Quarterly Progress Report QPR-014 Marginalized Populations

Quarterly Progress Report QPR-014

Marginalized Populations Support Activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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

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

QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT

MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS SUPPORT ACTIVITY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (USAID/PPMG)

Report No. QPR #014

October 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 72016818F00001 72016818F00002

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 4 2. Acronyms 5 3. Executive Summary 6 3.1. Project Background 6 4. Activity highlights 7 5. Interventions and Achievements 9 5.1. Task Order: AID-168-I-15-00001 9 5.5. Task Order: AID-168-I-15-00005 24 6. FINANCIAL REPORT 28

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: $4,999,000 million Period of Performance: February 2015 – February 2022 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

Particularly noteworthy activities during the July-September 2018 reporting period were conducted by the Association “EDUS - Education for All”, Alliance of Paraplegics and Persons With Poliomyelitis of FBiH and the Rock School from Mostar.

4.1. Grant Awarded to Sarajevo Open Centre (SOC)

By September, 2018, PPMG awarded the 3rd grant for LGBTI issues to the Association “Sarajevo Open Centre” for the project “Strategic approaches for LGBTI rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

This is 15-month project, and SOC will provide 2 subgrants to local CSOs dealing with LGBTI issues in Tuzla and Prijedor (Tuzla Open Centre and Youth Center KVART).

SOC will work on maintaining their unique LGBTI web portal lgbti.ba, improving their organizational ability to influence and interact with relevant stakeholders for achieving strategic objectives, and campaign related to strategic litigation cases.

SOC will continue building the movement and empowering the LGBTI community in BiH through:  maintaining their unique LGBTI web portal lgbti.ba,  improving organizational abilities to influence and interact with relevant stakeholders (meetings, campaign and info sessions with opinion makers) for achieving changes in strategic documents and the society,  sub-granting and capacity development of local partners advocating for LGBTI rights in two regions in B&H,  mentoring new LGBTI activists.

The www.lgbti.ba remains the only media platform tailored for the local BiH LGBTI community, offering information and news that are relevant to the identities, everyday lives and human rights of lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersex people. It is a place that gives a platform and amplifies the voices of the LGBTI community and activists, as well as an advocacy tool.

SOC will convene a group of recognized opinion makers/influencers who are supportive, but who lack enough argumentation to convince the public that LGBTI people deserve the aforementioned rights and legal recognition. SOC will organize information sessions with different groups; opinion makers/influencers/public persons.

SOC also will strengthen the local groups working on LGBTI human rights in Tuzla and Prijedor to have more influence on their local decision makers. SOC will give a sub-grant to Tuzla Open Centre (Tuzla) and the Association “Youth Center” Kvart (Prijedor) to work on sensitizing the representatives of local institutions and bringing local LGBTI community closer to the local institutions offering different services for projects. These local groups and their members and activists will also take part in advocacy campaigns and other actions in relation to the freedom of assembly, same-sex partnership and legal gender recognition.

SOC and their partners will raise a new generation of LGBTI activists, who will be trained in different aspects of work and activism for the human rights of LGBTI people, in order to transfer the amassed knowledge.

The total grant amount is 107,000 USD.

4.2. During the reporting period, cooperation continued with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, with the goal of implementing the Methodology for Reporting on Implementation of International Agreements (UN and EU) concerning human rights in BiH.

4.3. After a consultation meeting about the draft of the Standards Manual for Service Centers for supporting families of children and persons with developmental disabilities, attended by representatives of the Network of Service Centers, experts in relevant areas, representatives of competent institutions and other stakeholders, with the support of USAID/PMMG, a report was created with comments and recommendations for improving the draft. The Standards Manual will be finalized in the near future.

4.4. The trainings on Financial Management and Administration and Human resources were held on July 2-6, 2018, within the third cycle of trainings intended for CSOs dealing with issues of marginalized groups in BiH.

Some statements of training participants are provided below:

For me, financial management was particularly interesting because all our organizations are program organizations, which means we work on projects, and here we were given a chance to learn how to write our financial reports, how to make contracts, what type of contract to use, who to sign contracts with, and we learned about tax policy too, so I think this was an extremely good training. Enisa Bratanović: Association “H. O. Lotosice” Tuzla

I'm very pleased we had the opportunity to take part in this training, since we're not part of USAID's Marginalized Populations Support Activity (USAID/PPMG). I think financial management is also crucial for recently founded organizations, and for ones with a long tradition as well. This is really a crucial topic for all of us. Enisa Maksumić: Association “Žena BiH” Mostar

What I am sure to take with me as one of the most impactful things is the relationships and decision-making when giving tasks to employees and the role of the president or person running the organization, and their relationship towards their employees. This is certainly something I will be able to share, and I will start using some new methods to improve our organization's results. Murisa Halilović, Association Youth Roma Initiative “Be My Friend” This whole story is a wonderful experience for me. These are extremely useful things presented in a both practical and theoretical way, which is an excellent approach that I like because I will take it with me and I can then share this new knowledge with my coworkers in my organization, especially youth we are working with, since we are focused on youth. Mario Crnković, Association “Green team” Novi Grad

4.5. During the reporting period, the Financial and Organizational Development Team maintained continuous communication with grantee organizations, and provided them with advisory support in the process of implementing recommendations from the grant agreement, and in the OCA process.

5. INTERVENTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

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

Task Title: Review of USAID/BiH Unsolicited Proposals

Since the Task Order #1 was amended in April/May 2017, PPMG has not analyzed requests sent to USAID. However, PPMG regularly receives requests and inquiries that require a response. During the reporting period, PPMG was sent 4 unsolicited proposals, which were processed and responded to accordingly. One of the requests concerned a survey on violence against children, and this request was approved for funding through Task Order #10. Out of the remaining 3 requests, 2 were sent from Africa, and were thus not eligible. They were instructed to address their requests to donors in their home countries. One request was rejected.

Media reports During this period, there were no significant media reports. In September 2018, the media reported on the issuing of the public call for organizations to send their representatives to trainings organized by the Activity for USAID’s partners.

An overview of the most significant media reports is provided below.

Type of No. Date Media outlet Location appearance https://www.mreza-mira.net/vijesti/seminari-treninzi/javni-poziv-lokalnim- 1 15.09 Mreža mira web organizacijama/ https://studomat.ba/javni-poziv-lokalnim-organizacijama-civilnog-drustva-koje-se- 2 15.09 Studomat web bave-pitanjima-marginaliziranih-grupa-u-bih/83481/ https://www.oslobodjenje.ba/vijesti/bih/bih-i-ne-broji-koliko-joj-djece-odlazi- 3 16.09 Oslobođenje web 389145 https://www.mreza-mira.net/vijesti/seminari-treninzi/javni-poziv-lokalnim- 4 23.09 Mreža mira web organizacijama/

Other Activities:

1. Monitoring visits to grantees

During the reporting period, the PPMG team conducted four monitoring visits to grantees. We visited: EDUS, Tračak nade, Dajte nam šansu-Zvjezdice and Dajte nam šansu.

All of the visits were a part of regular monitoring activities concerning the implementation of recommendations and project activities of the grantees.

2. Advisory support to grantees

The PPMG team, in the period of July-September 2018, provided daily advisory support to grantees and consultancy services. During this period, we exchanged over 60 emails with grantees, had over 70 phone calls and spent 70 hours on consultancy services alone. All of the aforementioned concerns consultancy services regarding implementation of projects and the introduction of rules and procedures in organizations, along with

consultations on reports to donors, support in achieving project results and goals, etc.

Task Title: Conduct Organizational Capacity Assessments

From July to September 2018, the Organizational Development Team provided continuous advisory support to grantees regarding their implementation of recommendations provided in the grant agreement, and the implementation of activities listed in capacity-building plans.

Below is an overview of the degree to which each grantee implemented the aforementioned activities.

- The Association of families of children and persons with developmental disabilities "Dajte nam šansu", during the reporting period and in accordance with their new grant agreement, implemented all recommendations on organizational development. Furthermore, the Association is currently in the final stages of completing their capacity-building plan, after which they will repeat the OCA process, and create a new plan.

- The Association “Tračak nade” Foča, during the reporting period, in accordance with their new grant agreement, implemented all recommendations on organizational development. All the activities listed in the capacity-building plan for this reporting period have been implemented.

- The Association Rock School Mostar did not implement the recommendation on amending their Statute. The PPMG team decided to withhold the next payment until the recommendation has been met. When it comes to the capacity-building plan, its finalization is expected in the near future, along with a repeated OCA process, which will be used to develop a new capacity-building plan.

- During the reporting period, the Association EDUS partially implemented the activities from the capacity- building plan, and submitted proof of implementation. Future steps include finalizing the plan, repeating the OCA process, and developing a new capacity-building plan.

During the reporting period, the Citizens’ Association Center for supporting families of children and persons with developmental disabilities “Dajte nam šansu - Zvjezdice” partially implemented activities listed in the capacity-building plan.

During the reporting period, the Organizational Development Team spent over 60 hours in consultations regarding the capacity-building process and implementing recommendations defined in the grant agreements.

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

Coaching and Mentoring Consultations

Implementation of methodology for reporting on implementation of international agreements (UN and EU) on human rights in BiH

During the reporting period, USAID/PPMG continues cooperating with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, with the goal of implementing the Methodology for Reporting on Implementation of International Agreements (UN and EU) concerning human rights in BiH. The Reporting methodology is one of four deliverables implemented for the Ministry during previous cooperation. The Reporting methodology was adopted by the Council of Ministers of BiH, because they perceive it as a high-quality and useful document. In addition to the reporting methodology, this cooperation yielded Standardized reporting forms, Standards for

monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the implementation of grants by the Ministry and the Manual on Internal Organization of the Ministry.

Standards Manual

After a consultation meeting on the draft of Standards Manual for Service Centers for supporting families of children and persons with developmental disabilities, attended by representatives of the Network of Service Centers, experts in relevant areas, representatives of competent institutions and other stakeholders, with the support of USAID/PMMG, a report was created with comments and recommendations for improving the draft. The Standards Manual will be finalized in the near future.

Task Title: Conduct training

TRAINING ON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

The training Financial Management was held on July 2-4, 2018 in Konjic, within the third cycle of trainings intended for CSOs dealing with issues of marginalized groups in BiH.

During the three-day training, the participants learned about the system of internal controls, financial accounting and reporting as the basic components of management in CSOs, practical steps and elements of establishing a financial management system.

After the training, the participants filled out an evaluation questionnaire on the quality of the content and organization of the training. The evaluation yielded the following results:

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

78,57% of participants believe that the content was comprehensible, and rated it 5, while 21.43% rated it one grade lower. 78.57% of participants believe the training was designed in a way that allows them to share experience and ideas that will help them in their future work, and rated the training with the grade 5, 14.29% with 4 and 7.14% with 3.

To what extent did the training meet your Will you be able to use at least some of expectations? what you learned during the training in the following year? 80,00% 150,00% 60,00% 40,00% 100,00% Responses Responses 20,00% 50,00% 0,00% 0,00% 1 2 3 4 5 DA NE

As the graphs show, the training met all the expectations for the majority of participants, since 64.29% rated it with 5, and 35.71% with 4. It is also evident that all participants agree that the knowledge they took away from the training will be applicable in their organizations.

TRAINING ON ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

The training on Administration and Human Resources was the final training within the third cycle of trainings intended for CSOs dealing with issues of marginalized groups in BiH. The training was held on July 4-6, 2018, in Konjic.

During the three-day training, by engaging in participative activities, the training participants learned about the concepts and elements of managing and developing human resources, leadership, the traits of a true leader/manager and dream team, decision making, defining priorities, and procedures concerning employment processes, employee performance evaluations, etc. In order to emphasize the importance of gender equality in the context of developing human resources, one session focused on this particular issue.

After the training, the participants filled out an evaluation questionnaire on the quality of the content and organization of the training. The evaluation yielded the following results:

How comprehensible was the content The training successfully encouraged of the training? an exchange of information and ideas. 100,00% 100,00%

50,00% 50,00% Responses Responses

0,00% 0,00% 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Almost all participants, i.e. 94.74%, believe that the content of the training was entirely comprehensible and tailored to their needs, which is why they gave it the highest grade. 84,21/% of participants believe that the training was conducted in a way that allowed them to exchange experience and information with representatives of other organizations, which is why they gave it the highest grade (5).

To what extent did the training meet your Will you be able to use at least some of expectations? what you learned during the training in the following year? 100,00% 80,00% 150,00% 60,00% 100,00% 40,00% Responses 50,00% Responses 20,00% 0,00% 0,00% 1 2 3 4 5 DA NE

All participants confirmed that the knowledge and skills they acquired during this training will be applicable in their organizations, and 84.21% of participants stated that the training met all their expectations, which is why they gave it the highest grade (5), whereas 15.79% of participants gave it one grade lower.

In order to evaluate the successfulness of the training on Financial Management and Administration and Human Resources, and gauge their level of knowledge, the participants did a pre-test prior to the training, and a post- test after the training. The tests showed significant progress in both areas.

Task Title: Integrating gender and institutional cooperation into activities

Sessions on gender equality

In the July-September 2018 period, a session on gender equality was held during the training on Administration and Human Resources. During this session, the participants learned how to incorporate gender in the process of developing and managing human resources.

Task Title: Visibility

Video stories

During the reporting period, two video stories were made about the training on the following topics: Financial 13

Management and Administration and Human Resources. The goal was to show how PPMG helps participants improve their knowledge about these topics, and how these trainings will help them in their work in the future.

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 “SOCI” Tuzla, August 29 2018, ● Association ”EDUS” Sarajevo, September 18 2018 ● Association “Dajte nam šansu” Sarajevo, September 19 2018 ● Association “Tračak nade” Foča, September 20 2018, and ● Association “Dajte nam šansu-Zvjezdice” Banja Luka, September 27 2018.

The PPMG survey team conducted a monitoring visit in order to inspect the implementation process of project activities and mandatory recommendations from the grant agreement. The recommendations from the grant agreement should have been implemented in accordance with deadlines and all contract provisions need to be applied. During the monitoring visit, the 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 on-site consultations of grant beneficiaries with the PPMG team.

1. Association “SOCI”, Tuzla During this quarter, we conducted a regular monitoring visit to the Association “SOCI” Tuzla. The visit was conducted on August 29, 2018. In the last reporting period, the PPMG team was notified by the staff that the Association’s Assembly decided to register a new legal entity. Due to this unforeseen situation, the PPMG team sent a memo to the Association, detailing their obligations concerning the project and the new circumstances. The PPMG team requested that certain things be defined in advance, as much as possible. The PPMG team emphasized that their role does not, and cannot, entail founding a Service Center as a new organization, and that it cannot make decisions on behalf of the Association. PPMG is therefore required to protect the interests, primarily of Service Center users, and the interests of USAID as a donor whose funds are predominantly used in funding the activities of the Service Center. However, due to our previous experience with the Association SOCI, the PPMG team expressed interest in monitoring the process of founding a new organization. In order to ensure that the process of founding a new organization is not conducted properly and to eliminate any dilemmas, PPMG pointed out some crucial issues that the Assembly needed to address. PPMG emphasized that the Assembly’s decisions must clearly and exhaustively define that everything concerning the SC project is entirely transferred to the new organization, such as: a) project activities of the Service Center, b) Service Center users, c) equipment used at the Service Center (particularly equipment procured through the project), d) contracts regarding the spaces used for Service Center activities.

The USAID/PPMG team requested that the Assembly clearly define the functioning of the project in the upcoming period. It was necessary to define the founders, create a new Statute, select potential members of the Governing Committee, etc. 14

In this communication with them, we particularly emphasized the need for the PPMG team to be informed about all events and decisions in a timely manner. Unfortunately, previously, PPMG was not notified on time when it comes to activities and some crucial decisions within the Association, and we had very negative experiences when cooperating with them. On July 20, 2018, the Association held an Assembly and adopted the decisions necessary for the continuation of the project. By the end of this quarter, the PPMG was notified that the new Association, i.e. service center was registered with the cantonal ministry, but that the project activities are still being conducted by the original legal entity.

The financial reporting process was generally conducted in accordance with the demands and guidelines of PPMG, and in accordance with the grant agreement, although there were certain irregularities concerning the fact that the status of the Assistant Coordinator who was in charge of financial reporting has still not been adequately resolved. Individuals previously in charge of financial reporting do not have the adequate knowledge and experience when it comes to working with finances and the financial reporting process. Due to the specific situation and circumstances of the Association and the project, many important issues are still unaddressed at the time of writing of this quarterly report. Further activities in the negotiation process depend on how these issues are resolved. We have to point out that the obligatory recommendations from the new grant agreement with the Association have not been defined by the time this report is being written, due to the continuous problems we were facing, and due to the decision to start a new legal entity to take over the role of the service center.

2. Association EDUS, Sarajevo The PPMG Monitoring Team conducted the second monitoring visit to the Association “EDUS” on September 18, 2018. The financial reporting was performed in accordance with PPMG rules and guidelines, and in accordance with the grant agreement. Since signing the contract, the Association has been intensively working on implementing all recommendations that are an integral part of their contractual obligations. All the recommendations were very quickly introduced in day-to-day work, and internal documents were finalized and adopted in accordance with the (new) defined deadlines for implementing recommendations. During this period, we identified some minor corrections that need to be introduced into the adopted internal documents. The Association EDUS worked on doing so in the last quarter; however, internal acts have not yet been adopted because the Governing Board has not yet held an Assembly where the agenda would include completing this final stage. What is more important, however, is the fact that the Association abides by and implements internal documents in practice, along with project financial reporting guidelines, which is evident in their financial and other documentation. The cost approval system is evident in the financial documentation, and the staff have clearly defined tasks. The project financial documentation is kept in separate folders, as defined in the grant agreement.

3. Association “Dajte nam šansu”, Sarajevo We conducted a visit to the Association “Dajte nam šansu” Sarajevo on September 19, 2019. The financial reporting process and managing of funds were conducted mainly in accordance with recommendations made by the PPMG Finance Team and in accordance with the grant agreement.

After reviewing the adopted acts during the previous monitoring visit, we determined that some corrections and adjustments were necessary, to ensure that internal documents correctly describe the already established positive practice and the Association’s specific mode of operating. During this quarter, the Association improved their internal acts to reflect the comments of the PPMG team, and advice they were given. All internal acts were adopted again by the Governing Board of the Association. The cost approval system is evident in the financial documentation, and the staff have clearly defined tasks. The project financial documentation is kept in separate folders, as defined in the grant agreement. Accounting is performed in accordance with local regulations, but changes in financial operations are not recorded in accordance with deadlines defined by law. The Association has been struggling with keeping their accounting records up to date since the beginning of the project.

4. Association “Tračak nade” Foča The monitoring visit of the PPMG team was conducted on September 20, 2018 at the Association “Tračak nade”. During the previous reporting period, the Association implemented all the recommendations defined in the new grant agreement with USAID/PPMG, except for the development of an organizational budget with an overview of all sources of funding and annual expenses. During the last monitoring visit, it was determined that the Association developed a budget that clearly shows all sources of funding, and a plan of expenditures per budget line. The PPMG team was presented with the gross balance with the last recorded financial transactions as proof of abiding by deadlines defined by law, and proof of better cooperation with the agency. The cost approval system is evident in the financial documentation. The project financial documentation is kept in separate folders, as defined in the grant agreement. The Association abides by and implements all contractually defined recommendations, along with project financial reporting guidelines, which is evident in their financial and other documentation.

5. Association “Dajte nam šansu-Zvjezdice” Banja Luka The PPMG team conducted a monitoring visit to the Association “Dajte nam šansu - ZVJEZDICE” from Banja Luka on September 27, 2019.

Over the past quarter, the Association Service Center “Dajte nam šansu - ZVJEZDICE” developed and adopted the last manual that remained unfinished, and was one of the obligatory recommendations. The Accounting Manual adopted by the Governing Board in accordance with the advice and corrections provided by the PPMG team. The Procurement Manual has not been amended because the Association had other obligations, but the Center’s Director stated that they would work on it soon. With regards to internal acts, all the recommendations were introduced in day-to-day work, and most internal documents were finalized and adopted in accordance with the (new) defined deadlines for implementing recommendations.

Grant agreement provisions on using funds are followed closely and the process of narrative and financial reporting is unimpeded and in accordance with the grant agreement.

When it comes to recommendations concerning financial reporting, the PPMG team was presented with the gross balance with the last recorded financial transactions as proof of abiding by deadlines defined by law. The cost approval system is evident in the financial documentation, and the staff have

clearly defined tasks. The project financial documentation is kept in separate folders, as defined in the grant agreement. In September, the Service Center had a large-scale event, very important for their future work and development. Namely, the Association organized a formal opening of the space given to them by the City of Banja Luka, which they renovated using USAID funds.

Task Title: Financial reporting and monitoring process

The USAID/PPMG Finance Team held regular monthly meetings in order to review Grantees’ financial statements and send comments on the statements and submitted financial documents (if any) by email and phone. In the previous period, we verified 18 grantees’ financial reports.

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 July and September, 2018:

Activities conducted at both SCs: . Since the Association established cooperation with the National Museum regarding inclusive workshops for SC users, the workshops were held in July, August and September for 10 users. . The SCs organized a substantial number of fieldtrips for their users: Tarčin Forest and Spa, Old Sinagogue – Museum of Judaism of BiH, National Museum, Barice, source of the river Bosna and Pioneer Valley. . The Service Center 1 and 2 in cooperation with the Association Sahan held workshops on making wool products: wet and dry felting. The workshops were attended by parents and adult users of the Service Center. . Association of families of children and persons with disabilities “Dajte nam šansu” took part in pre- election campaigns by organizing open door days for every party, i.e. candidates for the Sarajevo Canton Assembly. This provides the candidates with first-hand information about the problems and solutions for improving the status and position of families of children/persons with developmental disabilities. Open door days were held for each party separately. . The Fourth International Congress organized by the Association “Djeca – stubovi svijeta” included an inclusive workshop at the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH. The goal of the workshop was active participation of children with developmental disabilities in inclusive education. . The Association “Dajte nam šansu”, in cooperation with the Assembly of the City of Sarajevo, organized a free visit to the City Hall and a ride in the Sarajevo cable car for their 75 users (children/persons with disabilities and their parents). Service Center #1 . Director Ines Kavalec held a meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy to discuss the Standards Manual of the SCs. The meeting focused on a systemic way to handle the work of the SCs. It was attended by Deputy Minister Miroslav Jurešić from the Department of Social Protection and the Protection of Families and Children. . BHT1 visited the SC and filmed a segment. Director Ines Kavalec and two mothers gave statements and talked about the importance of the SCs and the position of families of children and persons with developmental disabilities. . The film “Gledati istini u oči” (“Face the Truth”) by Vesna Marić, was promoted during the Sarajevo Film Festival. Expert associate: Ines Kavalec. The film premiered at Cinema City.

. As a part of their activities on writing the Law on Social Care in FBiH, the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy in cooperation with the Institute of Economy from Sarajevo with the support of UNICEF is working on defining a standard methodology for calculating the prices of day care and counseling services for children with developmental disabilities. The Association “Dajte nam šansu” was recognized as a service provider, which is why the Institute of Economy visited the Association to discuss the pricing of services, which will be used as indicators for defining prices for day care of children with disabilities and their parents. . A meeting was held with representatives of the Turkish Embassy, to discuss details of future cooperation that will involve the purchase of a new vehicle adapted for persons with disabilities. Service Center #2 . SC 2 organized various workshops and visits to landmarks in Sarajevo for users of this Center: making jewelry, make up and hair for girls and salsa dancing; visits to the following landmarks: City Hall, Sebilj, Old Otrhodox Church, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Sahat kula, Bezistan, Markale marketplace, Sarajevo Cathedral, Eternal Flame. . The Service Center 2 celebrated the International Day of Friendship with a creative workshop (coloring, painting, working with candles and colored rice) that included conversations, debates involving persons with disabilities and typical persons on socializing and communication in the modern era. . The Service Center was visited by students of primary schools Musa Ćazim Ćatić and Safvet- beg Bašagić, in the role of young volunteers. In the company of the staff, the students learned about the work of the SC, spent time with the users and took part in a workshop organized by the SC.

By the end of September, 2018, the two Service Centers in Sarajevo had 508 registered families, and in the previous period (July - September) provided 2522 services.

2.2. Service Center “Tračak nade” Foča

The most important activities and results of the Service Center “Tračak nade” in the period of July – September 2018 are listed below:  Advisory and instructional work with parents;  Advisory and supportive work with siblings of persons with disabilities;  Psychological crisis interventions;  Individual and group work with users – persons with disabilities and their family members;  Field work;  Users of the SC “Tračak nade” took part in a local futsal tournament “Ratko Eade Šobot” – the goal is to fight stigma and prejudice against persons with disabilities in different aspects;  Educational workshop held for family members of persons with developmental disabilities, focused on resolving conflicts in the family that are caused by a lack of understanding of problems and needs of the family member with disabilities;  A creative workshop was held called “Pebble Art Crafting” for members of families of persons with disabilities. The goal was to engage the participants in creative and occupational therapy intended to reduce their stress levels, teach them new skills and allow them to socialize. The crafts that resulted from this workshop will be available for purchase at the Associations future shop;  A social map of users of the SC “Tračak nade” was developed in August;  Entrance pathways and the front yard of the SC were landscaped. The users, volunteers, and staff of the SC landscaped the SC’s surroundings, which helped them learn about different ornamental plants that can thrive in Foča’s microclimate; they built fences and decorative sections on these surfaces;  Children and youth regularly took part in trainings at the Karate Club “Ljubiša” from Foča.

By the end of September, 2018, Service Center in Foča had 80 registered families, and in the previous period (July - September) provided 4142 services.

2.3. Service Center “SocI” Tuzla

In addition to regular services to beneficiaries, some of the most significant activities in this quarter are listed below: . Visit to the Home for Children Without Parental Care, aimed at socialization and destigmatization of children with disabilities and children without parental care. . A play was held at the Peace Flame House called “Be My Sunny Side”. The play was followed by an exhibition of art by users of the SC. . A workshop called “Stress and How to Manage It” was held for parents and staff at the SC. . We visited the Municipality of Živinice and presented the SC model, its services and benefits for the local community. It was also noted that the services of the SC in Tuzla are available free-of-charge to people from the municipality of Živinice. . A Ramadan show was organized, featuring performances by the SC users.

. Visit to the Social Work Center Tuzla conducted, to get relevant information about the number of families that have members with disabilities in Tuzla, their status and living conditions. . Regular activities with users: short stay, psychological workshops, session with a special education expert, creative workshops, etc.

The number of SC beneficiaries was significantly increased in the last 3 months, and by the end of September they had 112 families as their beneficiaries.

2.4. 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: . A creative workshop was held for children with developmental disabilities at the local community Bronzani Majdan. During the workshop, the participants had a visit from the Head of the Department of Culture, Tourism and Social Policy of the City of Banja Luka, Ms. Natalija Trivić. The participants were children with developmental disabilities, parents and siblings. The children took part in a creative workshop, and the parents had a meeting with Ms. Trivić. . Creative workshop – making jewelry and key chains – Participants were children and youth with developmental disabilities. The goal was to teach the children about different kinds of jewelry and show them how to make it. This workshop encouraged creativity, imagination, improved their fine motor skills and sense of teamwork. . John Pezzullo from Washington and Vlado Milin (USAID BiH) visited the SC – The goal was to show Mr. Pezzullo how the SC functions, the problems they have and the problems faced by families of children/persons with developmental disabilities. . Workshop held on healthy diets in cooperation with the Healthy Food Restaurant ZEN – Participants were children and youth with developmental disabilities. The goal is to encourage children to develop healthy habits, socialize, have fun, and engage in occupational therapy. . Participation in the Run & Fun race – Children and youth with developmental disabilities took part in the Run & Fun race organized by the Athletic club of persons with disabilities “Vrbas” in cooperation with socially responsible companies, in order to engage as many people as possible. The result of the race was the purchase of an elliptical for the Service Center, that will allow the users to engage in recreational activities during the winter months. . An initiative was launched, requesting the Ministry of Transportation and Communication of RS and Autoputevi RS to exempt families of children with developmental disabilities from paying tolls. . Workshop for parents – support provided by a psychologist – The goal of the workshop is to help parents accept the fact that they have a child with disabilities, help them deal with their issues and focus on themselves as well. The workshop is intended to empower parents, and support the entire family. These workshops are held continuously at the Service Center.

. Sports workshops and trainings for developing motor skills are held regularly at the City Stadium Borac in cooperation with the Athletic club of persons with disabilities “Vrbas”. The goal is to develop gross motor skills, improve coordination and the development of physical skills. A sports group was formed, and the trainings are tailored to each child. The children have the support of the trainers from this club. . Folk dancing – We established cooperation with the society for culture and arts “Čajavec” and organized a folk dancing groups for youth with developmental disabilities. The group includes typical children as well - youth from “Čajavec”.

At the end of September 2018, the Service Center in Banja Luka had 137 families as beneficiaries. In this quarter, the SC in Banja Luka provided 1996 services.

5.5. TASK ORDER: AID-168-I-15-00005

1.1 - Task Title: International Open Championship - XV. Sports Games of Paraplegics and Persons suffering from Poliomyelitis

This activity was finalized during the previous reporting period.

2.1 - Task Title: Extension of activities focused on socialization of marginalized children through clown-therapy-based approach (activity “Duga za moga druga / Rainbow for my friend”) in “Mjedenica” Institute, to be conducted by the NGO “Heart Full of Smiles“

This activity was finalized during the previous reporting period.

3.1 - Task Title: Support to Swimming Club “SPID” Sarajevo – Free-of-charge swimming trainings and exercises for children and persons with disabilities

Since there are no trainings during summer break, the equipment procured will be given to the swimming club in the beginning of October 2018.

4.1 - Task Title: Support to Women’s University Volleyball Club “Student UNTZ” Tuzla

This activity was finalized during the previous reporting period.

5.1 - Task Title: Volunteer-based Fire Department “Vogošća” – Education of elementary school children on fire practices and procedures to reduce or prevent consequences of fires.

Workshops with children in elementary schools were planned for October 2018. Prior to starting the workshops, DVD Vogošća will receive the donated equipment.

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

Mostar Rock School:

In this quarter, MoRS issued a call for a new generation of Rock School students. Enrollment was opened on August 14, and remained open until the end of the month. Auditions with potential candidates were held between September 3 and September 9, 2018. The new school year started on September 10, 2018, for 104 new students. During October, the school is expecting an increase in the number of enrolled students since the academic year will be starting for students who go attend university in Mostar.

The Rock School added two new subjects to their curriculum: Technical lessons and Solfeggio The curricula for these two subjects were developed in July and August this year.

MoRS took part in protests “Justice for David” with 8 students holding a mini concert for the protestors (July 7, 2018).

In August, MoRS participated in the traditional Red Bull Cliff Diving event at the Old Bridge in Mostar (August

7-8, 2018). This was very important for promoting the school, because the event is an international attraction and is seen live by a large number of people in the region and the world.

Bands Smooth Groove and Floridus represented MoRS at the Evergreen Festival in Čitluk (August 9-10, 2018). These two bands won the last program concerts from the previous school year.

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

EDUS

The most important activities implemented during this reporting period are listed below:

 A meeting was held with representatives of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of BiH, to prepare a joint research paper.  During this quarter, special attention was given to study 3, which included the following activities: o A research team was created to work on this study (10 persons from different parts of BiH) o Institutions that will be involved in the field were identified; o Methodology for collecting data in the field was developed; o Detailed budget developed for the study; o Monitoring plan for collecting data was developed; o Complete research material was prepared for the beginning of collecting data within this study.  Preliminary results of studies 1 and 2 were presented at the symposium “Building a Behavioral Program” in Wurzburg (Germany).  Material for studies 1 and 2 was collected continuously throughout this quarter: screening of children with disabilities and typical children, using the new RBS II scales on research participants, field research that entailed using scales that are an integral part of the research protocol, meetings with representatives of participating medical institutions from across BiH, etc.

5.8. TASK ORDER: AID-168-I-15-00009

SOC

By September, 2018, PPMG awarded the 3rd grant for LGBTI issues to the Association “Sarajevo Open Centre” for the project “Strategic approaches for LGBTI rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

This is a 15-month project, during which SOC will provide 2 subgrants to local CSOs dealing with LGBTI issues in Tuzla and Prijedor (Tuzla Open Centre and Youth Center KVART). SOC will work on maintaining their unique LGBTI web portal lgbti.ba, improving their organizational ability to influence and interact with relevant stakeholders for achieving strategic objectives, and campaign related to strategic litigation cases.

The www.lgbti.ba remains the only media platform tailored for the local BiH LGBTI community, offering information and news that are relevant to the identities, everyday lives and human rights of lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersex people. It is a place that gives a platform to amplify the voice of the LGBTI community and activists, as well as an advocacy tool.

SOC will also strengthen the local groups working on LGBTI human rights in Tuzla and Prijedor to have more influence on their local decision-makers. SOC will give a sub-grant to Tuzla Open Centre (Tuzla) and the Association “Youth Center” Kvart (Prijedor) to work on sensitizing the representatives of local institutions and bringing local LGBTI community closer to the local institutions offering different services for projects. These local groups and their members and activists will also take part in advocacy campaigns and other actions in relation to the freedom of assembly, same-sex partnership and legal gender recognition. SOC and their partners will raise a new generation of LGBTI activists, who will be trained in different aspects of work and activism for the human rights of LGBTI people, in order to transfer the amassed knowledge.

The total grant amount is 107,000 USD.

6. FINANCIAL REPORT

USAID/PPMG Finance Team held regular monthly meetings in order to review grantees’ financial statements and send comments on the statements and submitted financial documents (if any) by email and phone.

OVERVIEW OF AWARDED GRANTS

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

TO3 Association “Dajte nam šansu”, Sarajevo 527.443,61 500.134,75 498.822,45

TO3 Association “Tračak nade” Foča 64.000,00 34.143,36 33.842,79

TO3 Association “SOCI” Tuzla 114.000,00 69.106,59 68.389,87 TO7 Association “Rock School” Mostar 180.009,00 116.353,96 116.353,96

TO8 Association “EDUS” Sarajevo 501.516,98 277.623,23 276.360,10 TO3 Association “Zvjezdice” Banja Luka 70.389,91 36.869,59 35.658,40 TO3 Association “Dajte nam šansu” II Sarajevo 281.600,00 83.150,92 71.327,20

DELIVERABLES

1. 5 Post award (monitoring) capacity field visits to associations, (“SOCI” Tuzla, “EDUS” Sarajevo, Tračak nade, Foča, Dajte nam šansu Sarajevo, Dajte nam šansu-Zvjezdice, Banja Luka), 2. Five Reports on post-award capacity assessment, 3. 18 overview monthly financial reports.

Expenditure 2018/Q1-Q4

Cost Allocation Category Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total per FY I. Salaries $33.698,71 $40.231,49 $28.124,54 $24.632,58 $126.687,32 II. Fringe Benefits $25.957,36 $26.707,38 $18.844,14 $15.997,23 $87.506,11 III. Equipment and supplies $396,45 $2.844,89 $244,14 $818,25 $4.303,73 IV. Communications $1.012,26 $1.962,28 $778,38 $749,67 $4.502,59 V. Subcontracts / $18.532,73 $29.778,26 $13.606,42 $23.371,48 $85.288,89 Consultants VI.a Grants (In-kind) $0,00 $0,00 $20.900,96 $0,00 $20.900,96 VII. Visibility $18.391,87 $9.276,57 $2.787,20 $2.065,08 $32.520,72 VIII. Other direct costs $37.326,00 $29.029,68 $36.652,28 $16.578,53 $119.586,49 VI.b Grants (Cash) $215.904,55 $104.736,06 $111.739,10 $81.810,02 $514.189,73

Contact information

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