ReliefWeb

Executive Summary

The primary objective of CARE Jordan’s 2010/11 Refugee Program was to ensure that displaced Iraqi families in Jordan were assisted and provided with a dignified life until they have access to durable solutions. This was broken down do the specific objectives that vulnerable Iraqi families in Jordan better cope with their situation of displacement and live in improved conditions through (1) non food items and cash assistance (2) access to psycho-social support and (3) training and group activities to foster confidence and self esteem.

The key issues affecting vulnerable Iraqi refugees in Jordan continue to be poverty, a lack of access to employment and psychological problems resulting from the loss and trauma. The majority of vulnerable Iraqi refugees in Jordan do not have a legal permit to live in the country. Less than one third of Iraqi refugees registered with UNHCR have residency. In order to work it is necessary to have a work contract in addition to residency and it is estimated that only one out of five of the poorest refugees have a work permit.

The poorest households arrived in Jordan without savings, and as the majority is unable to access the labor market they are dependent on cash payments and material assistance from humanitarian agencies.

The objective of this evaluation was to measure and assess the impact of the provision of material and cash assistance on the target population and the effectiveness of the projected activities in achieving the intended impact. Additionally the evaluation includes some background on CARE’s approach to ensuring gender equity in the provision of assistance and the specific targeting of vulnerable groups including Female Head of Households.

A gender lens approach was adopted to explore the specific material needs of women and men of different ages in order to determine whether there are vulnerable groups who were not previously receiving Material Assistance and Psychosocial support from project. The methodology involved focus groups of women and men of different ages as well as single and married men and women, home visits and phone interviews.

This evaluation study found that CARE has responded to the needs of vulnerable Iraqis with relevant and efficient interventions. The main finding of this evaluation is that beneficiaries perceived considerable short term benefits from the provision of Material Assistance and Cash Assistance and that this to some degree contributed to an increased sense of wellbeing. 88% of responded stated that Material Assistance had contributed to the long term stability and well being of their families. 75% of beneficiaries either stated or demonstrated in house visits that their living conditions had been improved. 92% stated CARE’s cash and material assistance has helped them to support themselves or their families in the short term. 31 % of beneficiaries of Material Assistance were from Female Headed Households. 85 % of beneficiaries of Emergency Cash stated that the cash assistance received had helped them to solve an immediate problem. 90% of Elderly beneficiaries in particular stated that Material Assistance had significantly improved their living circumstances and many mentioned that the additional service of arrange transportation and deliver of items had made a significant difference to them.