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 Um Al Quttien and Al-Mukeifteh, completed the rehabilitation of a 23,500 m2 water channel crossing a village and the construction of 3.3 Km of sidewalks in the populated areas of the municipality.

The intervention has provided better access to hospitals, markets, schools and other facilities for approximately 19,400 individuals and strongly contributed to the prevention of damages caused by torrential rain.

361 beneficiaries (351 men and 10 women) have benefited from job opportunities provided by the project for 12,300 working days. 74% from the host communities and 26% from Syrian refugees.

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