CIVIL SOCIETY AND DEMOCRACY IN THE EASTERN REGION PROJECT

Quarterly Report Quarter III – April 1 to June 30, 2020

Submission Date: July 15, 2020

Cooperative Agreement Number: 72051918CA00002 Activity Start Date and End Date: AUG 8, 2018 to AUG 7, 2022

AOR Name: Ana Jimena Bondanza

Submitted by: Rodolfo Mejía Dietrich, Director - Research Center for Democracy (CIDEMO) Universidad de Oriente (UNIVO)

4a. C. Pte., San Miguel Tel: 2668.3700

Email: rmejia@univo.edu.sv

This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International

Development El Salvador Mission (USAID/El Salvador).

Contents

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................... 1

A. PROJECT OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................... 2

A.1 Project Description / Introduction ..................................................................................... 2

A.2 Summary of Results to Date ................................................................................................ 4

B. ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS ........................................................................... 5

COMPONENT 1: CREATION OF THE RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTER ............ 5

1.1 Short term consultancy to draft the Strategic Plan of the Center .............................. 5

1.2 Training on “Social research methods” .............................................................................. 5

1.3 Define research lines (CIDEMO) ......................................................................................... 5

1.4 Internal regulations (CIDEMO) by USAL Consultants ................................................... 5

1.5 Follow up to Technical assistance and strategic final plan version .............................. 6

1.6 Signing of Sub-awardee between UNIVO and AU ........................................................... 6

1.7 Selection of researchers (profiles and contracting) ......................................................... 6

1.8 Training on “Public policies and research methods” ....................................................... 6

1.9 Establishment of a Consultative Commission ................................................................... 7

1.10 Editorial publication ............................................................................................................... 7

1.11 China Panel Forum ................................................................................................................ 8

COMPONENT II: CAPACITY BUILDING ................................................................................... 8

2.1 Management with consulting firms and hiring ................................................................... 8

2.2 Draft the profile of trainees ................................................................................................... 8

2.3 Drafting of contents, core competencies, methodological proposal. ......................... 8

2.4 Drafting of e-learning module (curriculum 1) ................................................................... 9

2.5 Tool box completion (curriculum 2 and 3) ....................................................................... 9

2.6 Review and approval process ................................................................................................ 9

2.7 A contest on "University Prize" ............................................................................................ 9

2.8 Training for “Formador de Formadores” (25) ................................................................ 10

2.9 Training “lideres emergentes” (60) .................................................................................... 10

2.10 Training of local leaders (600) .......................................................................................... 10

COMPONENT III: DEVELOPMENT OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL PLATFORM ............ 10

COMPONENT IV: PROMOTION OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.................................... 10

4.1 Student seedbed ..................................................................................................................... 11

4.2 Strategic partner search ........................................................................................................ 11

4.3 Establishment of partnerships ............................................................................................. 11

4.4 Students seedbed strengthening in research methods and democratic cap. ........... 11

4.5 Promotion Campaign ............................................................................................................. 12

4.6 Strengthening democratic capabilities of selected partners ........................................ 14

4.7 Virtual conferences, blogs .................................................................................................... 14

B1. Other activities ............................................................................................................................ 16

B2. Implementation Challenges....................................................................................................... 16

C. INTEGRATION OF CROSSCUTTING ISSUES ................................................................. 17

C1. Youth, gender and vulnerable groups ............................................................................ 17

D. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES ............................................................. 17

E. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT QUARTER INCLUDING UPCOMING ............ 18

F. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................... 18

ANNEX A: PROGRESS SUMMARY ........................................................................................ 14

ANNEX B: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ............................................................................. 15

ANNEX C: GPS information ..................................................................................................... 16

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ADEL Asociación de Desarrollo Económico Local (Local Economic Development

Association)

ALAC Centro de Asesoría Legal Anticorrupción de El Salvador (Anti-Corruption

Legal Advice Center, El Salvador)

AOR Agreement Officer's Representative

AU American University at Washington DC, USA.

CIDEMO Centro de Investigación para la Democracia (Research Center for Democracy)

CCR Corte de Cuentas de la República de El Salvador (Court of Accounts of the

Republic of El Salvador)

COP Chief of Party

COVID-19 Coronavirus disease 2019

CSO Civil Society Organization

DTJ Fundación Democracia, Transparencia y Justicia (Democracy, Transparency

and Justice, Foundation)

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization from United Nations

FUNDAMUNI Fundación de Apoyo a Municipios de El Salvador (The Foundation for

Support to Municipalities of El Salvador)

FUSADES Fundación Salvadoreña para el Desarrollo Económico y Social (Salvadoran

Foundation for Economic and Social Development)

IAIP Instituto de Acceso a la Información Pública (Institute of Access to Public

Information)

IES Instituciones de Educación Superior (Higher Education Institutions)

I&D Innovation and Development

MEL Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

NUPAS Non-US Organization Pre-award Survey requests

ONG Non-Governmental Organization

PADECOMSM Asociación Patronato para el Desarrollo de las Comunidades de Morazán y

San Miguel (Association for the Development of the Communities of Morazán

and San Miguel)

SO Strategic Objective

TEG Tribunal de Ética Gubernamental (Government Ethics Court)

UNIVO Universidad de Oriente

USAID United States Agency for International Development

USAL Universidad de Salamanca, España

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A. PROJECT OVERVIEW

Program Name: Civil Society and Democracy in the Eastern Region Project.

Activity Start Date and End Date:

AUG 8, 2018 to AUG 7, 2022

Name of Prime Implementing Partner:

Universidad de Oriente (UNIVO)

Cooperative Agreement Number:

72051918CA00002

Name of Sub-awardees / Consulting Services

Sub-awardees: American University, USA; Innovation and Development Consulting (I&D); DTJ Foundation.

Consulting Services: Marlon Hernández Anzora

Major Counterpart Organizations

Individual Consultants from University of Salamanca, Spain.

Geographic Coverage

(cities and or countries)

San Miguel, Morazán, La Unión and Usulután departments.

Reporting Period: April 1 to June 30, 2020 (Q3 FY-2020)

A.1 Project Description / Introduction

The main goal of the project is to promote and drive citizen education in democratic governance in El Salvador through training, analysis, discussion and advocacy of civil society so that they may understand their rights and could monitor the work of the state in key country issues all the above in the eastern region of El Salvador for the first time. The Project's strategy consists in the creation of a Research and Training Center (CIDEMO) as Think Tank, where the solutions to the country´s problems will be analyzed and proposed, emphasizing on the promotion of important aspects such as governance, transparency and the fight against corruption.

SO1 will be achieved through: a) the creation of the center and training in democratic governance and transparency (Component 1); b) the research team´s capacity building (nine researchers) and training of 25 trainers of trainers in civic-citizen education (Component 2). The Center will seek to actively influence the strengthening of democratic governance, the rule of law and transparency in El Salvador; and will be supported by internationally renowned partners who will provide technical assistance and advice. SO2 will be achieved through the development of three training programs in democratic governance aimed at training the trainers, 200 emerging leaders and 4000 persons from civil

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society (Component 2). In this context, the project seeks to strengthen civil society - mostly young people - who are not well organized, and with lack of training in democracy and citizen participation, to demand their rights and know their obligations, learn the control mechanisms of State institutions, and demand the effective management of public resources; through an emerging leaders and researcher seedbed with 25 UNIVO students. Finally, SO3 was intended to design and develop a technology platform. However, this OS3 has been suspended during FY19, its implementation will depend on obtaining new funds. (Component 3). This report summarizes the activities carried out during the second quarter of 2020 in the three operational components of the project. The main achievements of this quarter are: 1) Sub-awardee signature with American University, our American partner. 2) Receipt of the first products from the independent consultants of the University of Salamanca, Spain. 3) UNIVO Board of Directors Agreement to hire local consultants and start the operation of component 2 (capacity building). Likewise, this report responds to an update of the Work Plan FY-2020 with date March 31 2020, due to the impact of COVID-19 on the execution of the project.

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A.2 Summary of Results to Date

Indicators Baseline

FY 2019

Annual Target

FY2020

Q1

FY2020

Q2

FY2020

Q3

FY2020

Q4

FY2020

Annual Performance Achieved to the End of Reporting

Period (%)

On Target

Y/N

Indicator 1:

Custom. Number of researchers strengthened in democratic governance and transparency.

0 9 0 0 0 0% N

Indicator 2:

DR.4.2-2. Number of civil society organizations (CSOs) receiving USG assistance engaged in advocacy interventions.

0 8 N/A 0 0 N/A Y

Indicator 3:

Custom. Number of citizens trained in democratic governance and transparency.

0 300 N/A 0 0 N/A Y

Indicator 4 (cross cutting):

YOUTH-5 Percentage of youth who participate in civil society activities following soft skills/life skills training or initiatives from USG assisted programs. (3)

0 0% N/A 0 0 N/A Y

Notes:

(1) The Results Performance Column depicts level of achievement expressed as a percentage of Actual versus Planned. (2) Although we had limited funds, we have been able to add activities in component 3 (technology platform). We have a social network, CIDEMO

fanpage on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CidemoElSalvador/; and a CIDEMO web platform has recently been enabled: https://cidemo.univo.edu.sv/

(3) The Youth-4 indicator was updated to Youth-5 because the Youth-4 indicator was removed from the list of standard indicators in 2019 and was replaced by the Youth-5 indicator, the definition of this indicator complies with what the project is performing.

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B. ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS

The following is a description of the execution progress made during FY2020, by component.

COMPONENT 1: CREATION OF THE RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTER 1.1 Short term consultancy to draft the Strategic Plan of the Center

In early April, USAL´s independent consultants delivered the first draft of the document called: "CIDEMO 2020-2025 General Strategic Plan." The evaluation procedure was developed by applying a collaborative methodology of opinions and comments, mainly in relation to the technical aspects of the document: planning, methodology and evaluation of results. The official correspondence was issued by the director in the technical area of the project during the months of April and May to discuss final aspects of the CIDEMO General Strategic Plan, draft, this quarter the aforementioned CIDEMO General Strategic Plan was approved. 1.2 Training on “Social research methods”

This section has already been fulfilled and reported in quarterly report Q2-FY-2020.

1.3 Define research lines (CIDEMO)

The project has a document called “Research Lines: objectives and goals of the Center”. CIDEMO´s research pivotal points and lines are: Pivotal point 1: INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING, RULE OF LAW AND STATE REFORM.

Research Line I: Rule of Law and the Judiciary Research Line II: Institutional Design and electoral reforms Research Line: III: Transparency and citizen participation Research Line IV: Women´s political representation

Pivotal point 2: POVERTY AND DEVELOPMENT.

Research Line I: Poverty and Inequality Research Line II: Local and regional development Research Line III: Transparency and participation Research Line III: Sustainable Development Research Line IV: Migration

1.4 Internal regulations (CIDEMO) by USAL Consultants

The development of the short-term consulting by independent researchers from the University of Salamanca (USAL), Spain, will leave this quarter a legacy of immeasurable value on strategic aspects for the installation of CIDEMO such as: planning, administrative organization and skills building for researchers. The foregoing, with the receipt of the

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product: "Internal Regulations of CIDEMO", there is now a regulatory framework that regulates the activities carried out by CIDEMO in accordance with the provisions of UNIVO's institutional functioning and organizational culture. The internal regulations specifically regulate the following: nature and purposes, own activities, of the staff and members of the Center, of the governing bodies, the resources of the Center, among other administration matters. In short, CIDEMO now has an instrument that allows the management of human talent and regulates general administrative aspects. 1.5 Follow up to Technical assistance and strategic final plan version

After the technical reviews to the draft plan, by both Project´s consultants and technical team, CIDEMO´s 2020-2025 General Strategic Plan document was satisfactorily approved in late June. The document defines the strategic objectives of the Center, as well as the development of concrete actions to achieve them. In addition, it provides elements of institutional identity (mission, vision, values). In the same way, the action plan is presented based on four different intervention areas: research, social projection, organization and sustainability. The document synthesizes what will eventually become a prolific scientific production, through a complex structure based on an economically profitable management model committed to ethics and citizen values. 1.6 Signing of Sub-awardee between UNIVO and AU

This section has already been fulfilled and reported in quarterly report Q2-FY-2020. No amendments to the sub-awardee to date. 1.7 Selection of researchers (profiles and contracting)

The hiring process started after the review of profiles in May and ended in June. According to Agreement 10.2 of Board of Directors Minutes No. 825 dated June 10, 2020, the third researcher, a Lawyer and Notary, was hired: Melvin Iván Espinal. The researcher has a master's degree in family law, has taught research methods, and has conducted legal research in the field of political rights and justice enforcement. The hiring of the third researcher will strengthen the scientific and operational capacity of CIDEMO, he will take office on July 1, 2020. 1.8 Training on “Public policies and research methods”

The study plan was received in May, after signing the Sub-awardee with the American University, including contents, duration, methodology, and a list of bibliographic references. As far as the training date is concerned, it is proposed for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021 in the United States, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the suspension of international flights.

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1.9 Establishment of a Consultative Commission

The corresponding steps to search for the CIDEMO Advisory Commission candidates have been undertaken. Candidates will be selected from sectors such as the academia, professional associations, and private companies, among others. The commission is expected to be established by the last quarter of this fiscal year. 1.10 Editorial publication

The scientific production process of CIDEMO, has resulted in two academic efforts that will end with the intellectual production of two books, whose titles are detailed below: Book 1: A Latin American view and comparative perspectives on the rule of law, human rights and democracy in times of pandemic (COVID-19). This book will be published in July in an e- format. This was a coordinated effort among the director of CIDEMO with authors from the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Book 2: Democracy, governability and corruption: Study of the political culture in the eastern region of El Salvador will be in a printed version, and is the product of the academic effort of CIDEMO researchers. Currently, it is in the diagramming phase.

Figure 1. Cover of the e-book

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1.11 China Panel Forum

N/A. This activity is scheduled for the fourth quarter FY-2020.

COMPONENT II: CAPACITY BUILDING 2.1 Management with consulting firms and hiring

National consultancies started under the modality of teleworking. Specific advancements are described below: 1) A Sub-awardee was signed with I&D Consulting, for the Train the Trainers study plan (curiculum 1). The first deliverable called “Work Plan” was received as a product, to which observations have been made with a view to improving the quality of the teaching-learning process.Virtual training activities of the 25 train the trainers is expected to begin in August of this fiscal year.

2) The consulting services contract was signed with a national consultant for the Training Plan: Emerging Leaders (Curriculum 2). To date, two products have been received and approved satisfactorily: a) Job Plan; b) Criteria for selecting emerging leaders. Said document is an innovative proposal prepared based on national and international criteria adapted to the needs of the eastern region of the country. The document, also, warns about the changes in the training processes that determine the biosecurity and social distancing protection measures, which will characterize the “new normality.

3) USAID Contracting Office authorization for the signing of the sub-awardee is ongoing with the Democracy, Transparency and Justice.

In short, despite the adverse context that emerged with the COVID-19 emergency faced by humanity, consultancies in the framework of capacity building have had the possibility of adapting taking advantage of technology resources and due to the excellent professionalism with the one that has been handled by the consultants. Thus, there are important advances in capacity building. 2.2 Draft the profile of trainees

This section has already been fulfilled and reported in quarterly report Q2-FY-2020. 2.3 Drafting of contents, core competencies, methodological proposal, and

evaluation criteria.

With the agreement of the consultants it was posible to approve the definition of the contents of the first training program (train the trainers), and the second training program (emerging leaders). Fundamentally, contents were developed based on the modeling of competences (concepts, procedures and attitudes) that allow the exercise of active citizenship. Possibly, the main novelty, in terms of pedagogical innovation and condition for COVID-19, is the shift towards training made possible through virtual learning environments.

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Indeed, at a methodological level, the use of virtual platforms implies the realization of teaching-learning processes whose technical and procedural results are inherent to this modality. Hence, CIDEMO members have emphasized that the training processes may include elements related to flexibility, autonomy and creativity, under the fulfillment of criteria and quality indicators inherent in the UNIVO educational model. 2.4 Drafting of e-learning module (curriculum 1)

The contents and agreements on virtual training have already been established between I&D Consulting and CIDEMO on the pedagogical strategy and the virtual platform to use (Moodle Platform licensed by UNIVO), for the development of e-learning modules. 2.5 Tool box completion (curriculum 2 and 3)

Currently, the toolkit of the second curriculum (emerging leaders) is in the draft phase, pending approval, it will be the next product to be delivered by Consultant Hernández Anzora. Regarding the toolkit on the third curriculum (citizen awareness), important advances have been developed to start its creation with its basic requirements, through virtual work meetings. 2.6 Review and approval process

All the proposals for curricula carried out within the framework of the consultancies are in the training phase, and have been observed and commented on, when observations are overcome, they will proceed with the approval in the following quarter. 2.7 A contest on "University Prize"

In an unprecedented effort in the history of Universidad de Oriente, CIDEMO launched the: "University Award in research proposals on transparency and the fight against corruption" Undergraduate university students from higher education institutions in the eastern region of the country were invited. The general objective of the activity was to promote knowledge and emerging leadership in promoting transparency and the fight against corruption through research proposals of a scientific, original and timely nature.

The initiative was published through CIDEMO's social networks and through a direct invitation by email. The award for the first place consists of an internship valued at 450.00 dollars of the United States of America (monthly); and the second place award for $ 225.00. The internship will last three months, and will execute the winning protocols with the support of CIDEMO researchers.

The following activities were carried out within the framework of the contest: a) Virtual informative meeting with the students, an event in which the contest´s bases were determined; b) Preparation and dissemination of the memory of the meeting among the students who participated in the virtual informative meeting; c) Creation of a WhatsApp Group, with the purpose of advising and clarifying concerns, doubts or suggestions of the students enrolled in the contest.

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On the date of writing this document, the period for receiving research proposals was still open, and due to the national emergencies that the country has experienced in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic and tropical storm Amanda, it was decided to expand the deadline for the delivery of the research until July 9 of this year. It is relevant to mention that two research protocols have already been received by young people from civil society in the eastern region.

Figure 2. Promotion of the award on the Project´s Social Network

2.8 Training for “Formador de Formadores” (25)

The "Train the Trainers" study plan for 25 young people from UNIVO has been rescheduled, due to methodological adaptations to a virtual environment by R&D consultants, and due to the effects of COVID-19. The date of the training will be from August 15 to September 19 this year, the course will last 80 class hours. 2.9 Training “lideres emergentes” (60)

N/A. This activity is scheduled for the fourth quarter FY-2020 2.10 Training of local leaders (600)

N/A. This activity is scheduled for the fourth quarter FY-2020

COMPONENT III: DEVELOPMENT OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL PLATFORM

Adjustments to the FY-2020 work Plan dated March 31, 2020 were due to the COVID 19 pandemic. This activity has been adjourned awaiting for new funds.

COMPONENT IV: PROMOTION OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

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4.1 Student seedbed

This section has already been fulfilled and reported in quarterly report Q1-FY-2020. One

Student seedbed has been organized and is active. 4.2 Strategic partner search

The search for local partners that can strategically accompany the actions and activities of the project continued. Some were already reported in the Q2-FY-2020 and the following have been identified: Territorial Action Group of the Bahía de Jiquilisco Basin (GATBJ); Association Usulután Sur Cuenca Bahía de Jiquilisco Region (ASUSCUBAJI); Federation of Artisanal Fishing Cooperatives, Puerto La Unión de R.L FECOPAO de R.L .; Watershed Association of the Gulf of Fonseca (ACUGOLFO); Micro Manantiales del Norte de San Miguel (MANRORSAN) micro-region; CAMPO FOUNDATION; Salvadoran Institute for the Development of Women (ISDEMU); Intermunicipal Association of the Sierra Tecapa Chinameca (ASITECHI). It is expected that by minimizing the effects of COVID-19, letters of understanding can be signed with these institutions. 4.3 Establishment of partnerships

No progress is reported at the moment. During the fourth quarter, it is expected that letters of understanding will be signed with the strategic partners previously named, as long as the COVID-19 pandemic allows it. 4.4 Students seedbed strengthening in Research Methods and democratic

capabilities.

Despite the adversity caused by the pandemic, young university students of the CIDEMO-sponsored "Research hotbed" decided to act in a civic manner through e-participation. In effect, through the use of information and communication technologies, they have promoted citizen participation through the right to freedom of expression, coining the campaign on social networks called: “Voices for democracy”. The objective was to promote the participation, incidence and leadership of young people through the publication of short videos, where they can express themselves creatively: perspectives, opinions or representations of problems related to the consolidation of the democratic process, citizen participation, governance, transparency and the fight against corruption in El Salvador.

Figure 3. Semillero youth participating in “Voices for democracy”

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The initiative was transformed into an effort to promote citizen values throughout time, taking advantage of the technical, critical and argumentative platform offered voluntarily by students from diverse careers, concerned with making substantial contributions to the country's political culture from an interdisciplinary approach. The results of the initiative led to the publication of 8 published videos (produced during confinement with personal multimedia equipment, and in diverse contexts of urbanism and rurality). All the videos and their content were the responsibility of their authors, and do not compromise the opinion of CIDEMO or the institutions with which it has agreements and understandings. 4.5 Promotion Campaign

The COVID-19 Pandemic, imposed restrictions and limitations to the citizen participation promotion campaign; therefore, the campaign was developed through CIDEMO´s social networks. Five “mini - campaigns” were developed through Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CidemoElSalvador/ and the UNIVO website. These were focused on CIDEMO's strategic lines of research. The mini campaigns were as follows:

(1) #TransparenciaSV Campaign

The campaign is geared towards three fundamental lines of interest for the population in the current context. The pivotal axes of the campaign in social networks are: a) Fight against Corruption (Transparency, Accountability, Citizen Complaint); b) Fake News, c) Coronavirus Prevention. The campaign started in April and will continue until September of this year. Opinion articles by researchers, interns, and some collaborating researchers from CIDEMO have been published. In addition, virtual conferences have been held with special emphasis on the prevention of corruption in public procurement in times of emergency.

Figure 4. Example of campaign posts #TransparenciaSV

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(2) #University Award Campaign

The second mini campaign was carried out with the aim of supporting the University Award organized by CIDEMO. It included the disclosure of the rules of the contest, lines of research and delivery periods of the proposals. This started in May and will continue until the winning research proposals are disclosed.

Figure 5. Example of the publications on the #University Award campaign

(3) #Women committed to Democracy Campaign

The third mini campaign was carried out with the aim of contributing to the dissemination of issues related to gender equality, political participation and advocacy, the environment, human rights and others that contribute to the promotion of their citizenship and their participation in society. The campaign "Women Committed to Democracy", seeks to demonstrate the high value of the work of women in the fight against the pandemic, the main problems they face due to the conditions that have been generated, a cycle of conferences to start in August. This campaign started in June and will continue until September.

Figure 6. Example of the publications on the #Women committed to democracy campaign

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(4) Voices for democracy campaign

Support was given to the creative dissemination of the “Voices for Democracy” initiative by students of the CIDEMO research hotbed, which consisted in the publication of a series of videos of young people expressing themselves on the democratic scene that they live in under the COVID-19 emergency. The videos were made in coordination with project interns and a researcher designated to follow up on the CIDEMO Research Seedbed. A link is attached as an example of the published videos: https://www.facebook.com/CidemoElSalvador/videos/270359897546907/ 4.6 Strengthening democratic capabilities of selected partners

N/A. This activity is scheduled for the fourth quarter FY-2020 4.7 Virtual conferences, blogs

The project was adapted to the context of the virtual environments resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, four virtual conferences were held, which have allowed maintaining contact with future emerging leaders, university students and civil society in the eastern region. The virtual conferences held were:

(1) Citizenship, Transparency and Access to public information in times of emergency.

It was held on April 17, with the coordination and collaboration of the El Salvador Institute for Access to Public Information (IAIP), the Government Ethics Tribunal (TEG) and I&D Consulting. Once the theme was developed, we sought to promote citizen participation as an engine of incidence in public decisions under the current State of emergency, with special emphasis on the prevention of corruption in public procurement. More than 250 persons attended the conference.

(2) COVID-19: Geopolitics, Human Rights and Challenges to Democracy.

It was held on April 28, it was done in collaboration with experts from American University (UA), University of Salamanca (Spain) and the Barcelona Bar Association (Spain). The speakers analyzed the current situation and the challenges that it implies for democracy in Latin America and in the particular case of El Salvador. Attached is a link to the Presentation by Eric Hershberg, Amercian University. More than 250 persons attended the conference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=famGj72H_ys

(3) Citizen Complaints under the standards of the Government´s Ethics Tribunal.

This one took place on May 22, 2020, coordinated with the Government Ethics Court of El Salvador. Among attendees were young university students, civil society who learned about the means with which they can exercise their right to file complaints under the parameters of the Government Ethics Court. During this event, the Contest was Official Launched: "University Award on research proposals for transparency and the fight against corruption" More than 150 persons attended the conference.

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Figure 7. Invitations to the two first virtual conferences

(4) Governance, democracy and the post-pandemic socioeconomic panorama.

This was held on June 17, in coordination with the University of Salamanca and UNICEF El Salvador called "Governance, democracy and the post-pandemic socioeconomic panorama". 120 attendees were counted, including students, and representatives of civil society.

Figure 8. Invitations to virtual conferences 3 and 4

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B1. Other activities Communications

• Opinion blog

During the third quarter, the Blog on the CIDEMO fanpage published 21 opinion articles which were written by the Project Staff, with two CIDEMO interns collaborating on some publications. Among the topics addressed were those related to: Accountability, transparency in public procurement in times of emergency, human rights, citizen complaints, management of emergency situations and environmental vulnerability, access to public information, separation of powers, social control, inclusion, political participation of women, among others. https://www.facebook.com/pg/CidemoElSalvador/notes/

Figure 9. Sample of opinion articles published in CIDEMO social networks

B3. Implementation Challenges • The conditions and restrictions caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic, the

quarantine, and the "gradual opening of economic activities" have continued to delay project actions and have forced the rescheduling of project actions and activities. The reported activities have been organized and executed virtually, with the support of information and communication technologies.

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• The strategic management of the project and some accounting administrative responsibilities have been assumed by the director of CIDEMO and the Financial Manager of the project.

• Strengthening and capacity building processes are adapting to the use of technological tools, to continue with virtual trainings, conferences and work meetings.

• The effects of COVID-19 still continue in El Salvador, and cases are constantly increasing day by day, this situation continues to have an impact on some project indicators. For this reason, an update was made to the FY-2020 Work Plan, to adjust the actions and activities of the project to the current fiscal year, adjustments are under the approval process.

C. INTEGRATION OF CROSSCUTTING ISSUES

C1. Youth, gender and vulnerable groups

During the quarter, the campaign "Women committed to democracy" was carried out, 7 posts were published in Facebook, where 2,448 people viewed the publication at least once, and 128 reacted with comments, shared the content and "liked" the campaign implemented. The campaign sought to create a productive and accessible learning environment in the area of gender equality, the empowerment of women in issues related to political participation and advocacy, the environment, human rights, among others. In this section, a series of three conferences were scheduled, which are expected to start the first in July.

D. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

During the April to June quarter, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the activities were carried out entirely under the teleworking modality. In the third week of June, part of the technical personnel joined the project office and complied with the biosafety standards established in the protocols issued by the central government of El Salvador. If the situation allows, the gradual entry of the staff is expected to end of July. Staff status in the third quarter is: • Researcher Melvin Iván Espinal, was hired in June and will start working on July 1, 2020.

• The process to hire the Project Coordination began, because the previous COP resigned in March 2020. The UNIVO authorities asked USAID for certain changes in the management of the project, the documentation was presented to the donor, and the process is pending approval.

• The search for a profile for the project accountant continues since the previous one resigned in March 2020, and the appointment of an accountant to fill that position is under process.

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E. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT QUARTER

INCLUDING UPCOMING EVENTS

• Establish CIDEMOs Consultive Commission. • Carry out the virtual panel forum on China. • Start the “Train the Trainers “Course with 25 university students. • Sign at least 4 strategic alliances for the Citizen Participation Component. • End with the “University Award on Research Proposals regarding Transparency and the

Fight against Corruption”. • Virtual Conference Cycle on CIDEMOs research strategies, as follows:

1) Book dissemination: A Latin American view and comparative perspectives on the rule of law, human rights and democracy in times of pandemic (COVID-19).

2) With OSC´s leaders: Effect of the Pandemic on youth living in the Eastern Region of El Salvador.

3) Towards a new configuration –use of remittances after the COVID-19, employment opportunities and self- employment to reactivate the economy in the Eastern region of the country.

4) Women and violence in times of the COVID-19 pandemic 5) Migration and the impact of COVID-19 in the Eastern region of El Salvador. 6) Migration and the impacts of COVID-19 and new economic reactivation

opportunities in the Eastern region of the country. 7) Women and education n face of the new normality after COVID-19.

F. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

The actual accrued expenses in the implementation of the project as of June 30, 2020 amounted to $ 714,790.43 dollars. The reporting period shows that products were received from Spanish and local consultants and the American University. In addition, the approval of the hiring of the sub-awardee with I&D Consulting, who has already started operations for the project. No budget execution is reported in the subcontracts, due to the worldwide emergency of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This has resulted in the need to reschedule product delivery as detailed in the sub-awardee with said university and also the payments for the consulting services.

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ANNEX A: PROGRESS SUMMARY

Table 1. PMP Indicator progress – USAID Standard Indicators and Project Custom Indicators

Project Goal: Promote and drive citizen education in democratic governance in El Salvador through training, analysis, discussion and advocacy of civil society so that they may understand their rights and monitor the work of the State in key country issues.

Indicator Data Source

Baseline data FY 2020 Quarterly Status – FY 2020 Annual Performance Achieved to Date (in %)

Comment(s)

Year Value Annual

Cumulative Planned target

Annual Cumulative Actual

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

SO1. Install and strengthen a Research and Training Center at UNIVO with the capacity to analyze and propose solutions to country issues, promoting advocacy in important aspects such as governance, combat of corruption and transparency.

Component 1 Setting up of the Research and Training Center

Indicator 1: Custom. Number of researchers strengthened in democratic governance and transparency.

List of participants incorporated

at TraiNET

FY2020 2 9 0 0 0 0 0%

The AU, will carry out the training in Q4

FY-2020

SO2. Inform, train and promote discussion and dialogue between citizens and emerging leaders to foster citizen participation and thus contribute to the development of national awareness that may cause an impact on the country’s fate.

Component 2 Capacity building

Indicator 2: DR.4.2-2. Number of civil society organizations (CSOs) receiving USG assistance engaged in advocacy interventions.

Records of advocacy

interventions FY2020 0 8 0 N/A N/A 0 N/A

Will start in Q4 FY-2020

Component 4 Promotion of citizen participation

Indicator 3: Custom. Number of citizens trained in democratic governance and transparency.

List of participants incorporated

at TEAM

FY2020 0 300 0 N/A N/A 0 N/A

Crosscutting Indicator

Indicator 4: YOUTH-5 Percentage of youth who participate in civil society activities following soft skills/life skills training or initiatives from USG assisted programs.

Lists of participants incorporated

in TEAM

FY2020 0 0% 0 N/A N/A 0 N/A

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ANNEX B: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Cash Flow Report and Financial Projections

Table 2. Cash Flow Report and Financial Projections

Line Item Contract

Amount ($)

Total Expenses of June 2020

Total Estimated Projection

July- September

2020

Total Cumulative Billed Plus Estimated

Costs September

2020

Estimated Remaining

Budget as of September,

2020

Q4 2020

Personnel $1,090,413.00 $389,798.42 $50,495.67 $440,294.09 $650,118.92

Fringe Benefit $338,028.00 $100,721.99 $4,954.41 $105,676.40 $232,351.60

Consultants $292,698.00 $24,600.20 $6,000.00 $30,600.20 $262,097.80 Travel, Transportation and Per Diem $127,319.00 $16,787.77 $500.00 $17,287.77 $110,031.23

Equipment and Supplies $106,381.00 $42,053.41 $800.00 $42,853.41 $63,527.59

Communications $41,348.00 $9,708.51 $1,564.75 $11,273.26 $30,074.74

Other Direct Costs $419,777.00 $30,302.74 $2,700.00 $33,002.74 $386,774.26 Contractual (Sub- Contracts) $322,317.00 $40,000.00 $10,000.00 $50,000.00 $272,317.00

Sub total $2,738,281.00 $653,973.04 $77,014.83 $730,987.87 $2,007,293.14

Indirect Charges $261,717.00 $60,817.40 $7,701.43 $68,518.83 $193,198.17

Total costs $2,999,998.00 $714,790.43 $84,716.26 $799,506.69 $2,200,491.31

Chart 1: Obligations & Current and Projected Expenditures

$0.00

$200,000.00

$400,000.00

$600,000.00

$800,000.00

$1,000,000.00

$1,200,000.00

$1,400,000.00

$1,600,000.00

obligation ExpenditurePipeline

Obligation & Current and Projected Expenditures

Q4 Projection2

Actual

Obligation

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UNIVERSIDAD DE ORIENTE Cost Share to June 30, 2020

ANNEX C: GPS INFORMATION

Note: Work has performed in San Miguel Department, specifically at the municipality of San Miguel (from August 8, 2018 – June 30, 2020).

Cost Element

Reported Cost

To December

31,2018

Cost January

to M arch 31,

2019

Cost April to

June 30, 2019

Cost To July

to September

30,2019

Cost To

October to

December

Cost To

January to

M arch 31,2020

Reported Cost

To M arch

31,2020

Reported Cost

To April-June

2020

Reported

Cost To June

30 ,2020

Salaries 14,138.99$ 11,181.69$ 11,455.07$ 11,433.06$ 12,007.33$ 11,417.88$ 71,634.02$ 11,359.00$ 82,993.02$

Fringe Benefits 2,079.37$ 1,019.03$ 1,206.06$ 1,206.06$ 1,237.45$ 1,206.06$ 7,954.03$ 1,302.06$ 9,256.09$

Consultants $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - -$ -$

Travel, Transport and Per diem 47.00$ 5,624.58$ 140.11$ 1,266.44$ 1,047.00$ 419.16$ 8,544.29$ -$ 8,544.29$

Equipment and Supplies 4,595.27$ $ - 1,620.40$ $ - $ - $ - 6,215.67$ -$ 6,215.67$

Other Direct Costs 11,568.69$ 9,792.62$ 4,926.17$ 8,067.60$ 7,728.60$ 9,564.48$ 51,648.16$ 4,028.32$ 55,676.48$

Office Rental Events, House $ - 1,094.43$ 10,400.14$ 7,684.46$ 8,961.21$ 10,468.32$ 38,608.56$ 7,406.10$ 46,014.66$

Security $ - 744.60$ 744.60$ 744.60$ 744.60$ 744.60$ 3,723.00$ -$ 3,723.00$

Total 32,429.32$ 29,456.95$ 30,492.55$ 30,402.22$ 31,726.19$ 33,820.50$ 188,327.73$ 24,095.48$ 212,423.21$