Warmth and Relief: Empowering Vulnerable Families in Badakhshan Province through Winter Assistance ltpgtltspangtWADAN is pleased to present a comprehensive project proposal aimed at providing critical winterization assistance to vulnerable households in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan. The project is part of the AHF 2023 1st Standard Allocation and has been designed to support 1528 households (over 10,696 project participants) who face critical climatic conditions during the harsh Afghan winter.lt/spangtlt/pgtltpgtBadakhshan is one of the most challenging regions in Afghanistan - with extreme temperatures, high levels of displacement, and widespread poverty. Many communities and households are living in inadequate or makeshift shelters without sufficient heating, making them vulnerable to severe health risks such as respiratory infections, pneumonia, and hypothermia. To address this need, WADAN will provide seasonal winterization support to households affected by recent shocks in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. The proposed project will target the districts of Shaki, Yawan, Khwahan, Kohistan, and Raghistan, known for their harsh climatic conditions, high snowfall, and vulnerable populations. WADAN's winterization assistance package includes a cash assistance program for heating/fuel, Blankets, and Winter clothing.WADAN's initial assessments will be carried out based on need analysis and vulnerability scores, ensuring that the assistance is targeted at the most vulnerable households and communities. The organization aims to reach between 305 and 306 households in each of the targeted districts, depending on their needs and vulnerability. The cash assistance will be a one-time payment of $200 in Afghanis (approx. 15,600 Afghanis) through local MSPs. Beneficiaries will have the flexibility to purchase heating materials of their choice such as firewood, coal, kerosene, gas, or any other necessary item that helps keep their homes warm during the winter months.ltbrgtThe distribution of blankets and winter clothing to all project participants will be a one-time payment of $131 ($57 for blankets, and $74 for winter clothes). This winterization assistance package will help empower the project beneficiaries by offering them a choice in terms of the type and size of Blankets and winter clothing. The provision of cash assistance will also improve the economic well-being of the project's beneficiaries by reducing their reliance on harmful coping mechanisms during extreme weather conditions.ltbrgtWADAN will also conduct community mobilization and awareness campaigns to encourage project beneficiaries to make optimal use of the provided winterization assistance and prepare themselves fully for the harsh winter conditions. The objectives of this project are to provide winterization assistance to vulnerable households, reduce the protection risks associated with harmful coping mechanisms in IDP settlements and displacement areas, enable vulnerable households to better prepare for the harsh winter conditions, and reduce the risk of hypothermia, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections among the project's beneficiaries.ltbrgtWADAN will engage with the cluster,  community organizations, community leaders, host communities, and government institutions such as ANDMA, MORR,  MOEC, and relevant provincial directorates to implement the project in the region. WADAN's technical staff will work closely with these stakeholders to identify the most vulnerable households and communities in the region and ensure that the assistance is delivered in a timely and efficient manner.ltbrgtIn conclusion, WADAN's proposed winterization assistance project promises to support the most vulnerable households and communities in Badakhshan Province and contribute to their economic and health well-being during extreme winter conditions. The project adheres to high professional standards and best practices in the implementation of humanitarian assistance projects, making it both competitive and successful.lt/pgtltpgtlt/pgt