Who are we

General overview of the PAAF

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE GIRLS’ LEARNING AND EMPOWERMENT PROJECT (PAAF)
1.1 Project Development Objective and Scope
The Girls’ Learning and Empowerment Project (known by its French acronym, PAAF) is an initiative of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), funded with support from the World Bank. The project’s development objective is to improve safe and equitable access—particularly for girls—as well as teaching and learning conditions in secondary schools within selected provinces. The project will be implemented in the following DRC provinces: Ituri, Kasaï, Kasaï Central, Kasaï Oriental, and South Kivu.

1.2 Context and Objectives of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan
Stakeholder engagement is an inclusive process conducted throughout the lifecycle of a development project. It is a continuous, iterative process through which a project identifies individuals affected by its decisions and activities, as well as others with an interest in the implementation and outcomes of those decisions and the project itself. When designed and implemented appropriately, it fosters strong, constructive, and open relationships, which are essential for effectively managing a project’s environmental and social risks and impacts. Stakeholder engagement is most effective when initiated early in the project development process and integrated into decision-making throughout the project lifecycle, as well as into the assessment, management, and monitoring of the project’s environmental and social risks and impacts.
Stakeholder engagement for a project is a process that facilitates the establishment of a direct dialogue with stakeholders. It takes into account the diverse access and information needs of various groups and individuals—particularly those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable—and pays special attention to issues surrounding communication and physical accessibility.

This Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has been developed to meet these requirements and in accordance with Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 10: Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure, part of the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework.
This SEP is considered a living document, which is reviewed and updated following periodic consultations with stakeholders, in light of the evolution of the project, its activities, and the impacts generated.

Paaf project context

Describe the context that led to the creation of the program and the texts that govern it.

History

Trace the key stages of the program since its launch.

Vision

Articulate the long-term vision underpinning the PAAF.