an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

Summary of GABAY (Guide) Year 2

Annual Performance Report

(July 2020 - June 2021)

The Gabay (Guide) project, a collaboration between Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), focused in Year 2 (July 2020 - June 2021) on strengthening inclusive education for Blind, Deaf, and Deafblind children across target sites in Batangas, Sorsogon, and Maasin/Southern Leyte. The project aimed to enhance access to quality education by continuing efforts in early identification, improving educational services, fostering reading skills, and influencing supportive policy environments.

Key Accomplishments and Challenges

Year 2 yielded significant results across the project's Intermediate Results (IRS). Under IR1, trainings for Community Health Workers (CHWs) and eye/ear care practitioners were conducted, leading to increased screening and referrals for children with visual and hearing impairments. IR2 concentrated on building the capacity of teachers and school administrators through trainings on Filipino Sign Language (FSL), reading interventions, assistive technology, and adapted assessment tools, alongside the development and distribution of learning resource materials. IR3 focused on advocacy and awareness-raising activities with LGUs, DPOs, CSOs, and parents, aimed at increasing local government attention and action towards the needs of children with sensorial disabilities.

The project implementation was significantly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. These events necessitated a major pivot to online platforms for trainings and meetings, caused delays in planned face-to-face activities like mass screenings and the establishment of physical resource centers, and strained the capacity of partner organizations who were also responding to the crises.

a man sitting at a desk with a laptop computer
a man sitting at a desk with a laptop computer
a man and a woman sitting at a table
a man and a woman sitting at a table
a teacher teaching children in a classroom
a teacher teaching children in a classroom

The collective importance of the RBI staff to the Gabay project is evident in their ability to adapt and continue delivering results despite unprecedented operational challenges. Their expertise, dedication, and collaborative spirit, guided by leadership and supported by specialized roles like that of the IT Specialist, were fundamental to maintaining project momentum, fostering strong relationships with partners, and ensuring that interventions reached children with sensorial disabilities and their support networks during a difficult period. Year 2's achievements stand as a testament to the RBI team's resilience and commitment to inclusive education.