to the church, WRR recently started a specific program to develop and build capacity within Christian churches. It is indeed WRR’s vision and hope to keep increasing collaboration with the church to help them conduct holistic and sustainable ministries. We foresee this collaboration with the church as part of all our technical programs, but also through additional initiatives of capacity building and responses to specific needs. For example, we recently began mobilizing the Church to respond to the pressing needs arising from GACACA and the recent decision to release about 40,000 prisoners from the genocide. This collaboration with the Church will also include in the future support to agriculture development within the church communities so as to generate income in rural areas where the needs are most crying. With additional revenue, farmers could better cope with health and education expenses of their households.

World Relief in Eastern D.R. Congo (WRC) North Kivu province, once a major breadbasket for the rest of Congo, has suffered heavily since the outbreak of interethnic fighting in 1993. The agricultural cycle upon which 85% of the region’s inhabits depend has been repeatedly disrupted, and thousands of families have been forced to flee war and the rumors of war. Little by little many of these are returning, as the security situation shows improvement, and lately encouraged by the peace talks held in Pretoria. In most cases households return empty- handed, their homes, fields and livestock pillaged and destroyed. World Relief Congo, in cooperation with local church partners, has been active in North Kivu Province since 1993 through food aid and school/hospital rehabilitation work. In 2001, WRC established a country office in Goma, North Kivu, and at that time we began rural resettlement campaigns. The first resettlement campaign, in early 2002, brought hoes, seeds, seed protection food and household kits to 6000 families in the Rutshuru Territory, and later that year the second campaign similarly aided 3000 families in Masisi Territory. 2003 saw third and fourth campaigns, once again in Rutshuru and Masisi territories, with a complete resettlement packages to almost 10,000 additional families. In late 2003, WRC is going to start microfinance activities in North Kivu, with the plan to also extend these activities to South Kivu Province. This program, funded by a five-year USAID grant, will establish a lead microfinance institution in the region that will create a replicable model of sound microfinance practices. By the end of 2004, there will be 775 clients and a loan portfolio of $18,325. In parallel with the establishment of a microfinance institution, WRC will also establish a local microfinance lateral learning and action forum. World Relief will create a local network and actively encourage other players in the sector to join.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

119

World Vision US Contact Robert Solem East Africa Program Officer International Programs Group World Vision US 300 "I" Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Tel: 202-572-6309

Field Contact Maereg Tafere, National Director World Vision Burundi 111 Uprona Blvd. Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: (257) 21 5669, 21835

Introduction to World Vision World Vision International is a Christian Relief and Development Organization working for the well being of all people, especially children. Through emergency relief, education, health care, economic development and promotion of justice, World Vision helps communities help themselves.

World Vision in Burundi World Vision has been involved in Burundi since 1963. World Vision’s current strategy is to focus its resources on two provinces, Karuzi and Muyinga, providing an array of complementary projects that address both the immediate needs of the population and promote long-term community development. The value of World Vision Burundi’s projects in FY03 is approximately $6,000,000. Current activities include, but are not limited to: • • • • • • • • • • •

Improving agriculture productivity (introducing improved seeds, tools, and other technologies) Community grain banks Income generating activities Health and nutrition HIV/AIDS awareness raising and prevention Peace and Reconciliation Support to health and education services School feeding and gardening Capacity building (training of staff, community, and government employees) Emergency food distribution (only for drought-affected people) Support for returnees, IDPs, etc.

Major Projects The UNDP Integrated Agricultural Project (April 2003 – July 2004) is designed to build on the lessons learned implementing an OFDA (USAID) funded food security program over the past five years. This project, with a budget of $1,142,172, aims to increase food availability, accessibility, and utilization through improved natural resource management, increased agricultural production and incomes, and improved household nutrition for approximately 52,810 families in the provinces of Muyinga and Karuzi where food InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

120

security is a major concern. The project has four objectives: 1) increasing agricultural production, 2) reducing post harvest losses and facilitating marketing of crops, 3) increasing income through provision of micro-credit, and 4) reducing malnutrition levels, especially among children under five years of age. The Post Harvest and Food Preservation Project (June 2002 - April 2004) is funded by World Vision Canada with a budget of $124,688. Operating in Karuzi province, the project objectives are: 1) to decrease the post harvest crop losses by 50 percent; 2) to assist farmers to conserve perishable food commodities, and 3) to provide farmers with training in marketing of farm surpluses to generate income. These activities are multidisciplinary in nature, involving harvesting, handling, storage, processing, milling, and marketing. The School Feeding Program was initiated in June 2002 and targets 46 schools in Karuzi province. The objective of the program is to increase school attendance, particularly by girls. WFP provides food and the Belgian government provides funding for purchase of non- food items and for construction of kitchens and latrines. The German government also provides non- food items and de-worming medicine. World Vision Burundi is the lead agency in the General Food Distribution Project in Karuzi Province in collaboration with World Food Program. World Vision Burundi and the WFP are currently targeting 42,588 beneficiaries in Karuzi Province. Last year, in addition to WFP distribution, World Vision Burundi also collaborated with the FAO to provide seeds to needy families. World Vision Burundi’s privately funded Mobile Health and HIV/AIDS Project began in February 2003 and focuses on providing medical assistance to returnees, IDPs, and needy communities. The project provides basic preventive and curative medical care in Muyinga and Karuzi provinces. In addition, the mobile health facility provides education in basic health care, HIV/AIDS awareness, sanitation and personal hygiene. The project helped establish HIV/AIDS Prevention Clubs in 23 primary schools and 20 secondary schools in Muyinga Province, and 7 Secondary Schools in Karuzi Province. World Vision has been working with unaccompanied children since 1995 in Karuzi, Gitega, Kayanza, and Ngozi provinces, addressing problems of food security, children’s rights, family tracing and reunification, and providing trauma support to war-affected children. In February 2003, World Vision launched a new children’s program in Karuzi, KIDS II, with funding from CIDA. This project provides 2,000 orphans and vulnerable children with access to health care, education, improved shelter, basic household items, and training in income generation. To complement the work of KIDS II, World Vision Canada has funded the KIDS III/FAST Project that provides agricultural training, seeds and tools to the same beneficiaries. Preparing Communities for the Return of Displaced Persons (September 2003 – August 2004) is an OFDA (USAID) funded activity with a budget of $1,855,709. It targets 38,395 beneficiaries in Karuzi and Muyinga, and promotes the sustainable and peaceful InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

121

reintegration of displaced persons and returnees into local communities. The project is being implemented in partnership with CARE International/Burundi and the major activities are in the areas of health, education, water and sanitation and peace building. World Vision Burundi’s privately funded Peace and Reconciliation/Christian Impact Project is designed to promote peace and reconciliation amongst Burundians, both at the leadership level as well as at the grassroots level. Burundians leaders of different faiths and different ethnic groups are brought together at meetings and retreats to design a strategy to promote their unified involvement in peace and reconciliation activities in the country. The project also promotes peace building with 1,000 primary and secondary school children using various techniques such as theatre. Program Locations WV is currently operational in two provinces in the northern part of the country, Karuzi and Muyinga, impacting approximately 804,509 people (12% of the total population of Burundi). These two provinces were selected as target areas due to their relatively high rates of poverty. WV has been active in Karuzi for the past five years, and in Muyinga for the past three years.

InterAction Member Activity Report for Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda December 2003

122