Annual Performance Report

(July 2021 - June 2022)

The Gabay (Guide) project, a collaborative effort between Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), continued its work in Year 3 (July 2021 - June 2022) to enhance inclusive education for Blind, Deaf, and Deafblind children in its target areas: Batangas, Sorsogon, and Maasin/Southern Leyte. The project aimed to increase access to quality education, improve reading skills, and strengthen local government attention to the needs of children with sensorial disabilities.

Year 3 demonstrated significant progress across all three Intermediate Results (IRs). IR1 saw expanded vision and hearing screening activities and CHW trainings, contributing to increased enrollment of children with sensorial disabilities. Under IR2, capacity building for educators and parents continued, focusing on FSL, reading interventions, and assistive technology, highlighted by the development of regional FSL stories and a Braille Reading Assessment Tool. IR3 successfully advocated for local policies supporting inclusive education, secured resource allocations, and established new resource centers, boosting stakeholder engagement.

Summary of GABAY (Guide) Year 3

Despite these achievements, the project navigated persistent challenges, primarily the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic requiring hybrid implementation approaches and disruptions caused by natural disasters like Typhoon Odette, which heavily affected partners and activities in some areas.

The collective efforts of the RBI Gabay Team, including the crucial financial oversight provided by the Project Finance Manager since Year 1, were paramount in navigating the complexities of Year 3. Their adaptability, specific expertise, and dedication enabled the project to achieve significant outcomes and continue its vital work despite the challenging operational environment.

In summary, Year 3 marked a period of adaptation and continued achievement for the Gabay project. The steadfast commitment and specialized contributions of the RBI Gabay Team, including the essential financial management ensured by the Project Finance Manager since the project's inception, were key to its ability to deliver results and build momentum towards sustainability.