From April 21–22, 2016, the RHF project team carried out a critical planning exercise focused on the development of the project’s first quarter implementation plan and budget in alignment with the approved project budget. This step was a necessary preparatory activity, ensuring that all interventions for the quarter were well-structured, costed, and strategically phased to achieve maximum impact.
During the two-day session, the team worked collaboratively to map out activities for the initial phase of the project. These first-quarter activities were designed to lay a strong foundation for successful project delivery and included:
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Entry-level activities aimed at introducing the project to target communities, engaging stakeholders, and creating awareness about its objectives.
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Capacity building and training for community volunteers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support project implementation, particularly in the areas of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) care and Home-Based Care (HBC) for People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
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Enrolment of OVCs in the targeted communities, using standardized tools and procedures to ensure proper documentation and assessment.
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Provision of services to enrolled OVCs, including psychosocial support, educational assistance, and health referrals as required.
The planning process also involved detailed costing of each activity, ensuring that the budget was realistic, aligned with donor guidelines, and sufficient to cover all essential expenses. By the end of the exercise, the team had produced a comprehensive first-quarter implementation plan and budget that clearly outlined timelines, responsibilities, and expected outcomes.
The completed plan and budget were successfully submitted to the Bayelsa State Agency for the Control of AIDS (BYSACA) for review and approval, marking a key milestone in preparing the project for effective rollout in the target communities.
