HEKS/EPER Romania in Eastern DRC, July 2024  

HEKS/EPER Romania in Eastern DRC, July 2024  

In July 2024, key members of the HEKS/EPER Romania Foundation conducted a field visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) funded projects, providing an “Emergency multi-sectoral response to the most vulnerable populations affected by conflict and outbreaks in Eastern DRC.”

The visit was essential for complete the final report for the previous ECHO-funded project which was implemented over 24 months and concluded in late May 2024, as well as laying the groundwork for the coordination of the new project directly funded by ECHO in the DRC to HEKS/EPER Romania. This new intervention started in June 2024 targets hard-to-reach areas in Eastern DRC (North Kivu, South Kivu and Maniema) and aims to meet the basic needs of communities affected by the current armed conflict. The interventions include emergency road rehabilitation for humanitarian axes and the distribution of unconditional cash assistance.

Throughout the visit, the team worked closely with the HEKS/EPER DRC delegation to review financial documentation, strengthen coordination, and provide training on ECHO procedures.

The team successfully achieved the objectives, providing key recommendations where needed to prevent future discrepancies.

A courtesy visit with the ECHO field representatives took place in Goma during this visit.

Despite the inability to visit field sites due to security concerns, the visit proved successful in strengthening the coordination between HEKS/EPER Romania and HEKS/EPER in DRC. The outcomes of this visit will serve as a foundation for future project management, ensuring that the team is well-prepared for funding cycles. Regular coordination meetings and improved reporting processes have been established to ensure continuous quality in project execution.