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Youth organizations and initiatives
These programs aim to provide financial and technical assistance to local youth-oriented NGOs and civil
initiatives. Activities should facilitate a healthy environment for the positive
growth and development of youth regardless of their background, promote the
protection of children's rights, integrate disabled or socially disadvantaged
children and increase the active engagement of young people in the community.
UMCOR continued with
implementation of the 'Development of School and Community Partnership' project
in 2003. It aims to promote the active participation of parents in the
educational process and to strengthen the partnership between school and
community. Activities were extended to Sanski Most, Prijedor, Mostar and
Capljina areas and included the establishment of 12 parent teacher associations
(PTAs) and training for PTA members. Twelve grants were awarded for school
projects such as the establishment of a library, a small bakery to provide
quality practical classes for secondary school students being trained to work in
the bakery industry in Prijedor Agriculture High School, the construction and
equipping of the Pocitelj Primary School playground and the provision of
computer equipment and computer training for the teachers at Visici School.
These projects will benefit over 3,000 students.
Generous donations from United Methodist Church members enabled UMCOR to continue to support Gornji
Vakuf/Uskoplje Youth Center in 2003. The Youth Center was established by UMCOR
in 1996 and subsequently registered as an independent LNGO. UMCOR carried out
negotiations with the local authorities in 2003 to enable the Youth House to use
attic space in the community center free of charge. The Youth House received
funding from UMCOR which was used for refurbishing the attic.
What has the Youth Center brought to Gornji Vakuf/Uskoplje? Jasminka, who runs the center, told UMCOR "In
the beginning, people said to me, 'Why are you doing this? We can't live
together?'" She goes on to say "I don't hear that anymore."
UMCOR has organized several summer camps for young people from various parts of
Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent years. The camps enabled participants to get
involved in a variety of activities which helped them to build relationships and
mutual understanding. Structured workshops took place in the mornings on topics
such as prejudice, non-violent communication, self-esteem and diversity
appreciation. Afternoon activities were more 'hands-on', with sports, drama and art workshops. One camp, which took place in Stolac in summer
2003, involved more physical work including the building of a stage area for
theatrical performances, some gardening and painting. Through such
peace-building activities, young people learn to work together as a team and
learn acceptance of each other as individuals.
Updated May 2004
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