Empowering Returnee Communities with Sustainable WASH Solutions in Kunar, Laghman, and Nangarhar Provinces ltpgtThe proposed "ltbgtltigtEmpowering Returnee Communities with Sustainable WASH Solutions in Kunar, Laghman, and Nangarhar Provinceslt/igtlt/bgt" that shall be implemented by DACAAR aims to address the critical water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs of vulnerable returnee populations, particularly focusing on women and children. The project targets seven districts within these provinces, selected due to their high rates of returnees and acute water scarcity exacerbated by prolonged drought conditions. With a budget of $595,615, the project intends to directly benefit 10,480 individuals through life-saving interventions and improve the overall health and well-being of approximately 16,198 vulnerable people by enhancing access to clean water and promoting hygienic practices.ltbrgtThe project outcomes are centered on two primary goals: enhancing access to clean water and improving hygiene practices. The first outcome focuses on increasing access to clean drinking water for 7,000 individuals. To achieve this, DACAAR will provide safe drinking water through regular water trucking operations, rehabilitate three key water systems, and install six handwashing stations in strategic locations. These activities will ensure that communities have continuous access to safe drinking water and that handwashing facilities are user-friendly and accessible to all, including women, children, and individuals with disabilities.ltbrgtThe second outcome aims to improve hygiene practices among 1,000 families through the distribution of culturally appropriate hygiene kits and hygiene education sessions. The hygiene kits, containing items approved by the WASH Cluster such as soap, menstrual hygiene products, and sanitation materials, will be distributed to the most vulnerable families. Educational sessions will accompany the distribution to promote sustainable hygiene behaviors. Post-distribution monitoring will be conducted to ensure the correct usage of the kits and to gather feedback from beneficiaries, particularly focusing on women and individuals with disabilities to ensure their needs are met.ltbrgtThe project emphasizes community engagement throughout its lifecycle. DACAAR will collaborate closely with target groups and key stakeholders during the assessment, implementation, and monitoring phases to ensure that the views and recommendations of local communities are thoroughly integrated into the project design. Regular monitoring visits will track progress and address any operational challenges, while feedback mechanisms will be established to collect and incorporate community input. This structured approach ensures that the project remains responsive to the needs and inputs of the community, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration, and ultimately contributing to the sustainability and success of the WASH interventions.ltbrgtThe project places a strong emphasis on Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), disability inclusion, and gender equality to ensure that all interventions are equitable and inclusive. AAP will be maintained through transparent processes and multiple feedback mechanisms, such as suggestion boxes, community meetings, and hotlines, allowing beneficiaries to voice their concerns and suggestions. These feedback channels will ensure that the project remains responsive to the community's needs and fosters a sense of ownership among beneficiaries. Disability inclusion will be a cornerstone of the project, with facilities such as water points, latrines, and handwashing stations designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, including the installation of ramps and handrails. Gender inclusion will be integrated into all project activities, ensuring that women and girls are actively involved in planning and implementation. Female staff will engage with women beneficiaries to address their specific needs, and hygiene kits will include items tailored for women and girls, such as menstrual hygiene products. ltbrgtlt/pgt