2019 Portfolio Review Activity Report

The activity was implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT from February 2015 to February 2022, with a total estimated cost of $4,999,000.00 USD. The activity's highest-level result statement was to increase citizen participation in governance. Key indicators included the number of underrepresented people assisted by a USG-funded intervention, the number of advocacy initiatives focused on improving the status of marginalized groups, and the number of human rights organizations trained and supported. In FY19, the activity achieved results in these areas, including assisting 2,916 underrepresented people, supporting 50 advocacy initiatives, and training 117 human rights organizations. Since January 2019, the activity achieved several notable results. Grants were signed with six organizations to establish service centers for families of persons with disabilities. These centers provided services such as short-term stay, access to psychologists and special education experts, and creative and inclusive workshops. The service centers in Zenica, Zavidovići, and Trebinje provided services to 79, 52, and 50 families, respectively, and offered almost 3,000, 1,239, and 700 services, respectively. Additionally, the activity supported the process of deinstitutionalization of persons with intellectual disabilities by providing housing for approximately 100 persons with disabilities in the Zenica-Doboj, Una-Sana, Central Bosnia, and Sarajevo Cantons. The activity also continued to support ongoing projects and grantees. The Association "Dajte nam šansu" succeeded in lobbying for amendments to the Law on the basics of social protection, civilian victims of war, and protection of families with children at the FBiH level in the FBiH House of Representatives. The amendments would allow parents of children and persons with disabilities to obtain status as parents/guardians/caregivers, giving them monthly benefits and regulated pension and health insurance. The activity's geographic focus was on Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a specific emphasis on supporting marginalized populations, including persons with disabilities, youth, women, Roma, disabled, and LGBTI individuals. The activity's timeframes were from February 2015 to February 2022, with a focus on achieving results in FY19 and beyond.