Community-led multisectoral humanitarian assistance for crisis-affected vulnerable populations in Kachin, Myanmar The proposed project “Community-led multisectoral humanitarian assistance for crisis-affected vulnerable populations in Kachin, Myanmar” provides emergency assistance in Education in Emergencies (EiE), Protection, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) to disproportionately affected gender and age groups in 8 vulnerable townships across Kachin. Project oversight and technical leads ActionAid Myanmar (AAM) and AVSI Foundation together with local partners Grip Hands Organizations (GHO), Dai Fin Social Services (DFSS), Serve the World (STW), and Lisu Civil Society Organization (LCSO), propose a harmonized approach to achieve better impact, leverage strengths, achieve program efficiency and value for money. GHO will work on all sectors in Bhamo, Mansi and Momauk STW in Myitkyina, Waingmaw, Hpakant, Sumprabum LCSO in Myitkyina and Waingmaw DFSS in Chipwi and Waingmaw AVSI on EiE in Bhamo and Momauk.
Assessments conducted by the consortium point to a dire humanitarian situation: COVID-19 (C-19) is on the rise while testing and vaccination is sidelined. Cash shortages due to the near collapse of banking services, price hikes and disrupted supply chains expose vulnerable populations to environmental and protection risks. Fighting between the military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has displaced 8,500 individuals to newly formed camps. Armed groups are fragmenting into different parties with forced recruitment and deployment. Unclaimed IED attacks targeting government-aligned civilians have occurred in urban settings. 
Sector specific results show drop in enrollment and attendance rates Schools in NGCAs areas are overwhelmed by transfers from government schools. Multiple shocks have left those living in camps feeling helpless, prone to structural violence, abuse and mine-risks. Lack of infrastructure impedes access to basic services and magnifies impacts of climate change. Vulnerable women and children are forced into risk-taking behavior exposing them to exploitation apart from being burdened with unpaid housework no decision-making power and the least access to basic services. Children are unable to access their rights and are exposed to forced recruitment. Treatments of C-19 is left largely discontinued and access to WASH services is becoming increasingly difficult. 
This grant request will prioritize women and youth. All activities will mainstream C-19 prevention, women’s participation, accountability to affected populations (AAP) through MampE and community feedback mechanisms it will standardize activities, transfer values and kit contents. The project aims to improve access to education, increase the community’s awareness and capacity to address women’s and children's rights, improve women’s participation amp community-level decision making. For land mine victims, it provides Improved access to assistance. Lastly, WASH services will prevent the spread of disease and infections.
We will be guided by priorities in the First Standard Allocation (FSA) of the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), mainstream cross-cutting themes in protection, AAP, gender, disability inclusion and cash. Particular attention is given to allocation strategies on 1. Age, gender and diversity - reaching the most vulnerable 2. Harmonized approach and complementarity - avoiding duplication 3. Localization - leverage partnerships with CSOs who have experience and access, 4. Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and 5. COVID-19 - protective equipment, distancing measures and remote working.
Operational, security, safety and financial risk and the corresponding mitigating measures will be in place, risk registers will be regularly updated and communicated to project stakeholders. A detailed monitoring and evaluation plan will be implemented measuring indicators, applying lessons learned and documenting recommendations. Sustainability or handover strategies including funding advocacy will be explored for the project’s duration.