As part of the Caritas India PROCAP project, a two-day Inception meeting and Program Orientation for Implementing PROCAP Programme was held on the 7th and 8th of June 2022 in Aizawl, Mizoram. The orientation helped the project staff and partner organisation team members to gain an understanding of the concept, objectives, and implementation strategies of PROCAP Program.

PROCAP’s main goal is to ensure food security of 9,760 forcibly displaced population (FDP), access to essential WaSH infrastructure to 18,720 forcibly displaced population and the most vulnerable host communities,  1,790 forcibly displaced population and the most vulnerable host communities to live in planned and coordinated settlement with improved access to essential services, 18720 women, men, girls and boys have access to appropriate protection services to claim their rights and to improve the safety, dignity, and overall protective environment of forcibly displaced populations and most vulnerable communities in Manipur and Mizoram India. Supported by European Union, the program also promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for long-term development by ensuring universal access to justice and establishing effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Fr. (Dr.) Paul Moonjely, Executive Director, Caritas India welcomed representatives of Caritas Austria, consortium members, partners directors, and all participants to the PROCAP orientation, and he has insisted on our explicit responsibility to reach the unreached, marginalised communities during times of crisis and make the community feel safe and comfort. He also emphasised Caritas India’s new opportunity to serve the needy and underprivileged community through various activities under the PROCAP project. All staff members, partners, and other responsible individuals are asked to perform their duties with passion and compassion for the well-being of the forcibly displaced population and the most vulnerable host communities and make them live a safe and dignified life.

Mr.Erik Van Ommering, Head of Middle East / Asia Region – Caritas Austria, encouraged everyone to be more courageous and keep looking for opportunities to collaborate to work for the common good of the underprivileged. He also insisted on following all project implementation protocols to ensure the quality and accountability of the services.

The Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura initiated a discussion on  ‘Program Expectations and Partnerships, he invited partners to comprehend the programme deliverables and carry forward the spirit of service to humanity. The implementing team to imbibe the hardship of the community in their lives and get involved in bringing change in the lives of FDP.

During his program result expectation speech Mr. Ghanshyam Jethwa – HoP , Caritas India explained briefly the results expected for the intervention are to be qualified with a qualitative manner. He especially requested the implementation team to focus on the results of Food Security, WaSH, Shelters, Protection and MEAL.

Fr. Michael and Fr. Biju (implementing Partners Directors) shared their valuable thoughts during the inaugural ceremony. Fr. Michael said that Church needs to be more proactive to support the marginalized community especially who are in crisis. He also thanked ECHO, Caritas Austria, Caritas India leadership for coming forward and extending the support for the people of Mizoram and Manipur.

Following the Inauguration, the two-day orientation began with a self-introduction led by Mr. Anjan, Thematic Lead HA&DRR, who also shared his presentation on Project Context, JDNA findings, and project results. During this session, Mr. Anjan explained the results, RMB, specific activities, output, outcomes, and Impact, and detailed the results such as food security and shelters. Ms. Leesa from Caritas Austria shared the official communication protocols and procedures and also describes the communication channel (ECHO- Caritas Austria- Caritas India- Partners). Ms.Vera Moll, Caritas Austria shared reporting procedures. Mr. Dilessh Varghese, Lead MEAL, explained the MEAL structure, Plan, Baseline, PDM, KAP, and Verification Method. Ms. Jancy, Mr. Nixion, and Matteo led the session on PROCAP finance, Finance Management, Budget overview, Procurement Process, and SAFI software. Mr. Babulu Sarkar finally shared a detailed implementation plan.

It was a very productive and fruitful Inception meeting and Program Orientation for the PROCAP Program Implementation team. The participants were satisfied with the session and stated that they were able to learn new things and understand the program’s concept, objectives, expected outcomes, and results through various sessions and discussions. Overall, the two-day programme was effective.