Project summary

The project aims to address pressing needs to create jobs, improve livelihoods and build resilience for poor and vulnerable ethnic remittance-dependent communities - especially returned migrants, women & youth – to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remittances have been a lifeline for many rural communities in Southeast Myanmar. However, the reduction of remittances will potentially have devastating consequences for these communities. The target areas of the operation will be in both mixed Government and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAO) administrated areas in Kayin and Mon State. The project is comprised of two specific Outputs.

• Short-term employment provided through cash for work programmes in the construction or improvement of WASH facilities and other essential small-scale public infrastructure in poor, remittance dependent, communities in rural areas.

• Short certified TVET courses and non-certified livelihoods and construction training delivered that increase skills and employability of people in remittance dependent communities for domestic and migrant workers.

The project will provide employment opportunities through the improvement of community-demanded rural infrastructure and the provision of livelihoods-related skills training (including certified TVET courses)for the poor and vulnerable ethnic remittance dependent communities that are home to the pandemic affected migrant workers. Possible types of infrastructure that could be considered include basic healthcare facilities, school buildings, WASH facilities, irrigation/agriculture works, and access improvement infrastructure (like footbridges and footpaths). Community-based contractors will engage in the delivery of the works and these contractors will also benefit through the contracts provided to them (along with the necessary training). Besides, an inclusive participatory approach will be used in the selection of the beneficiaries, with a focus on beneficiaries from the most vulnerable and poor remittance-dependent households, including youth. In the selection of the beneficiaries, a gender balance will be maintained and, to the extent possible, persons living with a disability will also be included.