The “Resilience and Social Cohesion Programme (RSCP) - Strengthening the resilience of host communities and Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq (Kurdistan)” is a regional Programme funded by the European Union Trust Fund “MADAD” and implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the French Development Agency (AFD) with a total budget of EUR 22,045,500. The component implemented by the Italian Cooperation has a total allocation of EUR 12,595,500. It aims at improving the coverage and quality of basic social services provided to the most vulnerable host communities affected by the influx of Syrian refugees, as well as to the Syrian refugees (and IDPs in Iraqi Kurdistan), while empowering local communities socially and economically and decreasing inter and intra-community tensions. Moreover, in line with national priorities (crisis response plans), it aims at building the capacities of national institutions, both at central and local levels, and at strengthening the role of the civil society (NGOs and CSOs), providing effective instruments to enable the development of medium and long-term sustainable delivery solutions.

In April 2022, the European Union Regional Trust Fund and AICS, together with the Municipality of Al Wassatiyah, completed the rehabilitation of 12,200 m2 of sub-roads and 2,900 m2 of sidewalks.

The intervention has strongly improved the hygiene level and accessibility to public utilities, markets and schools for approximately 36,000 individuals and neighborhoods where the works took place.

209 beneficiaries (198 men and 11 women) have benefited from job opportunities provided by the project for 10,200 working days. 59% from the host communities and 41% from Syrian refugees.

Each beneficiary has been remunerated with an average salary of EUR 817 for 40 days of work.