Quarterly Progress Report QPR-012 Marginalized Populations Support Activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina Contract No. AID-168-I-15

Quarterly Progress Report QPR-012

Marginalized Populations Support Activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Contract No. AID-168-I-15-00001

April 2018 This publication was produced by the Contractor for review by the United States Agency for International Development. 1

QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT

MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS SUPPORT ACTIVITY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (PPMG)

Report No. QPR-012

April 2018

Contract No.: AID-168-I-15-00001

Task Orders: AID-168-TO-15-00001 AID-168-TO-15-00002 AID-168-TO-15-00003 AID-168-TO-15-00011 AID-168-TO-15-00012 AID-168-TO-16-00001 AID-168-TO-17-00001 AID-168-TO-17-00002

The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

CONTENTS

1. DOCUMENT REVISIONS ...... 1 2. Acronyms ...... 2 3. Executive Summary ...... 3 3.1. Project Background ...... 3 4. activity highlights ...... 5 2. Conference held on early detection of developmental disabilities in children ...... 6 5. Interventions and Achievements ...... 8 5.1. Task order: AID-168-I-15-00001 ...... 8 5.2. Task order: AID-168-I-15-00003 ...... 22 5.4. OTHER ACTIVITIES ...... 34 WHO PROVIDES CARE TO PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN SARAJEVO CANTON AND FBIH? ...... 34 6. FINANCIAL REPORT ...... 35

1. DOCUMENT REVISIONS

Version Date Person Comment

2. ACRONYMS

CO Contracting Officer COR Contracting Officer’s Representative OCA Organizational Capacity Assessment PPMG Marginalized Populations Support Activity QFP Quarterly Financial Report QPR Quarterly Progress Report SOW Statement of Work TO Task Order USAID U.S. Agency for International Development

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3.1. PROJECT BACKGROUND

Total Funding: $3.4 million Project Duration: February 2015 – February 2020 Implementing Partner: Institute for Youth Development KULT Approved Subcontractor: NGO & Business Audit d.o.o.

The Challenge While the international community has long supported activities that facilitate the inclusion of marginalized populations in civic and political decision making in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), these groups are often overlooked or ignored by the BiH Government. As a result, many citizens – youth, women, religious minorities, Romani, disabled persons, minority returnees and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons – remain unheard and excluded from mainstream social, cultural, economic and political life. Youth are disaffected. Romani, largely disenfranchised, are excluded from decision-making processes, while most cannot get the skills or training they need to join the labor market. Persons with disabilities are marginalized from early childhood. Many are institutionalized and lack access to basic education in mainstream schools. Women’s participation in political and public life is extremely low. BiH society continues to abhor the idea of homosexuality and most institutions ignore discrimination or violent acts against LGBT persons. In fear for their physical safety, most of them stay hidden from the public sphere, and, as a result, LGBT activism is weak. A new marginalized group emerged in the aftermath of the 2014 floods, when 40,000 people were displaced. Assistance is still needed to provide economic and social stability to help flood-affected citizens from the most marginalized groups rebuild their lives.

Our Activity USAID’s Marginalized Populations Support Activity supports activities of local organizations that advocate for the rights, empowerment and dignity of underrepresented groups of BiH society, and builds the capacity of local NGOs, BiH institutions and USAID implementing partners to do so. Providing underrepresented groups with opportunities to participate in civic and political issues, through their engagement in civil society organizations, will ensure that the government recognizes them as necessary and respectable partners in policy development.

Implementation and Expected Results The Activity provides grants to local organizations that promote the rights and dignity of marginalized populations and to enhance their performance and management capacity through formal classroom training, mentorship and one-on-one coaching. Training topics include legal structures, financial management, human resources, internal control systems, project performance management, procurement systems, organizational sustainability, and monitoring and evaluation. The Activity also builds the capacity of USAID partners, institutions and government leaders to promote and protect the rights of these underrepresented citizens. A component of the Activity is designed to respond flexibly and swiftly to public demand for humanitarian and other material assistance.

By the end of the project’s life, the activity will:  Strengthen the performance of at least 40 BiH NGOs and other organizations, including associations, civil society organizations, BiH institutions, and small and medium-sized enterprises;

 Enhance the performance of at least 75 current USAID local partners, to enhance their performance and management capacity through group trainings; and  Build the expertise of at least 75 BiH government leaders of municipalities and ministries collaborating with USAID.

4. ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS

In the January – March 2018 reporting period, the following are the most notable activities of the Service Centers for Supporting Families of Children and Persons with Developmental Disabilities in Tuzla, Dajte nam šansu in Sarajevo and the Association «EDUS – Education for all».

1. Service Center SOCi will continue providing free support to families of children and persons with disabilities in Tuzla

The Service Center for Supporting Families of Children and Persons with Developmental Disabilities “Socl” has a growing number of users, since their target population is not provided with systemic support. USAID's Marginalized Populations Support Activity (USAID/PPMG) provided the SC with BAM 64,000 KM, which is sufficient for funding the SC for the next two years. The grant agreement was signed at the Center, on February 27, 2018 by Jasmin Bešić, Chief of Party of USAID/PPMG and Alma Dizdarević, Director of the Association for Human Rights and Social Inclusion (Socl) from Tuzla. «USAID has been supporting marginalized groups for many years now, with an emphasis on families and children with developmental disabilities. What we see in the SCs is a chance to help with the socialization of children with developmental disabilities, and to improve their quality of life.» - said Jasmin Bešić, Chief of Party of USAID/PPMG. Approximately 80 families of children and persons with disabilities in Tuzla Canton use the free services offered by the center.

Children with developmental disabilities are provided with day care at this SC for up to 4 hours, including services by psychologists, special education experts and educators, creative workshops, inclusive workshops, music therapy, and families are provided with legal advice, psychological counseling and help in crisis situations. The opening of the SCs was supported by USAID's Marginalized Populations Support Activity (USAID/PPMG) and the City of Tuzla, and the opening was initiated by the Association for Human Rights and Social Inclusion (Socl) from Tuzla. USAID's Marginalized Populations Support Activity supported the establishing of five service centers in BiH; in Foča, Banja Luka, Tuzla, and two in Sarajevo, and will provide financial support to all five centers for the next two years.

2. Conference held on early detection of developmental disabilities in children

Early detection of disorders in children can prevent numerous problems – these are the words that started the two-day conference held on 23 February 2018, called “Achievements and Perspectives in Improving the Early Growth and Development of Children – Early Detection and Intervention”. The conference organized by the Association EDUS – Education for All, in cooperation with UNICEF and USAID was attended by 80 pediatricians, pedagogues, psychologists, teachers and other professionals in the field of early growth and development.

The conference was opened by Geeta Narayan – representative of UNICEF-a for BiH and Peter Duffy – Mission Director of the USAID in BiH. “BiH has the capacity and experts who can work together to support children’s growth and development. USAID support families of children with developmental disabilities in various ways, and we hope that the research being conducted by EDUS will soon yield results that will help so many families in BiH.” – said Peter Duffy, USAID Mission Director to BiH.

“Supporting early growth and development is the most effective way to improve the lives of children all around the world, which is why UNICEF supports all activities within this field” – said Geeta Narayan – UNICEF representative in BiH. The conference was also an opportunity for experts to participate in field research done as a part of the “Scientific validation of Developmental Behavioral Scales II” which is part of the project “Improving the status of children with developmental disabilities” supported by USAID’s Marginalized Populations Support Activity. This scientific study will include over 1900 children under 6 and their parents, in an effort to validate this instrument.

Early detection and intervention in children is extremely important for their development. We are grateful to everyone who recognized just how important this is and supported the Association EDUS in our efforts to allow children with developmental disabilities live up to their full potential.” – said Nirvana Pištoljević, Executive Director of the Association EDUS.

3. Organizational development

During the reporting period, the Manual on Internal Organization for the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH was developed, thus delivering on all the obligations stipulated in the cooperation agreement within the PPMG.

PPMG supported an initiative to create a standards manual, launched by the Service Center Dajte nam šansu, Sarajevo. In order to define the basic elements and minimum conditions for the establishment and quality work of centers in BiH, the draft Standards Manual was developed in cooperation with the existing SCs operating in Banja Luka, Tuzla and Foča. In order to harmonize the contents of the Standards Manual, PPMG held a meeting for representatives of all SCs, on January 22, 2018. During the meeting, the participants defined all the changes required to finalize this document.

The third cycle of trainings intended for PPMG grantees and other interested local CSOs focused on improving the position of marginalized groups in BiH started with a training on the topic Legal and Organizational Structure. The training was held in Ilidža, from February 20 to February 22, 2018.

A training on the topic Project Cycle Management – Writing Project Proposals, intended for USAID/PPMG grantees and other interested civil society organizations focused on addressing issues of marginalized groups in BiH was held on March 13-15, 2018 in Teslić.

Some of the participants’ statements are provided below in their entirety:

“We learned so much, especially about writing manuals and the obligations of the Managing Board. We learned how to run our organization, which I think everyone needs.” - Paula Bogut, Youth Council of the City of Široki Brijeg

I’m happy to be attending this type of training for the first time. It taught us how to run our organizations, what competencies the Managing Board has, how we should write rulebooks, procedures and forms while complying with the law and the demands of future donors. - Enisa Šehić, Association for Human Rights and Social Inclusion “SOCI” Tuzla

"It is really useful in several regards. On the one hand, we had a chance to meet our colleagues from different parts of BiH who are facing similar challenges and have similar experience as us, which is always welcome, and on the other hand we had a very hands-on training where we were the ones who presented and not just the representative of the PPMG team, Zlatko, who was an excellent trainer, among other things because he involved us participants in the entire program and we had a chance to learn about numerous aspects of writing project proposals using. "- Selma Mameledzija, Association for the Advancement of Education and Support to Children with and without Developmental Disabilities "EDUS - Education for All", Sarajevo

I don’t have a lot of experience with writing project proposals, but I do have experience with implementing them and it’s important to me that I understand the entire cycle, from writing the project to the end, as well as the importance of a logical framework and I think this is good for everyone who works in NGOs.” - Amra Viteškić, “Hope and Homes for Children”, Sarajevo

5. INTERVENTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

5.1. TASK ORDER: AID-168-I-15-00001

6. Task Title: Review of USAID/BiH Unsolicited Proposals

Since the Task Order #1 was changed in April/May 2017, PPMG had not been reviewing requests addressed to the USAID. However, PPMG regularly receives requests and questions that require responses. During the reporting period, 4 unsolicited proposals/requests were sent to PPMG. They were processed, and responded to accordingly. A representative of Breza Municipality proposed cooperation on projects concerning ecology and raising public awareness about the need to protect the environment. We had one inquiry about potential support to a small private family business in Tuzla. The Fire Department from Vogošća submitted a project proposal relating to teaching children in schools about the danger of fires and fire prevention. Associations «Nešto više» and «Vedri osmijeh» submitted a project proposal for hiring persons with disabilities to work on the agricultural land owned by these associations.

Other Activities:

Monitoring visits to grantees

Monitoring visit to the Football Club Birač from Derventa near Milići (15 March 2018) to verify how the construction material procured for this club was used. During the visit, USAID/PPMG visited the Club's space which not has a new facade and renovated locker rooms, thanks to USAID's donation. We were also present during a training for the youngest members, and we had the opportunity to get more information about the importance of this club for children and youth in Derventa and neighboring towns.

After the training, we met with representatives of the club, who told us about the position the club is currently in, their problems, and the way the local government treats youth and sports clubs. FC Birač is the only association in Derventa and neighboring towns that brings together young people and children. The club allows them to train and grow as individuals. Since Birač is the only club, the junior team includes both boys and girls.

Advisory support to grantees

In the period of January - March 2017, the PPMG team provided daily advisory support to grantees, along with consulting services. During this period, we exchanged over 100 e-mails with grantees, made over 110 telephone calls and spent over 00 hours on consulting activities. All of the above refers to consultations on the implementation of projects, the implementation of rules and procedures in organizations and when reporting to the donor, support in achieving project results and goals. Additional consulting and advisory services were provided during the preparation of contracts to the Association SOCI.

Study visit: Psychologist from SC SOCI visits SC DNŠ

In the period from 23-25 January 2018, the psychologist at the SC SOCI Mirela Šabanović Alić went to a study visit to the Service Center "Dajte nam šansu" in Sarajevo. The psychologist received instructions on how to prepare parents for group work, how to motivate parents to continuously come to group sessions, how to interactively participate in the group, how to use techniques of confrontation and reflection in the group, and what are the differences between counseling and psychotherapy. In addition to group work, individual work with parents was also presented.

In addition to providing psychological services to parents, the SC presented individual work with children/persons with developmental disabilities. One part of the individual work is the process of observation; therefore, a observation chart was presented, containing the psychological instruments used for performing this service.

Task Title: Conduct Post-award Organizational Capacity Assessments

In the reported period, PPMG survey team performed five field monitoring visits (post-award visits) to sub grantees as stated below:

• Association “Tračak nade” Foča, January 29th 2018 • Association “Helsinki Committee for human rights of Republic Srpska”, Bijeljina, February 01st 2018 • Association ”EDUS” Sarajevo, February 02nd 2018 • Association “Rock škola” Mostar, February 16th 2018, and • Association “SOCI” Tuzla, March 07th 2018.

PPMG survey team has conducted monitoring visit in order to inspect the implementation process of project activity and mandatory recommendations from the contract. The recommendations from grant contract should have been finished in accordance with deadlines and all contract provisions need be applied. During the monitoring visit PPMG survey team inspects the implementation of the mandatory recommendations and whether they are systematically applied at the level of the entire organization. Monitoring visits also serve for possible in site consultations for grantees provided by the PPMG team.

1. Association “Tračak nade” Foča

After the expiration of the first agreement with the Association on 30 November 2017 a new 2-year grant agreement was signed. The association developed and improved the internal regulations, but their implementation is in practice not satisfactory in all aspects of their functioning.

It was necessary to inspect the implementation of mandatory recommendations that were completed during the first grant agreement in accordance with the set deadlines. After the PPMG team visited the Association on January 29, 2018 in order to inspect if the work of the Association is in accordance with the new practices established during the process of institutional strengthening within the Marginalized Populations Support Activity, we made a report on post-award assessment and defined new recommendations that must be implemented as a part of the new grant agreement.

When it comes to the financial management system, after the development and adoption of internal documents, the Association is applying most of the provisions in practice, and the system of controlling their work has significantly improved.

However, processes and internal acts for certain segments still need to be improved. To address this, the, PPMG defined new recommendations that the Association should implement through the new grant agreement, continuing their cooperation with USAID/PPMG:

• Improve cooperation with the accounting agency in terms of keeping business events updated, in accordance with legal deadlines and internal acts. In the past, the Association had problems with the accounting agency in terms of compliance with legal deadlines regarding the recording of business transactions. The association did not have a contract with an accounting agency that would clearly define the rights and obligations of the contracting parties. The contract was not signed due to a lack of financial resources, and these services were paid occasionally and very modestly. In the new agreement period, PPMG requested a signed contract with an accounting agency with clearly defined obligations on the basis of which the accounting function will take place in accordance with local regulations and standards.

• The cost approval system and the flow of financial documentation must be clearly visible in practice and in accordance with internal acts. The cost approval system was not systematically applied at the level of the whole organization, but when it comes to project costs, the cost approval system is clearly visible. It is necessary to improve this practice at the level of the whole organization. It is also one of the recommendations of the new grant agreement whose implementation will be regularly checked by the PPMG team during monitoring visits. . • Keep and archive financial documentation for the project, in accordance with the provisions from the agreement

During the final visit, the project documentation was organized in accordance with the provisions from the agreement.

Considering the fact that USAID/PPMG awarded them a new grant, in the upcoming period the Association must prove that the provisions of the adopted internal acts are fully applied in everyday practice and continue improving their work. The PPMG team will continuously monitor this process.

2. Association “Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Republika Srpska”, Bijeljina

Association “Helsinki Committee for Human rights in Republic of Srpska”, Bijeljina finished project implementation as of December 31st 2017. The process of implementation of recommendations with Association “Helsinški odbor za ljudska prava RS” Bijeljina, was running without any problems and it can concluded that they fulfilled all obligatory recommendations related to the process of financial management. The Association developed and approved existing and new rules and procedures. PPMG survey team confirmed during the monitoring visit held on February 01st 2018 that all provisions of internal rulebook were applied in practice, along with the provisions of the grant agreement. It is important to note that all significant provisions of the grant agreement regarding the process of narrative and financial reporting and managing funds and project were complied with in a very satisfactory and professional manner.

3. Association EDUS, Sarajevo

After the expiration of the six-month deadline for the implementation of all recommendations, the PPMG team also conducted another monitoring visit to the Association on February 12, 2018 in order to verify their compliance with the deadlines defined in the grant agreement, concerning the implementation of recommendations in the context of institutional strengthening and development of the organization.

The Association worked on all recommendations concerning the financial management process and organization of accounting and financial reporting, which are defined by the grant agreement. Even in the previous reporting period, some of the mandatory recommendations from the grant agreement had already been put implemented, although the internal acts themselves had not yet been finalized and adopted, which shows that the staff of the Association is aware of the importance of implementing the recommendations in the context of strengthening the organization and improving its work in the future.

During the monitoring visit, we determined that the recommendations were adopted and applied in the entire organization and not just one project. The recommendations referred to the practice of using a travel order for business trips, keeping records of working hours (time sheets showing the number of hours worked per project for each employee, i.e a clear overview of sources of funding, as well as a cost approval and allocation system that is transparent and visible in the financial documentation.

The internal acts that needed to be improved and developed, and adopted by the competent bodies within the defined timeframe, were as follows:

• Accounting manual adapted to the capacities and specific nature of the Association as an NGO • Financial operations manual incorporating existing procedures regulating segments of financial operations. • Improve existing procurement procedures • The procurement process must be regulated in a way that’s appropriate to the needs of the Association and ensures a fair and transparent process for procuring goods and services.

• Each step in the procurement process needs to be described in more detail

During the drafting process, the PPMG team had an advisory role in terms of corrections and minor amendments where needed. In this process, we insisted that the staff and the management of the Association independently develop their internal rules and procedures because those are the procedures and rules that they will use in their work or will improve and write down already existing good practice.

The deadline for the implementation of the recommendations was six months from the start of project implementation. During the field visit the PPMG team determined that the Association did not fully implement all the recommendations that were mandatory as an integral part of their contractual obligations. The necessary rulebooks were not finalized and adopted by the administrative bodies in accordance with the defined deadlines, and the PPMG team decided to give the Association a new deadline of one month - April 1, 2018, to allow them to finish their capacity-building processes and thus comply with their contractual obligations.

The Association adopted all internal acts that were defined as mandatory recommendations during a session of the Governing Committee held on March 26, 2018.

4. Association “Mostar Rock School”

After the expiration of the six-month deadline for the implementation of all recommendations, the PPMG team conducted the second monitoring visit to the Association on on 16 February 2018 in order to verify compliance with the deadlines defined in the grant agreement, concerning the implementation of recommendations.

As mentioned in the previous reporting period, during the first quarter of project implementation, the Association had major problems with the work of the staff member in charge of internal accounting and financial reporting in accordance with donor requirements. The management therefore decided to hire a new person. During the reporting period, the new person responsible for internal project accounting and reporting, tried to correct previously made mistakes, and set up a new system that would be in line with the newly developed and adopted internal rules. At the time the PPMG was conducting the monitoring visit, the rulebooks were not being used in practice, due to the aforementioned problems and staff turnover. The commitment and dedication of the newly-employed person, as well as the process of financial reporting within the PPMG, indicates that the Association will quickly recover lost time when it comes to building capacities and strengthening the organization in terms of financial management.

During February, the Association adopted the last mandatory accounting manual, thus fulfilling all the recommendations related to the development of internal documents. They still remain to be implemented and used in practice. We will ensure that this happens through intensified monitoring of this organization’s work.

5. Association “SOCI” Tuzla

During the last monitoring visit of the PPMG team held on December 20, 2017, we established that the association fulfilled all the recommendations, and the new staff implemented all the activities from the action plan. The application of the rules in practice was in most cases visible in the existing financial documentation. The first grant agreement with the SOCI Association ended on February 28, 2018. The

process of financial reporting according to PPMG/USAID requirements was carried out regularly and in accordance with the grant agreement.

On March 7, 2018, the PPMG team visited the SOCI Tuzla Association in order to assessing the status of the Association after the contractual period for the implementation of the project and the mandatory recommendations expired. This post-award assessment was conducted so the PPMG team can define further implementation of the recommendations from the previous grant agreement, since the Association’s funding will continue for the next two years.

The meeting was held in the Kindergarten Jelenak, which was a sign that the previously defined recommendations were not implemented. The PPMG team requested that the administrative work, including meetings, be carried out at Simin Han, which is the official headquarters of the Association, and not in the Center where the children are staying and whose stay would therefore be disrupted. The monitoring visit did not take its usual course and we did not determine whether the adopted internal acts continue to be implemented in practice. Through a conversation with the staff present during the visit, the PPMG team learned some information that affected the course of the visit and cast uncertainty on the continued cooperation of SOCI and PPMG/USAID.

Task Title: Conduct Organizational Capacity Assessments

In the period from January to March 2018, the organizational development team provided continuous advisory support to grantees regarding the fulfillment of recommendations stipulated in the grant agreement, the implementation of the self-assessment of organizational capacities (OCA process), and implementation of the activities defined in the capacity building plans.

Below is an overview of the level of implementation of the aforementioned activities, for each individual grantee.

- During the reporting period, the Association for Families of Children and Persons with Developmental Disabilities Dajte nam šansu, as a part of their new grant agreement, completed activities defined in the capacity-building plan in the 4th quarter of 2017, and submitted proof. We expect them to complete the activities from the first quarter of 2018 in the beginning of April 2018. The Association also started implementing recommendations. We expect them to be finalized by the end of May 2018.

- The Association “Tračak nade” Foča partially implemented activities from the capacity building plan concerning the previous grant agreement, which was completed at the end of November 2017. The main reason for this is the lack of human resources at the Association. Accordingly, it was agreed that all the uncompleted activities from the previous plan will be transferred to the new plan, which is part of the new grant agreement. In the reporting period, a new capacity building plan was created, and we expect the finalization of the activities planned in the first quarter of the plan in early April of 2018. Also, the Association started implementing recommendations, whose finalization is expected at the end of May 2018.

- During the reporting period, the Association for Human Rights and Social Inclusion SOCI repeated the OCA process. Although their entire staff changed, the results show certain progress especially in: strategic management, finances and administration. When it comes to the capacity building plan from the previous grant agreement, the Association partially implemented the planned activities. The main reason is the fact that the entire staff changed five months before the end of the project. It was agreed that all the uncompleted activities from the previous plan will be transferred to the new plan, which is part of the new grant agreement. Recommendations regarding the new grant agreement have yet to be defined.

- During the reporting period, the Association Rock School Mostar provided evidence for all recommendations meant to be implemented within 6 months from the first payment of the funds defined in the grant agreement, which concern organizational development. It is still necessary to implement the recommendations whose implementation is timeframe is 12 months since the first payment. When it comes to the capacity building plan, activities planned for the first quarter of 2018 were partially implemented, and evidence was also provided.

- During the reporting period, the EDUS Association implemented all the recommendations, and submitted evidence. Also, the Association started implementing activities planned for the fourth quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018. Their finalization is expected by the end of April 2018.

- During the reporting period, the Association Center for Supporting Families of Children and People with Disabilities "Dajte nam šansu - Zvjezdice" finalized the Capacity Building Plan. Implementation of activities for the first quarter of the plan is expected to occur by the end of April 2018. Also, the implementation of the recommendations, according to the grant agreement, is expected to be completed by the end of April 2018.

During the reporting period, the organizational development team exchanged over 30 e-mails and over 20 phone calls with representatives of grantee organizations, and spent over 60 hours in consultations in the process of implementing the capacity building plan, repeating the self-assessment process (OCA process), and implementing the recommendations defined in the contract.

2. Task Title: One-on-One Capacity Building Support to Grantee

2.1. One-on-One Training

TRAINING ON LEGAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES

The aim of the training was to help organizations improve their capacities in order to work more efficiently on improving the situation of persons with disabilities, women, Roma, youth, LGBT population and other marginalized groups.

Accordingly, during the first training, the participants had the opportunity to learn how to establish an adequate organizational structure, about the responsibilities of the management and executive body of the organization, and how to build a system of written policies and procedures taking into account legal regulations, rules and donors’ requirements.

Also, special emphasis is place on the importance of incorporating elements and mechanisms that are conducive to abiding by principles of gender equality. The training was conducted by Mr. Zlatko Sarić, and a session on gender equality in the context of the topic was conducted by Jadranka Miličević.

The post-test showed that they had made significant progress, since the pre-test elicited a total of 48 correct answers, and the post-test elicited a total of 86 correct answers. The training participants also completed evaluation forms rating the quality of the content and organization of the training. The evaluation yielded the following results:

To what extent did the training meet your expectations? 100,00% 80,00% 60,00% 40,00% Responses 20,00% 0,00% 1 2 3 4 5

The training successfully encouraged an exchange of information and ideas. 100,00% 80,00% 60,00% 40,00% Responses 20,00% 0,00% 1 2 3 4 5

Was the session on gender equality useful? 120,00% 100,00% 80,00% 60,00% Responses 40,00% 20,00% 0,00% DA NE

Will you be able to apply at least some of what you learned during the training? 120,00% 100,00% 80,00% 60,00% Responses 40,00% 20,00% 0,00% DA NE

TRAINING ON PROJECT CYCLE MANAGEMENT – PROJECT PROPOSAL WRITING

The training on Project Cycle Management – Project Proposal Writing was held from March 13 to March 15, 2018 in Teslić, for grantees and representatives of local organizations focused on improving the position of persons with disabilities, women, Roma and youth.

To ensure the efficient use of funds from domestic and foreign donors, the participants learned about the most important elements of project cycle management and the process of writing project proposals. Through interactive, hands-on, exercises, the participants learned about situational analysis, i.e. analysis of the problem as the basis for developing a project proposal, developing a logical framework (including both horizontal and vertical logic), SMART indicators, developing a risk management plan, budget based on project activities and assessing the quality of the project proposal. Special attention was given to the most common errors in writing project proposals. The training was conducted by Mr. Zlatko Sarić.

The tests showed that they had made significant progress, since the pre-test elicited a total of 67 correct answers, and the post-test elicited a total of 97 correct answers.

The training participants also completed evaluation forms rating the quality of the content and organization of the training. The evaluation yielded the following results:

To what extent did the training meet your expectations? 100,00% 80,00% 60,00% 40,00% Responses 20,00% 0,00% 1 2 3 4 5

The training successfully encouraged an exchange of information and ideas. 150,00%

100,00%

Responses 50,00%

0,00% 1 2 3 4 5

Will you be able to use at least some of Was the ratio of interactive exercises what you learned over the course of and presentations appropriate for the next year? topic? 150,00% 150,00%

100,00% 100,00%

50,00% Responses 50,00% Responses

0,00% 0,00% DA NE DA NE

2.2. Coaching and Mentoring Consultations

2.2.1. Developing a reporting methodology and manual on internal organization for the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees in BiH

During the reporting period, cooperation with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH continued. Although in this case, they are not a grantee, the activity is listed under this section because consulting support is provided within the PPMG, for the purpose of building the Ministry’s capacities.

Namely, in accordance with previous reports, the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of the University of Sarajevo (hereinafter: the Center) was hired for the purpose of building the Ministry’s capacities. Accordingly, a contract was signed with the Center, defining the following deliveries for the Ministry:

- Creating a reporting methodology with procedures, and an annual calendar with a reporting map; - Developing standardized reporting forms; - Developing standards for monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the implementation of the Ministry’s grants; - Developing a manual on internal organization for the Ministry.

The Center has finalized the Rulebook on Internal Organization for the needs of the Ministry, thus fulfilling all obligations stipulated by the cooperation agreement within the PPMG.

2.2.2. Standards Manual

PPMG supported an initiative to create a standards manual, launched by the Service Centre. Dajte nam šansu, Sarajevo. In order to define the basic elements and minimum conditions for the establishment and quality work of centers in BiH, the draft Standards Manual was developed in cooperation with the existing SCs operating in Banja Luka, Tuzla and Foča. In order to harmonize its final content, PPMG held a meeting on January 22, 2018, for representatives of all service centers. During that meeting, all the changes that need to be made in the document were defined, and it was agreed that on March 23, 2018, a meeting will be held with experts in the fields relevant to the standards, competent institutions and other stakeholders, with the aim of improving the document, while at the same time promoting it, and drawing attention to the importance of its recognition by the competent institutions. However, due to the unfavorable political situation, the meeting has been postponed until further notice.

4. Task Title: Integrating gender and institutional cooperation into activities

Sessions on gender equality

In the period from January to March 2018, one session on gender equality was held in the context of the topic of Legal and Organizational Structure. During the session, the participants were taught how to incorporate gender components when organizing associations, and when creating policies and procedures for their organizations.

7. Task Title: Visibility

Video stories

During the reporting period, two video stories were made about trainings on the following topics: Legal and organizational structures, Project cycle management - Project proposal writing The aim was to show how PPMG helps participants improve their knowledge on these topics and how these trainings will help them in their future work.

Media reports The media give special attention to successful stories about women users of the fund for supporting the development of businesses owned by marginalized women. Media also covered activities of the Association “Dajte nam šansu” and the beginning of the campaign “Families Rule”.

In addition, the Sarajevo Open Center was promoted in the media regarding the appointment of a contact person for cases of hate crimes against LGBTI people, as a result of the USAID / PPMG project.

PPMG had over 40 media reports in this period, in the most relevant print and web media. This number refers only to media reports by the PPMG, without accounting for reports initiated by grantees, which is why this number is considered a conservative estimate.

An overview of the most important media announcements is given in the table below.

Type of No. Date Media Published by appearance https://www.radiosarajevo.ba/vijesti/bosna-i-hercegovina/imenovana-kontakt- 1 12/1 RadioSarajevo web osoba-za-slucajeve-zlocina-iz-mrznje-prema-lgbti-osobama/287717 http://avaz.ba/kantoni/sarajevo/339861/tuzilastvo-ks-imenovalo-kontakt-osobu-za- 2 12/1 Dnevni avaz web slucajeve-zlocina-iz-mrznje-prema-lgbti-populaciji https://www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/tuzilastvo-ks-imenovalo-kontakt-osobu-za- 3 12/1 Klix web slucajeve-zlocina-iz-mrznje-prema-lgbti-osobama/180112072 http://www.6yka.com/novost/134278/mlada-profesorica-dubai-zamijenila-za- 4 15/1 Buka web teslic-svoj-san-zelim-sanjati-u-bih http://avaz.ba/vijesti/bih/341925/rok-skola-mostar-pokrece-odjel-kreativne- 5 19/1 Dnevni avaz web elektronske-produkcije https://www.radiosarajevo.ba/infografike/ostale-infografike/usaid-ov-fond-za- 6 24/1 RadioSarajevo web podrsku-u-razvoju-biznisa-marginaliziranih-grupa-zena/288952 http://www.fena.ba/article/997331/usaid-i-lokalne-zajednice-osigurali-posao-za-96- 7 30/1 Fena web marginaliziranih-zena https://www.oslobodjenje.ba/vijesti/ekonomija-i-finansije/osiguran-posao-za-96- 8 30/1 Osobođenje web marginaliziranih-zena 9 30/1 Visoko.co.ba web https://visoko.co.ba/osiguran-posao-za-96-marginaliziranih-zena/

10 3/1 Efm.ba http://efm.ba/2018/01/30/osiguran-posao-za-96-marginaliziranih-zena/ https://www.vazdan.com/vijest/osiguran-posao-za-96-marginaliziranih- 11 30/1 Vazdan zena/1290247?np=1 http://vijesti.ba/clanak/391841/usaid-i-lokalne-zajednice-osigurali-posao-za-96- 12 30/1 Vijesti.ba marginaliziranih-zena 13 30/1 hayat https://www.hayat.ba/vijest.php?id=102012

14 30/1 RSG izjava

15 30/1 TV Alfa Gostovanje

16 30/1 Biznis.ba web http://www.biznis.ba/bih/71036-osiguran-posao-za-96-marginaliziranih-zena.html https://www.fokus.ba/biznis/usaid-osiguran-posao-za-96-marginaliziranih- 17 30/1 Fokus web zena/996260/ https://www.usaid.gov/results-data/success-stories/childhood-passion-turned- 18 USAID business-bosnia-and-herzegovina

https://www.usaid.gov/results-data/success-stories/unemployed-woman- 19 USAID forgotten-town-becomes-entrepreneur http://www.poljoprivreda.ba/info-servis/najave/11256-osiguran-posao-za-96- 20 30/1 Poljoprivreda.ba web marginaliziranih-ena 21 30/1 TNTportal web http://tntportal.ba/2018/01/osiguran-posao-za-96-marginaliziranih-zena/

22 30/1 Prijedor24 web http://prijedor24.com/usaid-osiguran-posao-za-96-marginaliziranih-zena/ Business http://business-magazine.ba/2018/01/30/usaid-lokalne-zajednice-osigurali-posao- 23 30/1 web magazine 96-marginaliziranih-zena/ https://media.klipingmap.com/pdf?filePath=2018/01/31/2922e31c-125e-4bf0-a00c- ef1e2e2e3e2f&purpose=2&language=bs&summaryType=override&showHighlights 24 31/1 Dnevni avaz print =true&topicGroupId=856bd5e5-5f2a-3e69-b4e9- 2cca46a30ed8&language=bs&title=Za+finansiranje+osigurano+680.000+KM https://media.klipingmap.com/pdf?filePath=2018/01/31/06d979bf-ce74-4008-9b98- 71ec3f0f244d&purpose=2&language=bs&summaryType=override&showHighlight 25 31/1 EuroBlic print s=true&topicGroupId=856bd5e5-5f2a-3e69-b4e9- 2cca46a30ed8&language=bs&title=Posao+za+%C5%BEene+sa+invaliditetom https://media.klipingmap.com/pdf?filePath=2018/01/31/3071619e-eaec-4803-ae68- 631b207988ca&purpose=2&language=bs&summaryType=override&showHighligh 26 31/1 Oslobođenje print ts=true&topicGroupId=856bd5e5-5f2a-3e69-b4e9- 2cca46a30ed8&language=bs&title=Biznise+pokrenulo+96+marginaliziranih+%C5 %BEena https://media.klipingmap.com/pdf?filePath=2018/01/31/12847f5c-c99d-4362-b62f- bd1507747cd9&purpose=2&language=bs&summaryType=override&showHighligh 27 31/1 Nezavisne print ts=true&topicGroupId=856bd5e5-5f2a-3e69-b4e9- 2cca46a30ed8&language=bs&title=Posaojza+96+%C5%BEena 28 31/1 Bosnia Daily Online journal

29 1/2 Studomat web https://studomat.ba/osiguran-posao-za-96-marginaliziranih-zena/78161/ https://www.radiosarajevo.ba/metromahala/teme/malinjak-na-obali-lima-terapija- 30 15/2 Radio Sarajevo web za-autisticnog-djecaka-slavku/291212 https://rtvtk.ba/usaid-osigurao-64-000-km-za-nastavak-rada-servis-centra-soci-u- 31 26/2 RTVTK web tuzli/ https://www.oslobodjenje.ba/vijesti/bih/tuzla-besplatna-podrska-za-porodice-i- 32 27/2 Oslobođenje web djecu-sa-poteskocama-u-razvoju-i-u-naredne-dvije-godine http://www.nezavisni.ba/tuzla-besplatna-podrska-za-porodice-i-djecu-sa- 33 27/2 Nezavisni.ba web poteskocama-u-razvoju/ http://www.fena.ba/article/1003177/tuzla-besplatna-podrska-za-porodice-i-djecu- 34 27/2 Fena web sa-poteskocama-u-razvoju https://www.rtvslon.ba/centar-za-podrsku-porodicama-djece-i-osoba-sa- 35 27/2 RTV Slon web poteskocama-u-razvoju-soci-nastavlja-sa-besplatnim-uslugama/ 36 27/2 RTV7 web http://rtv7.ba/arhive/150402 https://www.usaid.gov/results-data/success-stories/woman-opens-center-healing- 37 USAID web web hearts-bosnia-and-herzegovina 38 20/3 BH Radio Uživo javljanje http://www.source.ba/clanak/BiH/462153/%C5%BDivot-osoba-sa-invaliditetom-u- 39 20/3 Source.ba web zavodima-ima-alternativu-u-lokalnoj-zajednici http://www.viphd.ba/2018/03/20/konjic-odrzana-radionica-osnazivanje-procesa- 40 20/3 ViP web deinstitucionalizacije-osoba-s-invaliditetom-u-kantonu-sarajevu/ http://www.novikonjic.ba/index.php/bih/item/4495-konjic-zivot-osoba-s- 41 20/3 NoviKOnjic web invaliditetom-u-zavodima-ima-alternativu-u-lokalnoj-zajednici Jutarnji 42 22/3 TVSA proram

https://www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/kroz-lokalne-zajednice-stanovanja-do-boljeg-zivota- 43 22/3 KLIX web osoba-sa-intelektualnim-teskocama/180321104 Business 44 24/3 web http://business-magazine.ba/2018/03/24/usaid-projekti-razvoj-poduzetnistva-bih/ magazine

5.2. TASK ORDER: AID-168-I-15-00003

1. Task title: Service Centers

1.1. Service Center “Dajte nam šansu” Sarajevo (SC #1 and SC#2) Below is a list of the most significant activities carried out at the Service Centers in Sarajevo (SC#1 & SC#2) in the period between January and March 2018:

Activities specific to SC #1:

1. In January we held an Open Door Day for members of the Novo Sarajevo Municipal Assembly, to introduce them to the work and methods used at the SC. 8 members attended. 2. A one-day training was held at the Social Work Center in Zenica for members of the Association “Dlan” from Zenica. It was intended to present the work done by the Service Centers, i.e. the opening of SCs across BiH. The training was attended by experts, the Association's management, volunteers and parents. It was conducted by the Director Ines Kavalec, psychologist Bojan Šijan, social worker Almina Hodžić, and special education expert Selma Paravlić. 3. The SC was visited by Mirela Alić, the psychologist at the SC SOCI Tuzla, to attend a training with the SC's psychologist and learn about the work of psychologists at the SC “Dajte nam šansu”. She met the users and attended workshops for parents and children. 4. Representatives of the Center for Healthy Aging agreed to cooperate on activities held for parents while the children are at the SC: e.g. language courses, computer courses, music workshops, and physical therapy. 5. Meeting held with the Mayor of Novo Sarajevo Municipality, to discuss cooperation. Considering the number of problems faced by this segment of the population, both children and their parents, the Municipality wants to open a center that would support these families and children, which should be funded through a special grant. 6. Service Center visited by Sarajevo's “sit down” comedian Jasmin Đemiđić, who met our users, spent time with them and entertained them. Jasmin has a disability and wants to volunteer at our Service Centers. He regularly performs as a “sit down” comedian (Jasmin uses a wheelchair, so «sit down» is wordplay referencing “stand up” comedians). 7. The SC was visited by BHT 1, for the purpose of filming a segment on animal-assisted therapy conducted at the Association in cooperation with the foundation Bela Vida. 8. Psychologist Bojan Šijan appeared on BHT1, in a show called “Putevi zdravlja” and talked about the SC's work, experiences of families using our services, what the families see as the biggest problems, how the SC model is replicated in other cities in BiH, and the importance of psychotherapy for parents. 9. As a part of the program «Young volunteers» the SC1 was visited by students from Dobrinjska gimnazija, who volunteered at the Center for the day, and learned about its work and services it provides, and had the chance to work directly with the users. 10. The Association “Dajte nam šansu” was appointed into an inter-sectoral group advocating for changes in the education of children and persons with developmental disabilities. The goal of this group is to reorganize existing institutions and take advantage of the available space and staff capacities, so that every child with developmental disabilities are in the system and have the same rights as typical children.

Activities specific to SC#2: 1. SC2 held a workshop on legal issues and psychology for parents and volunteers. The workshop was conducted by Minela Džananović, attorney, and Bojan Šijan, psychologist. 2. Training held for new volunteers. Special education expert Selma Paravlić presented the work of the SC, the services provided and their tasks. 3. SC2 was visited by students of Prva gimnazija (15 students) who acted as young volunteers at the SC for the day. They met our users, spent time with them and took part in the day's activities. 4. Workshops for parents held at the SC “Dajte nam šansu 2”, by the Foundation CURE. The trainers were Vedrana Frašto (“Violence in romantic relationships”) and Vildana Džekman (“General rights of women in BiH”). 5. The Open Door cycle included an Open Door Day at the SC2 for the media, who learned about the work of the recently opened SC and the difficulties faced by families, including problems regarding education for children and persons with developmental disabilities. 6. Meeting with representatives of the Parent's Council of the Institute “Mjedenica” and the Center “Vladimir Nazor” to discuss the press conference on the topic “Current problems in education of children with developmental and other disabilities in Sarajevo Canton”. 7. The Center for Healthy Aging of the Centar Municipality held a roundtable on the topic “All visible, all equal, rights and perspectives of socially marginalized women”. The speakers were Prof. Meliha Lekić, PhD, Ana Kotur –Erkić (activist for the rights of women with disabilities) and Anela Kozica (activist for the rights of parents of children with disabilities). 8. During the program “Young Volunteers” the SC 2 was visited by students from the High School of Dentistry (juniors and seniors). The students learned about the work of the SC and worked directly with our users through organized activities planned for the day.

By the end of March, 2018, the two Service Centers in Sarajevo had 445 registered families, and in the previous period (January - March) provided 4246 services.

In focus: Beginning of the campaign “Families Rule” On April 27, 2018, the Association “Dajte nam šansu” celebrated their birthday and launched the campaign “Families Rule!”. The event was attended by representatives of municipal, cantonal and federal authorities, and representatives of partners – US Embassy and USAID. A bridge in the center of Sarajevo (Skenderija) was turned into a «bridge of diversity». This is the first bridge of its kind in Sarajevo, with hanging umbrellas with powerful messages celebrating diversity, because every family is different but they need the same thing – systemic support and protection.

The bridge was opened by the BiH track and field athlete Amel Tuka, reporter Mimo Šahinpašić and Director of the Association of Families of Children and Persons with Disabilities “Dajte nam šansu” Ines Kavalec, marking the beginning of “Families Rule” – a campaign on social responsibility intended to bring attention to the problems faced by families of children and persons with developmental disabilities and the need for systemic support. The campaign will be implemented in several cities in BiH.

The U.S. Embassy and the Government are very proud that we are here today, that we are supporting the centers and working with them, together with our partners and all of you. I'm happy to see the launching of the initiative “Family Rules” because I truly believe that families are the most important part of everyone's life“ – said Maureen Cormack, U.S. Ambassador to BiH.

1.2. Service Center “Tračak nade” Foča The most important events and results of the Service Center “Tračak nade” for January - March 2018 are listed below: • Speech therapist and special education expert took part in a training called “Scientific methods for working with children with developmental disabilities” held by the Association EDUS; • SC took part in a meeting attended by all SCs in Sarajevo, during which they discussed the finalization of the Standards Manual, organized by the Marginalized Populations Support Activity; • Students of the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation in Foča held practicals at the SC center, where they worked with users for one week; • Valentine’s Day (February 14) was celebrated at the SC; o A workshop called “Love” was held at the Elementary School “Sveti Sava”. Students were engaged in interesting and creative activities that taught them about different types of love;

• From February 20 to March 7, the SC was preparing for the celebration of International Women’s Day. Creative workshops were held, and participants used various methods and techniques to make Women’s Day presents and cards that were given to moms and other users of the SC. • Donors evening held to raise funds for an orthopedic aid for an older user; • In March, the SC held a show and a social event for mothers of SC users: o Older beneficiaries and children took part in a show held at the SC, which included dance numbers, songs, plays, etc. • High School Center Foča played the movie “Osmi dan” (“Eighth Day”); o High school students had the opportunity to learn more about persons with Down syndrome, their problems and how they deal with them; • World Down Syndrome Day Celebrated; o A small action held, called “Friends don’t count chromosomes” with children from the “Čika Jova Zmaj” kindergarten. Events included different performances at the kindergarten (songs, games) and creative inclusive workshops at the SC.

The Service Center provided over 2017 services in this period and the number of users by the end of December 2017 was 65 families.

1.3. Service Center “SocI” Tuzla

In addition to regular services to beneficiaries, some of the most significant activities in this quarter are listed bellow: • Workshop for siblings of persons with disabilities on healthy nutrition and nutritional habits of persons with disabilities; • Mobile team visited Mramor near Lukavac for an intervention requested by a user; • Meeting with all SCs in the PPMG offices, regarding the Standards Manual; • Psychologist of the SC SOCI visited the SC “Dajte nam šansu” during a study visit and exchange of experiences, to further improve the quality of psychological services provided by the SC SOCI; • Visit to the Elementary School Mejdan to discuss the implementation of activities for “Education Day”; • Mobile team had an intervention in Gornje Čakloviće; • Promotion of the manual “Parenting a child with special needs” held at the house “Plamen mira”, and was attended by parents/users of the SC and the media; • Workshop held at the SC, for typical children from the elementary school “Mejdan”, kindergarten Jelenko and children with disabilties. The workshop was conducted by SOCI educators and rehabilitation experts; • Special workshop held for employees and volunteers of the SC SOCI, with a focus on interventions in crisis situations, how to react in crisis situations, and basic ways of communicating and preventing crisis situations; • Preparations began for advocating for changes to the way internships are structured. The goal of the SC is to ensure that students in Tuzla Canton and interns in relevant professions are required to spend some time working at an NGO, organizations or institutions that work with persons with disabilities; • Celebration organized for the World Down Syndrome Day at Dom mladih, and activities included children from the elementary school “Pazar”. Students from the Education and Rehabilitation Faculty attended special electives on “Volunteering” and “Persons with Down Syndrome”,

intended to highlight the importance of volunteering and supporting persons with Down syndrome; • Celebration of the International Day for Supporting Persons with Epilepsy and students and users learned about what to do in case of an epileptic seizure and provide first aid in crisis situations.

The number of SC beneficiaries was significantly increased in last 3 months and in December they had 85 families as their beneficiaries. In the last quarter of 2017 they provided more than 2788 services.

USAID continues supporting the Service Center “SOCI” in Tuzla. USAID's Marginalized Populations Support Activity provided 64,000 BAM, which is sufficient to sustain the Center for the next two years. The Grant Agreement was signed on 27th of February 2018, at the Center. “USAID has been supporting the work of marginalized groups for years, with a special emphasis on families and children with developmental disabilities. The Service Centers were a chance for us to help the socialization of children with developmental disabilities and improve their quality of life.” - said Jasmin Bešić, Chief of Party of USAID's Marginalized Populations Support Activity. The Center for supporting families of children and persons with developmental disabilities offers users the option of a short stay (4 hours) during which persons with disabilities have access to psychologists, special education experts and educators, creative workshops, inclusive workshops, music therapy, and the families of children and persons with disabilities are provided with legal aid, psychological counseling and help in crisis situations.

1.4. Service Center “Dajte nam šansu-Zvjezdice” Banja Luka

In addition to regular services listed in the general overview, the most significant activities in the previous period are listed below: • Visit to the Skydiving Club Banja Luka and Helicopter Services of RS o Children/persons with developmental disabilities, siblings, skydivers, representatives of the Student Councils Network of the Banja Luka region visited the Skydiving Club Banja Luka, spent time with the skydivers and got presents prepared for them by the members of the Student Councils Network. Skydivers performed jumps for the users of the SC dressed as Santa Clauses. This activity was intended to brighten the holidays for the families of

children and persons with developmental disabilities, and to teach them about helicopters as a mode of transport.

• President of Republika Srpska awarded a Medal of Merit to the Association o The goal is to have institutions recognize the work done by the SC and their dedication to helping families of children and persons with disabilities, and the medal brought us one step closer to that, by recognizing the work we have done thus far. • Meeting in Sarajevo - defining the Standards Manual o Meeting of representatives of all SCs and USAID's Marginalized Populations Support Activity, to discuss the Standards Manual that would ensure that all SCs have the same mode of operating and that can be used to open new SCs using the same model. • Meeting with the Director of the Center for Speech and Hearing Rehabilitation in Banja Luka o The Center for Speech and Hearing Rehabilitation in Banja Luka opened a kindergarten for children with developmental disabilities, and the goal of this meeting was to initiate cooperation and learn about their work so that we can share the information with parents. • Visit to the Family Center “Kuća radosti” in Kotor Varoš o The goal was to introduce the members of the Center in Kotor Varoš and beneficiaries with the SC model, services and how they are provided, and to sign a memorandum of cooperation with the Association regarding support to families of children and persons with disabilities. • Creative workshop – making jewelery and decorative objects o Participants of the workshop were children and youth with developmental disabilities, and it was intended to help them develop fine motor skills, sense for harmony and beauty, hand-eye coordination, imagination, creativity. • Visit by the UK Ambassador to BiH, Edward Ferguson and his wife Caroline, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Crnadak o The UK Ambassador to BiH, Edward Ferguson, his wife Caroline, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Crnadak visited the SC, learned about our work and held a news conference at the SC. Affairs Igor Crnadak. The children performed a dance number and the Director of the SC talked to the visitors about the problems faced by the families of children/persons with disabilities and the work done by the SC. • Manifestation: I'm just like you! – Celebration of the World Down Syndrome Day o The Association held a manifestation “I'm just like you!” at the Cultural Center Banski Dvor, to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, intended to show the general public and society what youth and children with disabilites can do, include them in cultural events, develop imagination and creativity, and show the society the position these families are in. • Dance workshops – preparing for March 21

o During February and March children and youth with disabilities and typical children learned to dance and developed 4 choreographies for the manifestation «I'm just like you!». Dancing helped them develop gross and fine motor skills, memory, and helped them present everything they learned to the general public.

• PERMANENT WORKSHOPS • Workshop for parents – psychological support • Sports workshops and trainings on the courts of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports • Folklore

At the end of 2017, the Service Center in Banja Luka had 128 families as beneficiaries. In this quarter, the SC in Banja Luka provided 2870 services.

SC Beneficiaries Statements

Parents say that using the SC helped improve some segments of their children’s lives. Using the services of the SC gives parents more time for themselves. The SCs also allowed them to share their experiences with other parents, and make new friends.

Most parents believe that they improved their parenting competencies, and truly accepted their child with developmental disabilities, with all their strengths and weaknesses. Parental expectations were better aligned with children's abilities.

Adis (Sarajevo) I'm very satisfied with the services and work of the Service Center. I am taking full advantage of the free legal aid, which means a lot to me at the moment. Thank you for everything.

Ema Dupovac (Sarajevo) After my first visit, for the first time ever I met a psychologist, an association, who take me seriously. I don't get told off “Mom has a syndrome, so she wants to child to have something”. Ferid Ibrahim goes there to socialize and talk to a psychologist. It's great. We have meet ups with other parents and it makes you see you're not alone, which gives you strength.

Parents who use the Service Center say that they particularly appreciate the opportunity to share their experiences with other parents who have similar problems, and

to learn how others handle and solve their problems. Using the Service Center helps parents perceive things more realistically and feel more in control of their own reaction to problems they are faced with. Service Centers help parents find “new solutions of old problems”.

Miladin Ćosović (Foča) I like coming to the Association (Service Center) to play, dance and listen to music. Karate training is my favorite.

Jovo Đurović (Foča), father of an older user with a combination of disabilities says that his daughter Miljana has a much more positive outlook on life since she started using the services of the SC.

5.3. TASK ORDER: AID-168-I-15-00007

Mostar Rock School:

In this quarter, the MoRS organized a seasonal concert to present their student's results. One session round of forming bands was completed and a total of 13 session bands were formed (and dissolved).

In the period January-March, Rock School achieved the following results and implemented activities: • 1966 hours of individual and group classes were held (drums, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, saxophone, vocals, audio production); • 175 hours of session band classes were held (13 bands formed); • 1 program (seasonal) concert was held where 60 performers took part - the best sesson band and the second-placed band were given the chance to record their music in the DK Studio; • Studenti su učili o ozvučenju, pripremi scene za koncertne aktivnosti, osvjetljenju, poslovima ton majstora, promociji koncerta i sl. Students learned about acoustics, preparing the scene for concert activities, lighting, sounds mixing, concert promotion, etc. • Another important result is the outreach project in Mostar and its neighboring areas. Namely, five years ago in Msotar there was only one club where students of this school could play and present their work. Today in Mostar there are 15 clubs where students can perform and show their work and talent. At the same time, they represent the Rock School and its work.

5.7. TASK ORDER: AID-168-I-15-00008

EDUS:

In this reporting period, the most significant activities are listed below.

An online application for the early detection of developmental disorders was created and is ready for data collection in the field. Online application for data encryption is available at IP address: http://188.166.162.249:7100/ Of course, login data is required to use the application so that the collected data can't be manipulated by unauthorized persons. Also, a tablet application was developed, and will be used for electronic data collection in accordance with the research protocol.

A two-day educational conference was held titled "Achievements and perspectives in the field promoting of early growth and development of children: early detection and early intervention". The conference organized by EDUS, in cooperation with UNICEF and USAID, gathered 97 pediatricans, pedagogues, psychologists, educators and other experts in the area of early growth and development. The conference was an opportunity for experts to participate in field research within the study "Scientific Validation of Developmental Behavioral Scales II", which is being implemented within the project "Improving the Status of Children with Disabilities in BiH", supported by USAID's Marginalized Populations Support Activity. It is a scientific study that will include over 1900 children under 6 years of age and their parents for the purpose of scientific validation of this instrument. At the conference participants were presented the final document of the Research Protocol, which will be used for data collection for Study 1, which should result in scientifically validated measurement scales for early detection of developmental disorders. Previous piloting of the Research Protocol was conducted with 17 EDUS educators and 4 locations in BiH: Mostar, Odžak, Tomislavgrad and Banja Luka. The protocol contains all the procedures to be used for the collection of data for Study 1.

In March, the process of collecting data in the field began: application of electronic and paper-pen scale for the early detection of developmental disorders. According to the research plan, 1/3 of the sample will be tested with a standard (paper-pen) scale set and the rest of the sample will be tested by an electronic version of the scale (tablets and online databases). By the end of March, 155 children under the age of 6 years from 8 kindergartens from Sarajevo were tested, which is about 10% of the total sample for Study 1.

In the study 2 - miRNA analysis of saliva samples of children diagnosed with autism - the Research Protocol for this study was completed. Also, a questionnaire was developed that will be administered together with the biochemical analysis of the samples.

Requests for cantonal and federal ministries' support to the project were completed in this quarter with the support of the FBiH Ministry of Health, which gave its support to the project after all. This process of obtaining support resulted in the support of all cantonal ministries of health and education, and with the support of entity ministries of health and education.

5.4. OTHER ACTIVITIES

WHO PROVIDES CARE TO PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN SARAJEVO CANTON AND FBIH?

Deinstitutionalization is necessary and obligatory, both in Sarajevo Canton and in entire BiH. This was one of the conclusions from the workshop “Empowering the process of deinstitutionalization of persons with disabilities in Sarajevo Canton”, held by SUMERO on March 20 and 21, 2018 in Konjic. The workshop included representatives of cantonal Ministries for Social Protection and social protection institutions, who are key actors in improving and developing the process of deinstitutionalizing persons with disabilities, presenting example of good practice showing that persons with intellectual disabilities and other types of disabilities can be functional outside of closed institutions, if they are provided with adequate support. Deinstitutionalization is the process of returning persons from institutions into their local communities, in specially organized housing communities with a maximum of five persons. these communities provide persons with disabilities with adequate support, strengthening programs, training and social rehabilitation, providing them with a degree of independence, participation in the society, and opportunities for a fresh start. In Sarajevo Canton, 580 persons with intellectual disabilities live in closed institutions, even though they have the potential to function in their local community, with adequate support services. The goal of this two-day workshop was to raise the consciousness of actors directly involved in the deinstitutionalization process about the importance of strengthening this process, and to draw attention to prejudice of the BiH society towards persons with intellectual disabilities. SUMERO opened the first housing units in 2011 for “Supported Housing” in Sarajevo, and the process of deinstitutionalization, i.e. relocating persons with intellectual disabilities from institutions into local housing communities was intensified in 2017, after competent institutions signed the necessary agreements. The deinstitutionalization process is implemented in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, Una-Sana Canton, Central Bosnia Canton and Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, and so far 80 persons were relocated from institutes into special local housing communities. The deinstitutionalization process is implemented with the support of USAID’s Marginalized Populations Support Activity and other donors, but the participants noted that the government should start playing a bigger role in this process.

6. FINANCIAL REPORT

PPMG team for Finance held regular monthly meetings in order to review Grantee's financial statements and send comments on the statements and submitted financial documents (if any) by e mail and phone.

OVERVIEW OF AWARDED GRANTS

Task Approved Disbursed amount Reported amount Order Organization budget (BAM) (BAM) (BAM) (TO)

TO3 Association Dajte nam šansu 527.443,61 465.115,13 465.115,13

TO3 Association “Tračak nade” Foča 63.925,27 16.637,40 16.637,40 TO3 Association “SOCI” Tuzla 50.000,00 49.258,24 49.258,24 TO7 Association “Rock School” Mostar 180.009,00 72.957,88 72.957,88

TO8 Association “EDUS”, Sarajevo 501.516,98 109.118,71 109.118,71 TO3 Association “Zvjezdice” Banja Luka 70.389,91 12.871,23 12.871,23 TO3 Association “Dajte nam šansu” II Sarajevo 281.600,00 14.924,54 14.924,54

DELIVERABLES

1. 5 Post award (monitoring) capacity field visits to associations, ( “SOCI” Tuzla, “EDUS” Sarajevo, “Rock skola” Mostar, Tračak nade, foča, Helsinki Committee for human Rights in RS, Bijeljina), 2. Five Reports on post-award capacity assessment, 3. 21 overview monthly financial reports.

Expenditure

TOTAL: $244.566,61 I. Salaries $40.231,49 II. Fringe Benefits $26.707,38 III. Equipment and supplies $2.844,89

IV. Communications $1.962,28 V. Subcontracts / Consultants $29.778,26 VI.a Grants (In-kind) $0,00 VII. Visibility $9.276,57 VIII. Other direct costs $29.029,68 VI.b Grants (Cash) $104.736,06

Contact information

Institute for Youth Development KULT Ul. 4. viteske brigade 34-36 71210 Ilidza Bosnia and Herzegovina www.ppmg.ba