YOUTH COMMUNICATION CENTER (YCC) ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Lazaricka 2 78000 Banja Luka Bosnia and Herzegovina tel: 051 921 592 fax: 051 921 596 email: [email protected]
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YOUTH COMMUNICATION CENTER
(YCC)
ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Lazaricka 2 78000 Banja Luka Bosnia and Herzegovina tel: 051 921 592 fax: 051 921 596 email: [email protected]
CONTENT
1. Foreword Executive Director…………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Organizational Development ............ .................................................. ...................................
3. Peace building and development of democracy and psychosocial program .............................
4. Volunteer program and global partnerships ............................................................................
5. Radio Balkan ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
6. Educational program (Community Services)…………………………………………………………………………
FOREWORD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR This report is for the period 1. of January – 31. of December 2012, which provides an overview of implemented and ongoing projects in the field of programming and organizational development during these years. OKC has continued with the development and implementation of projects and activities within the following six program areas:
1. Peace building and development demоcracy 2. Global and regional partnerships 3. Volunteer Programs
4. Radio Balkan 5. Psychosocial Program 6. Educational program (Community services)
1. Peace building and development of democracy in the year of 2012. contributed to education
reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the promotion and representation of the secondary school population, the establishment of anti-corruption measures at universities in BiH, as well as informing and guiding students in elementary schools to choose short supply in accordance with the needs of the labor market.
Networking tips / student council in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the support of mreSVUBIH and OKC has designed and implemented a campaign aimed at informing and protecting the rights of high school students in BiH. The campaign titled'' We want to know'' was created as a result of research into the needs of high school students in 290 secondary schools in BiH. Campaign activity'' rights'' in schools has resulted in increased awareness of the high school student’s rights in 80% of secondary schools in BiH. Turning tips / students in decision-making at the school level was increased by 25% compared to last year. Action “Silent and suffer”, which was conducted in the framework of the campaign in 20 municipalities in BiH, included over 10 000 high school students who are in an extremely creative way street actions presented issues of interest and concerns of this population. Secondary school students joined forces in Bosnia fought for the common interest that goes beyond the framework of the political environment in BiH. Activities of the secondary school population through a campaign of'' We want to know'' sparked a huge public interest and for the first time in BiH, at the center of media eventswere put the needs and concerns of this population. Joint advocacy campaigns supported by OKC and conducted by mreSVUBIH, represent an immense contribution to the process of reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the development of a new generation of leaders in BiH, defying the prevailing politics of division and exclusive national interests. This year, we continued with the realization of the Conference of the Network of student councils RS in cooperation with the Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport, and RSNA. It should be noted that at this conference, for the first time, the disciples approached Minister of Education and Culture Mr Anton Kasipovic and President of the National Assembly Mr Igor Radojicic. In cooperation with the UG “Vesta” we completed a project "Introducing anti-corruption measures in BiH universities." In this year, we implemented the project "Right school-safe future."
2. During the 2012. in the field of Global partnerships, we are focused on the planning and implementation of activities / projects in the framework of international cooperation with the SEE Youth Network (SEEYN), a program of the European Commission's "Youth in Action" European Volunteer Centre (CEV) and VolontEurope.
We continued to exchange information, knowledge and experience with other similar organizations (CSOs) in the region and at the international level, which helped us develope our identity and reputation within this field beyond the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
3. In the Volunteer programs we have already been recognized and supported by both the donors and the relevant actors in BiH, as the lead organization for the promotion and development of volunteering through the establishment of the necessary infrastructure (local volunteer service) in BiH and their networking through informal network called "volunteer". Also, another distinctive aspect of our work is to actively participate in lobbying and advocacy for the establishment of voluntary legislation in BiH, and support the establishment of volunteer infrastructure in other countries, mainly in the region of Southeastern Europe.
And in 2012. we continued the positive trend of growth of our activities, and achieving results in the field of volunteer infrastructure and legislation volunteering. In 2012. we did the following projects / programs: • Exchange of good practices in terms of infrastructure and organized volunteer work with volunteers in the local and international level • Support the development of local communities through the implementation of the Republic of Srpska of volunteering and participation in working groups related to the amendment of the Law on Volunteering RS, and preparing strategies for the promotion and development of volunteering RS • Activities lobbying and advocacy for voluntary legislation of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina • Capacity-building networks "volunteer" in the framework of cooperation with the OSCE and the UNV • Inclusion of volunteering in the higher education system • Participation in the working group for the preparation of a national strategy for the development of civil society • Participation in the working group to prepare recommendations for the European policy for volunteering
4. Radio "Balkan" has continued with its important role in the promotion of youth issues, pupils and students through the preparation, radio broadcasting and exchange programs with other radio stations, as well as through providing media support activities OKC and other NGOs.
An important aspect in 2012. year was the active involvement of Radio Balkan in the framework of different projects OKC and provide media support to promote and raise awareness of our listeners on a variety of topics such as corruption in BiH universities, youth unemployment, issues of persons with disabilities, the promotion and development of volunteering, development student councils, etc. In this year, we implemented the project "Pupil’s Republic" that allowed high school students to take active part in social change in Banja Luka and the Republic of Srpska. We worked to strengthen the capacity of our radio marketing service, and we have in 2012. The choice of the marketing team realized the radio, which was started in the eleventh month of the year in a larger capacity and is made up of three people. We also worked on the preparation of the new programming schedule that begins with the work from 1.1.2013. year.
5. Within the Psychosocial program, during the 2012. The Psychological Counseling OKC has continued to provide services of individual and group psychotherapy to citizens of Banja Luka and the surrounding area. Bearing in mind the OKC relocation to new premises, Counseling has also changed its location in adequate space. Reasonable prices and the commitment of contributing to psychotherapists promotion of mental health of young people and citizens of Banja Luka, but also contribute to the financial sustainability of OKC.
6. As part of the Educational program (Community Services), which is our permanent source of
income, we continued with the planning and realization of English courses, where the citizens of smaller financial possibilities allow the acquisition of new skills through this type of informal education. Also, this year we made courses in German and French languages in order to create new opportunities to increase this source of revenue.
In addition to these activities, in the framework of our program this year was a year of challenges, because we put ourselves in front of a couple of very important goals. At the beginning of the year it
was elected the new accountant, and then we went into the election process of the financial audit companies. The next challenge for us was the preparation and realization of making the implementation of the Strategic Plan of the organization. This process is fully managed, and how we deal seriously says that we have been following the development of the Strategic Plan immediately went to work and did a lot of things that are defined as weaknesses and opportunities through a SWOT analysis of the organization. This refers to the lack of certain documents pertaining to the internal organization of OKC. So we did the second half of the year the following documents: Rules and procedures and accounting policies. Both documents have been of crucial importance for better internal organization of OKC. In Banja Luka, 20th of December 2012. Sasa Markovic Executive Director
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Board of Directors
During the 2012. year, our Board of Directors had seven members: Zeljko Pauković (Chairman), Darko Marjanovic (Vice President), Nina Ninkovic (member), Jadranko Djuraković (member), John Crownover (member) and two members from the ranks of the Coordination Council (during 2012. Sasa Markovic and Vera Kelava). Board of Directors during the 2012. year had 2 sessions, within which they discussed various organizational issues and identify solutions, and adoption of the annual reports, work plans, strategic plans, organizational documents, as well as the auditor's report. In addition, the CEO has had regular meetings with the President of the Board of Directors with a view of information flow and the more important developments in connection with the work of OKC between the executive and management structure.
2. Coordinating Council
During the 2012. year, the Coordination Council, which consisted of three executive directors and program managers, had regular meetings based on the needs of project / program and organizational needs. Through these meetings, the Coordination Council was focused on the daily management of the organization and the issues that have strategic importance for the development of programs, such as the development of new project ideas and discuss funding opportunities.
These meetings have also focused on the development of human resources and important issues of the organization, and have enabled efficient exchange of information at the level of the executive structure. Coordinating Council defined a working version of a very important document for the internal organization, and has done strategic plan. In addition to the above meetings, we held regular weekly staff meetings OKC to support quality exchange of information and participation of staff in the relevant decision-making processes. The role of executive director was the management staff of the organization and programs, the development of cooperation with donors, government institutions and intensive cooperation with the Steering Committee on specific issues, and facilitate the implementation of the objectives of the Strategic Plan. All the above activities are fully facilitated by engagement of all key people in their daily management of the organization, which in some cases was very demanding.
3. Staff Development
Staff development, as one of the key issues of organizational development, was one of our focuses during the 2012. The most important development activities are conducted in conjunction with a personal capacity building of volunteers and project staff are actively engaged in the various program activities, with the highest priority to the activities of Radio Balkan, but also in building the capacity of our professional staff by participating in various study tours, seminars and trainings in organization of our partners and donors, such as the European Commission, CCI, etc. We believe that continuous staff development contributes to the creation of creative and innovative approach to the work that leads to faster and better organizational development.
4. Financial sustainability
In 2012. year, we provided a total of 740,371.00 BAM as seen from the financial statements for 2012. year. This amount of money is the sum of the funds provided for the year 2012 and funds carried over from 2011. From this amount to see progress in the financial aspect in 2012. In 2013 we plan to continue with this trend, as indicated by the supplied resources in narrative plan for 2013.
5. Attracting long-term donor
In addition to Charles Stuart Mott Foundation, we have managed to keep OKC's long-term donors: Olof Palme International Center (promotion and development of volunteering in BiH), the National Endowment for Democracy (participation of students in educational reform and development of student councils). However, a successful fund-raising during the 2012. The various funds are provided by Delegation of the European Union, which has been recognized as one of the long-term most perspective donors in the region. Not less significantly, increasing organizational budget by 25% (compared to the budget for
2011.) instituted the organization toward a stronger financial viability and OKC's credibility among donor circles. As in previous years, OKC has continued with the presentation of itself as a reliable and strong organization with its specific programs of high quality that are consistent with the strategies, priorities and program objectives of donors. In 2012. we were ahead with two EIDHR project (through Peace building and evelopment of democracy and Volunteer programs) and 2 IPA project (through Peace building and development of democracy and Volunteer programs). Radio Balkan carried out the project, which is funded by IN Foundation, and this year we continued cooperation with CCI, which is our donor on one project, while we are partners on another project (EIDHR) . It should be noted that this year we have received significant financial support from the Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport (Peace building and development of democracy, Volunteer Programs and Radio Balkan), and that, for the first time, we have received financial support from the Ministry of Education and Culture (Radio Balkan ). Project "Right school-safe future" this year also funds to SOLIDAR, and how satisfied they were with talking and realizing activities, shows us the fact that they offered us the opportunity to write a four-year project.
6. Diversification of sources of funding
We strive for diversity of our funding sources as much as possible in terms of the type and number of financial sources, in order to reduce dependency on grants and a small number of donors. The ongoing development of self-sustaining programs (training courses, Radio Balkan and Psychological Counselling) enables us to become more independent.
7. Strategic Plan for the period 2012-2017.
In 2012. year we implemented a new Strategic Plan for the organization for the period 2012-2017. In developing of the Strategic Plan participated staff buds, Chairman, scholarship recipients and beneficiaries of our programs.
8. Financial manager
Through the Strategic Plan is defined the need for a Financial Manager to enhance the organization's financial and administrative affairs. Realizing need for the same, Miss Bozana Subic was appointed to this position and the results of this reorganization were immediately visible.
PROGRAM OF PEACE BUILDING AND DEMOCRACY DEVELOPMENT Program of peace building and democracy development during the year 2012 have contributed to reform of eduaction in Bosnia and Herzegovina through promoting and advocating secondary school population, establishing anticorruption mechanisms at Bosnia and Herzegovina universities and informing primary school students about deficit professions at the labor market. Secondary school student councils network in Bosnia and Herzegovina (mreSVUBiH) with YCC assistance have created advocacy campaign with aim to inform and protect school students rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Advocacy campaign “We want to know!” has been created as result of conducted research amongst secondary students in 290 schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of campaign activity named “Rights in the schools” have influenced increasing level of informing students about students rights for more than 80% in Bosnia and Herzegovina schools. Participation of students’ council’s representatives in decision-making at school level has been increased for 25% comparing to previous school year. One other campaign activity named “Shut up and endure” has been implemented in 20 municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina involved over 10.000 secondary students that have on creative way and street actions presented students issues and problems. With joint efforts secondary students in country have together engage resources for common interests which is beyond a current framework of political ambient in country. These activities of secondary students and campaign “We want to know!” raised huge public and media interest and for a first time at country level in media focus was needs and issues of this population. Joint advocacy campaign which implements mreSVUBiH with YCC assistance representing immeasurable contribution to reconciliation process in Bosnia and Herzegovina and contributed to educating new generations of leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina whose defy to current governments divisions based on national interests. Cantonal, entity and Brcko district students councils networks have achieved significant cooperation with legislative and executive authorities at cantonal, entity and state level. Networking of students councils have enabled to students in Bosnia and Herzegovina to establish their representing bodies that could advocate students’ interests and on this way we create conditions for students participation in decision-making at all levels of governments. In the 2012 mRESURS has signed Memorandum of cooperation with two Ministries (Ministry for family, youth and sport and Ministry for education and culture) in entity Republic of Srpska, and became legitimate body that represents secondary students in Republic of Srpska. The results achieved through the development of the Network of secondary students councils Republic of Srpska (mRESURS) indicate that secondary school students succeeded to fight for the status of an active participant in the creation of the current youth policy and will serve in the future as the best practice for the country. Through the development and adoption of the Program measures to combat corruption at the University of Banja Luka, we have developed mechanisms for cooperation between the representatives of the student population of the University and initiated a process that will continue to provide concrete steps to fight corruption in this segment of society.
Informing and guiding students of final year of primary school in Banja Luka for the selection of scarce jobs we gave a contribution in reducing unemployment.
REALIZED PROJECTS
Project “Promoting Civic Participation amongst Youth’’
In the period September 2011 – May 2012, we have implemented this project which has financially supported by National Endowment for Democracy. Project we have implemented in 290 secondary schools in Republic of Srpska, 9 cantons of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Brcko District. Overall project goal was strengthening the capacity of student activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and enable them to play a more effective role in advocating for youth related issues. Project objectives were:
To enable sustainable development of secondary students councils networks in Republic of Srpska (mRESURS), 9 cantons of Federation BiH and District Brcko (mreVUK) for active participation in decision-making processes and maintain mechanisms of linking and cooperation with governmental institutions.
Development students’ councils network (mreSVUbiH) at country level able to represent interests of 290 students’ council’s trough increasing cooperation of cantonal and RS entity students’ council’s networks.
To raise awareness about problems facing youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina and encourage the development youth-related policies at all government levels.
Implemented project activities from January to May 2012: Research about school students needs in 290 secondary schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina With the YCC support Networks of secondary students councils Bosnia and Herzegovina have conducted research on students’ level of information about student rights, mechanisms of protection and respect the rights of students, the quality of the teaching process and compliance with regulations regarding registration fees in secondary schools. The results of the research, which included 15 000 students from school, has been used as basis for creating advocacy campaign “We want to know!” whose aim is to promote and protect the rights and obligations of secondary students in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Organizing presentations of mreVUK in the Cantonal Assemblies and presentation on mRESURS in National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska
During project period we have carried out in total 9 visits: 6 visits of mreVUK to 6 cantonal Assemblies, 1 visit of mreSVUBiH to BiH Parliament, 1 visit of mRESURS to National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska and 1 visit of mRESURS to Council of People of the Republic of Srpska Assembly. During period January-May 2012 we have organized following:
Visit and presentation of mreVUK in Assembly of Tuzla canton has implemented on the February 2nd 2012. This presentation during the visit has attended Assembly President and Vice Presidents, representatives of cantonal Ministry for education and parliamentarians from Assembly Commission for Youth Issues. During the visit representatives of Assembly, presented the annual plan regarding the adoption of the legislative and the enactment of the laws which are of interest for the secondary school population. It was agreed that in near future representatives of mreVUK could submit a suggestions to cantonal draft Law on secondary schools and that they will have opportunity to expose their views during hearings of the Assembly session which has scheduled for October 2012.
On the March 14th 2012 it was organized visit and presentation of mreVUK in the Assembly of Herzeg-Bosnia County. Presentation participated Assembly president and several MPs. During implementation of this visit representatives of mreVUK became aware how hard political situation it was as government has acting mandate. Representatives of governments have been extremely disinterested for development of any kind of cooperation with mreVUK with explanation of current political situation and inability of decision-making concerning development issues.
On the March 16th 2012 it was organized visit and presentation of mreVUK in the Assembly of Zenica-Doboj Canton in Zenica. Presentation participated President and Deputy President of Assembly, representatives of cantonal Ministry for education and Assembly commission for youth issues. Presentation was evaluated as successfully and resulted with possibility that representatives of mreVUK could participates Commission for youth issues sessions and Cantonal Assembly sessions when on agenda are relevant issues concerning youth and secondary population.
During period from 24th to 26th April 2012 it was organized mreSVUBiH presentation in Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliamentary Assembly in Sarajevo. Presentation participate President of Commission for coordination Youth Issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina and it was agreed that representatives of mreSVUBiH should participate process of creating of Youth Policy document at BiH level.
On the May 17th 2012 it was organized visit and presentation of mreVUK in the Assembly of Herzegovina-Neretva County in Mostar. Presentation participate Vice Presidents of Assembly that have supported model of cooperation mreVUK with government.
On the May 17th it was organized visit and presentation of mreVUK in Mid Bosnia Canton in Travnik. Presentation participate Assembly president and Vice President and representatives of Ministry for education. Presentation was interesting as we raised issue of “Two schools under the same roof” and obstruction of mreVUK activities in the canton. After debate amongst representatives of different political parties’ representatives concerning these issues it has agreed that cooperation between Ministry for education and mreVUK would be defined with developed Memorandum of cooperation.
mreSVUBiH Conference From the 13th until 15th May 2012 in Sarajevo we have organized mreSVUBiH Conference that participated beside 40 representatives of mreSVUBiH, mRESURS and mreVUK also and representatives of cantonal and entity Ministries for education. During first part of conference we have strengthened participants’ capacities for developing efficient mechanisms of cooperation amongst governments and students networks that it was presented best practice models in this area. During second part of conference it was presented results of mRESURS and mreVUK than achieved results of mreSVUBiH advocacy campaign “We want to know!”.
In addition, during conference representatives of mreSVUBiH with assistance of YCC were defining continuing process of advocacy campaign than with representatives of Ministries were identifying plans and steps for future cooperation. Memorandum of cooperation between mRESURS and RS Ministry for family, youth and sport For representatives of mRESURS from May 28th until May 30th 2012 we have organized meeting in Banja Luka aiming preparation of Memorandum of cooperation that has signed on May 29th in Republic of Srpska Government building amongst RS Ministry for family, youth and sport, mRESURS and YCC. This document defines ways of cooperation between this Ministry and mRESURS with YCC assistance (including Ministry financial support to annual mRESURS conference etc.) and the most important that mRESURS is legitimate body representing all secondary students in Republic of Srpska. Radio Balkan shows During the project we have prepared and broadcasted in total 9 radio programs “Youth Journal” that were discussing and supporting mreVUK and mRESURS activities and promoted advocacy campaign “We want to know!”. Collecting information for every radio show have done by media team members engaged in frame of mreVUK and mRESURS that are also in networks responsible for media promotion of activities. This approach beside engagement of journalist from radio Balkan also empowered and strengthen capacities of new generation of youth which directly became youth voice in media.
Project ''Strengthening secondary school students’ councils Networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina''
Project "Strengthening secondary school students’ councils Networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina" we have implemented in period April 2011- April 2012 with financial support of Balkan Trust for Democracy (BTD). Overall project goal was to increase the level of cooperation amongst students, secondary school students’ councils and their networks, based on a common platform for advocating students’ interests in decision-making processes at school, municipal, entity and cantonal level and strengthening initiative for Bosnia and Herzegovina students’ council’s networks capable to represent students interests to governments. The project objectives were:
Strengthening sustainable students’ councils and development capacities of mRESURS and mreVUK in decision-making processes and maintain mechanisms of linking and cooperation with governmental institutions.
To develop a functional students councils networks able to represent interests of 290 students’ councils.
To create sustainable mechanisms of advocating interests and needs of students through establishing efficient mechanisms of cooperation amongst students’ councils, networks and governments.
Creating preconditions for development students’ council’s network at country level with increasing cooperation of cantonal and RS entity students’ council’s networks through increasing students and governments’ engagements on youth policy issues.
Implemented project activities from January to April 2012: Trainings for mRESURS In the period February-May 2012 in Banja Luka, Doboj, Bijeljina and Trebinje we have organized 5 trainings for 88 representatives of mRESURS. Duting the trainings representatives have gained skills and knowledge about networking management, public advocacy than to create activity plans that they going to implement in their regions in frame of mreSVUBiH advocacy campaign “We want to know!”. Representatives of mRESURS used these trainings for solving current problems and presentation of achieved student councils results and implementation of annual mRESURS plan
Strengthening capacities of mreVUK representatives Aiming strengthening capacities for advocating secondary students’ interests during March 2012 we have organized trainings for representatives of mreVUK in Zenica-Doboj and Una-Sana cantons. During these trainings representatives of students’ populations have gained skills in area of public advocacy and developed campaign that they implemented in frame of their cantonal networks.
Implementation of advocacy campaign “We want to know!” Based on the research results, which are generally shown that the rights of secondary students in the Bosnia and Herzegovina was threatening and that students have not properly informed about their rights in the schools, representatives of mreSVUBiH created advocacy campaign named “We want to know!” with aim to promote and protect secondary students rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “We want to know!” -Rights in the Schools Based on the research results, which are generally shown that the rights of secondary students in the Bosnia and Herzegovina was threatening and that students have not properly informed about their rights in the schools, representatives of mreSVUBiH created advocacy campaign named “We want to know!” with aim to promote and protect secondary students rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first activity of the campaign consist of PUS (abbreviation RIS in English or Rights In the Schools) action through which in all classrooms in all schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be display and visible secondary students rights defined in Law and bylaws. Advocacy campaign resulted with establishing mechanisms for better informing and efficient protection of secondary students’ rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina schools. Because research has shown that 80% of secondary students had not informed about their rights defined by the legislative, students networks requested that in every classroom have to be visible all students rights. After three months of advocacy campaign this activity resulted that in 80% of schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina now have this document. Students’ representatives’ participation (on school board sessions) at school level increased for 25%.
This advocacy activity PUS incredibly raised reputation amongst students and accountability of students’ networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina that are recognized as advocates of students interests.
mreSVUBIH - “We want to know!” Based on the research results, which are generally shown that the rights of secondary students in the Bosnia and Herzegovina was threatening and that students have not properly informed about their rights in the schools, representatives of mreSVUBiH created advocacy campaign named “We want to know!” with aim to promote and protect secondary students rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Street actions named SIT (abbreviation SAE in English or Shut up and Endure) during which the secondary students in a creative and symbolic way present how affected their rights and sent a message and questions to public and relevant institutions implemented in 20 BiH municipalities. This UPS (abbreviation USQ in English or Universal Students’ Questions) are concerning their rights and opportunities to participate in decision-making processes. Although the campaign provoked numerous resistances (police arresting of street actions organizers no matter of official police approval for action, ‘friendly’ advises from representatives of several Ministries for education to not get out to streets, or direct threatening by several directors to students networks representatives “if you organize that action, you do not need to come back to school”), no one action has been cancelled. Implementation of students’ networks advocacy campaign showed the justification of investment and strengthening students’ capacities to become agents of change. Advocacy actions raised huge media attention, governments and political parties’ representatives as for first time secondary students in Bosnia and Herzegovina (no matter of nationality or where are they came from) raised their voices in public life and requested respecting their rights and active role in decision-making. During advocacy campaign in April 2012 most of the media on daily basis have reported about fact that secondary students in Bosnia and Herzegovina despite the current political situation as opposed to politicians, secondary students found out common interest and jointly engage resources for common goal. No less important is the fact that the advocacy campaign and activity of secondary students networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina gave huge contribution to reconciliation process in the country as well as creating the generation of new leaders who got unforgettable experience during advocacy actions which illustrate the students network president quote “Although they learnt us that it is not, we the secondary students who are laughing, crying and dealing with the same youth problems in BiH”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKMvxnrJD9s&feature=related
Project ''Promoting Civic Participation amongst Youth’’
In the period September 2012 – May 2013, YCC Banja Luka have continued with implementation of project “Promoting Civic Participation among Youth" which is financially supported by National Endowment for Democracy (NED). We are implementing project in 290 secondary schools in Republic of Srpska, 10 cantons of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Brcko District. Overall project goal: To strengthen the capacity of student activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and enable them to play a more effective role in advocating for youth related issues. Project objectives:
• To enable sustainable development of secondary students councils networks in Republic of Srpska (mRESURS), 10 cantons of Federation BiH and District Brcko (mreVUK) for active participation in decision-making processes and maintain mechanisms of linking and cooperation with governmental institutions.
• Development students’ councils network (mreSVUBiH) at country level able to represent interests of 290 students’ council’s trough increasing cooperation of cantonal and RS entity students’ council’s networks.
• To raise awareness about problems facing youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina and encourage issue-based voting among youth in the October 2012 local elections.
During the period September – December 2012 we have implemented following activities: Training for mreSVUBIH representatives
For 25 mreSVUBIH"s representatives on 23rd, 27th and 28th September was organized training to strengthen the leadership capacity of the representatives of 11 cantonal and 1 entity network. During the training, representatives of mreSVUBIH have created a joint work plan for student councils in Bosnia and Herzegovina and define next phase of campaign ’’We want to know’’. Campaign implements mreSVUBiH from January 2012 with aim to promote and protect students" rights and obligations, and to increase involvement of secondary school students in the decision-making process in BiH. The participation of secondary school students in the local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina In order to increase the participation of adult secondary school students in the local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina mreSVUBIH had developed activities that were implemented by student councils in secondary schools in BiH. For this occasion they produce a short film that promotes participation in the election link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIs7soV2dEAI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFAdig96Nwk 4H program for mreSVUBIH In order to strengthen the capacity of mreSVUBIH from 24th to 26th September in Banja Luka with the support of U.S. Embassy, YCC and ACED have organized training for 25 representatives for Network of School Student Council in BiH. MreSVUBIH representatives were given a unique opportunity to learn from the professors at the University of Maryland, expert for 4H program Ms. Kendra Wells, about the principles of 4H program that strengthen leadership capacity of young people to develop active communities. mreVUK election Assemblies In the period October-November assembly elections organized the Students networks (mreVUK) of the Una-Sana canton, Zenica - Doboj, Tuzla, Mid Bosnia, Herzegovina - Neretva canton and Sarajevo canton, than in the Hercegbosnia and Posavina county and District Brcko. Annual election assemblies were attended by the presidents of the student council from all secondary schools in canton / county / district that are based on the proposed work program elected leadership that will lead the network during the school year. At the elected assemblies are designed and annual work plans for each network and
developed the capacity of the student council in the field of networking, youth participation and advocacy. Strengthening capacities of mRESURS and mreSVUBiH representatives For 23 representatives of mRESURS and mreSVUBIH in December 2012 we have organized training with the aim of strengthening the capacity of the network to represent and advocate. During the training, representatives of the mreSVUBiH have adopted the skills and knowledge in the field of advocacy and based on the needs of student population in BiH create campaign activities that will improve the position of secondary school students through the protection of the rights and obligations and to develop effective mechanisms for involving secondary school students in the decision making process at all levels of government. Memorandum about cooperation amongst mRESURS and Ministry for education and culture Republic of Srpska In RS Government on the 7th December 2012 has signed Memorandum Minister for education and culture, president of mRESURS and executive director of YCC. This document defines ways of cooperation amongst Ministry and mRESURS as well ways of supporting mRESURS activities by Ministry and YCC.
Project ''Strengthening sustainable secondary school students’ councils Networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina''
Project "Strengthening sustainable secondary school students’ councils Networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina" we are implementing in period October 2012- June 2013 with financial support of Balkan Trust for Democracy (BTD). Overall project goal is to increase the level of lasting cooperation amongst secondary school students’ councils networks, based on a common platform for advocating students’ interests in decision-making processes at entity and cantonal level and strengthening sustainable Bosnia and Herzegovina students’ council’s network (mreSVUBiH) capable to represent students interests to governments. The project objectives are:
• Strengthening sustainable and functional students’ council’s networks mRESURS and mreVUK able to participate in decision-making processes and maintain mechanisms of linking and cooperation with governmental institutions.
• Development of sustainable students’ councils network at country level (mreSVUBiH) based on cooperation of cantonal and entity students’ council’s networks and their engagements on youth policy issues.
During the period October – December 2012 we have implemented following activities:
Strengthening capacities of representatives of students councils in Bosnia and Herzegovina
For student council representatives from Canton and counties in BiH in the period from October to December 2012 we were organizing training to strengthen the capacity of the network. Trainings held in Bihac, Livno Bugojno, Mostar, Zenica, Tuzla and Sarajevo, attended by 202 representatives of
cantonal and county networks. During the training, participants work through interactive approach to adopt new knowledge and develop skills in the areas of teamwork, communication and leadership that can help them to successfully lead the student councils in their schools. Participants in training get a chance to showcase their work in councils, the results achieved and the problems they encounter. Exchange of experiences among the participants contributed to a better understanding of the role of the student council should have in every secondary school.
Action of mreSVUBiH “One candy-one kid”
Network student council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (mreSVUBiH) with the support of YCC in December 2012 was implementing action'' One candy - one kid''. Action jointly implemented by mreSVUBiH has aim to collect candies for New Year gifts for children with special needs and children from economically disadvantaged families. During the implementation of the action, students’ councils showed a great capacity to mobilize local resources through the involvement of private companies that have donated funds needed for the implementation of the action. Through collaboration with the governmental institutions (Centers for Social Work, local governments, local communities, schools) and non-governmental organizations mreSVUBiH representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina tows have provided information about beneficiaries. With great pride we can say that there have been significant results and that mreSVUBIH through joint action and donated New Years gifts which financial equivalent value is 36.800,00 BAM. With this action mreSVUBIH has once again shown that secondary school students in Bosnia and Herzegovina is tremendous capacity of our country, which contributes significantly to the development of an active young man who identifies problems, develops and devising solutions for the benefit of the community.
Project “6th annual mRESURS conference”
Project “6th annual mRESURS conference” has beeb implemented from 1st October to 30th November 2012 with financial support by Ministru for family, youth and sport Republic of Srpska. “6th annual mRESURS Conference” From 7th to 10th November 2012 we have organized in training center in Bardača (60km from Banja Luka), under the auspices of the Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports Republic of Srpska 6th annual Conference of mRESURS. Conference was attended by 100 presidents of the secondary schools students councils from Republic of Srpska, than presidents of cantonal and county student councils networks from Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina and Brcko District. During the conference is conducted analyzes of current situation regarding the development of student councils in the Republic of Srpska and based on it are created guidelines for the annual activities of the school councils. They have defined plans for regional cooperation and joint projects of mRESURS. It was decided that all school students’ councils will engage in voluntary humanitarian action'' One candy-one kid'' which aim was collecting New Years gifts for children with special needs and children from economically disadvantaged families. This action in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the support of YCC implements mreSVUBiH. Representatives of secondary school students realizes that the priority of mRESURS for the current school year will be follow-up to promote and protect the rights of students and increase student council participation in decision-making at the school and local community.
A conference conclusion has been presented during last conference day, 10th November 2012 in Republic of Srpska Parliament. This event beside 100 youth also participated RS Parliament Speaker, MP’s, Minister for family, youth and sport, Minister for education and culture, Ombudsman for children, RS Youth Council president, representatives of Banja Luka city administration, media and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
Project ‘’Student Council Network in Bosnia and Herzegovina’’
In partnership with Agency for Cooperation, Education and Development (ACED) we have implemented two years project “Students Council Network in Bosnia and Herzegovina”. Project finacially supported by EIDHR (European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights). The overall project objective: To increase the level of cooperation amongst students, students councils and their networks, based on as common platform for advocating students interests that will contribute to their recognition by schools, municipal and governmental authorities and enable the introduction of the Bosnia and Herzegovina students councils network into regional and international sunions of secondary school students. Specific project goal: Strengthening students’ participation in building sustainable students councils in Bosnia and Herzegovina and developing functional students’ council’s networks that represents and advocate students interests. During the period January – December 2012 we have implemented following activities: Education of representatives of secondary students councils in Bosnia and Herzegovina With aim to strengthen students’ councils in 290 secondary schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina during period January/December 2012, we have prepared and implemented educations for strengthening leadership capacities of representatives students councils. These educations we were realizing during two and three days trainings during which representatives of students councils gained skills and knowledge needed for successful managing students councils. During the year we have realized 24 trainings that have participates 356 representatives of students’ councils. All trainings were interactive and enabled to students representatives to share experiences and during workshops to learn and gain skills about leadership, teambuilding, communication, youth participation, and mobilization of local resources, networking and advocacy. Gained skills and knowledge representatives of students councils use for more successful managing their students councils and organizing peer education on gain skills and topics from trainings. With this activity we were strengthening secondary students’ bodies in Bosnia and Herzegovina schools to participate on more efficient way in decision-making processes at school and local level. mreVUK conference First conference of the representatives of secondary students’ councils in Federation BiH (mreVUK) has organized in Zenica on March 25th – 27th 2012. This conference attended representatives of all 10 cantonal mreVUK, mreVUK from Brcko District and representatives of mRESURS. During the conference
they have presented results of cantonal and entity networks than analyzed implementation of annual working plans. It has concluded that the biggest obstacle for successful functioning of networks is disrespect and not fulfilling of legislative concerning students councils in cantons and possibility of students’ councils in decision-making processes at school level. Representatives of mRESURS who’s achieved significant achievements in solving this problem during the conference presented the most important methods and shared experiences in establishing partnership cooperation between students’ councils and school management. Significant part of conference has devoted to coordination of advocacy campaign “We want to know!” that implements all students’ networks joined in mreSVUBiH with aim to advocate protection and promotion of secondary students rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Strengthening capacities of Bosnia and Herzegovina students network (mreSVUBiH) For representatives of mreSVUBiH during period January-December 2012, we were organizing 4 trainings aiming strengthening their capacities for managing network and advocacy students interests. Representatives of 10 cantonal and county students’ networks, entity students’ networks and from Brcko District besides gaining skills and knowledge also were developing joint framework plans and advocacy campaigns with aim to improve status of secondary students in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Support to advocacy activities of mreSVUBiH Representatives of secondary students in Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on the students needs which representing, also have created and organized advocacy actions and campaigns with aim to solving and promoting problems of this population. YCC and ACED have provided technical support to secondary students networks for more efficient reaching campaign goals and initiating processes for including this students networks representatives in decision-making processes relevant for students in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Great contribution this network has done through presenting students interests in solving problem “two schools under the same roof”, than introducing and having secondary education as obligatory in Bosnia and Herzegovina. All those activities have contributed greatly to process of reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Project "Presentation of anti-corruption measures at universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina"
In a period of 14. of February 2011. until the 14. of October 2012. year, Vesta Tuzla and OKC implemented in partnership project "Introducing anti-corruption measures at universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina". The project is financially supported by the European Union. Project goals: • To enable the students of the University of Banja Luka, Tuzla an efficient system for detecting corruption and systematically deal with this harmful social phenomenon. • Ensure that the two universities in 2012 The program has adopted measures to prevent and combat corruption in which it will participate in the creation of all stakeholders. In the period January - October 2012. he following activities were implemented:
The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation During January 2012. it was signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with the University of Banja Luka, which defines the participation of the University and the Student Parliament in drafting anti-corruption measures. Analysis of Corruption In the first phase, project has analyzed the current situation, and questionnaires, which were attended by about 1000 students of University of Banja Luka. The target groups were the third year students and sample was carried out according to the representation of colleges and departments. Surveys have provided insight into the forms of corruption at the University. The study was conducted with the technical assistance agencies Kronauer Consulting Sarajevo with the goal to input information to develop and implement anti-corruption measures in BiH universities. The research results were published and presented at a press conference, where representatives of University and embassies attended. Education of students Education of students is realized through 10 interactive workshops which were attended by more than 300 students at the University of Banja Luka. During the workshop, they gathered ideas for programming anti-corruption measures. In the workshops also participated Rector of the University of Banja Luka, assistants, inspectors from the Ministry of Interior, and representatives of Educational Inspection of Republic of Srpska. In addition to educational workshops, we conducted educational and informational media campaign and organized street actions of sharing promotional materials. Drafting and adoption of the anti-corruption measures In the final phase of the project were working groups of representatives of students, teaching and administrative staff of the University and representatives of non-governmental organizations. Based on the recommendations of the participants of educational workshops designed a program of measures to combat corruption at the University of Banja Luka, which was submitted for adoption to the University. Students Union of the Republic of Srpska and Student’s Parliament of University of Banja Luka, submitted letters of recommendation for the adoption of these measures at the University.
Project: "Right school - safe future"
Project "Right school - safe future" was held from 1. of March to 30. of October 2012. Its aim is to reduce unemployment through information and vocational training of 26 upper primary schools in Banja Luka to occupational choice, in line with labor market needs .Project was implemented with the financial support of the Swiss Labour Assistance, now renamed Solidar Suisse. The main objective of the project: The reduction in the unemployment rate through information and vocational training of 26 upper primary schools in Banja Luka to choose short supply, in line with market needs.
Specific objectives were: • Inform students of the final year of primary school in Banja Luka on the needs of the labor market, that is deficient and surplus occupations. • In accordance with the needs of the labor market, to inform students of the final year of primary school to secondary education opportunities . • Better implementation of the enrollment policy in secondary schools of the Ministry for Culture and Education of republic of Srpska, in accordance with the needs of the labor market. Description of these activities 1. The initial phase of the project consisted of meetings with relevant social partners, and with their help, we started collecting data about the current situation in the labor market, the current enrollment policy in secondary and higher education and eventual programs of government and other institutions, which stimulates the deficient education staff. 2. During March, we improved and redesigned Guide to occupational choice that pupils in the final year of primary school used as an aid in the selection of high school. This guide contains the following sections: • The psychological aspect of the decision on interest and advice on the most important steps to be taken in the proper choice of high schools • Review of all secondary schools, public and private, in Banja Luka, view directions and occupations that offer education • Get the latest information on the situation on the labor market • Practical information on secondary school enrollment. 3. For professional aides in elementary schools (teachers, psychologists and social workers), we organized training on career counseling. Training is led by the Belgrade Open School, the most successful regional organizations in the field of vocational guidance. Training is continuing to last year's training, which was also held by Jelena Manic from Belgrade Open School, and training was adjusted for trainers, as well as new participants. 4. Fair occupations held in June 2012. at the Youth Center, organized by OKC, and in partnership with the Youth Council of Banja Luka. At the fair were presented across 50 occupations, with over 100 people in the stands. Eight large employers who employ personnel from the presented occupations, Administrative office of Banja Luka, the National Agency for Small and Medium Enterprises have also participated in the fair as exhibitors, to make the picture more rounded and complete. The fair was visited by more than 1000 schoolchildren. Media is accompanied by all TV stations in the Republic of Srpska. 5. Organized the conference "Affiliate strength - recruit youth" in October. The conference aimed to bring together representatives from all sectors who are working on employment, and to present what is currently working on the subject, as an example of good practice. Business sector is represented by Spectrum Agency, Youth Information Agency from Sarajevo, and OKC course, they were ahead of the non-governmental sector, the National Agency for Small and Medium Enterprises in front of the government sector, while the Agricultural School, Banja Luka presented an example of good practice in the education sector.
6. Were done 4 themed shows on Radio Balkan which covered all activities of the project, and also is dealt with relevant issues related to the promotion of youth employment and jobs in short supply, as part of a media campaign project.
Project "IPA - EU support for the coordination and implementation of national youth policy in BiH"
In 2011. The YCC has entered into a consortium led by EEOO Group Ltd from Greece to implement project funded by the EU IPA. The project will be implemented in the period of 20 months starting from 01. of December 2011. General objective: To improve the position of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Purpose: To create conditions for better and more effective dialogue and coordination among the functional actors responsible for youth issues. Results required to achieve: • More efficient and effective capacity of the Commission for Coordination of Youth for the implementation of their mandates and other user defined project • Developed a platform for monitoring and evaluation, and for collecting statistical data related to youth issues • Designed structure / model needed for full participation in community programs for youth • Developed recommendations for future activities. Requested Products: • Exploring the need for capacity building of target groups • Designed study visits to countries with adequate and useful experience for BiH, conducted in accordance with the needs and approval task manager (minimum 2, of 10 participants) • Designed seminars and trainings that cover the most important topics for targeted topics in accordance with identified needs and approval task manager (minimum of 10 seminars and 30 training sessions for 20 participants at each event) • Communication strategy prepared for the Commission for Coordination of Youth • Adequate media promotion organized through Project Implementation (minimum of 6 cycles of promotional activities) • Fair idea organized with the aim of promoting youth for civil society organizations that work with youth (1 large fair for all potential participants) • Find examples of good practice multi-sectoral approach to the general public (at least two communities in BiH) • Developed and adopted by the project steering committee, a platform that provides a functional system of monitoring and evaluation • Developed manual for future maintenance and utilization of the system • We have developed a pilot project that will focus on "soft" component, eg scanning of legislation related to youth issues • Three possible models for the structure of the program in the community, based on the current element in Bosnia where each model elaborates its advantages.
Implemented the project activities in 2012. 1. The initial phase This phase aimed to investigate the current situation in BiH at all levels in terms of youth and youth policy / strategy. The analysis is further used as a basis for planning and implementation of project activities, as well as to identify appropriate approaches and methodologies. Also, in this period he conducted research on the issue of youth needs training planned to deliver the project, and is based on the same theme and define these areas of training. 2. Training youth Training Module I - Development projects and proposals, as part of the project, implemented in the period October-November 2012. year across the country. Trainings were held in East Sarajevo, Livno, Mostar, Travnik, Trebinje, Tuzla, Banja Luka, Bihac, Brcko and Doboj.Every training takes two working days, and training was flexible and tailored to individual groups of participants as far as possible. 3. Seminars In the framework of the "EU support for the coordination and implementation of the Coordinated policies for youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina", during the 2012. in Sarajevo were held two seminars: "The EU Strategy for Youth 2010-2018" and "Overview of youth policies in selected countries of the EU," in Banja Luka and two seminars: "Interactive mapping of actors in the field of youth policy and their role in the eight areas of action within the framework of the EU Strategy for Youth" and “ Strengthening the capacity of interactive inter-institutional Commission; open model of coordination, communication channels with stakeholders”. Seminars are organized for the Commission for Coordination of youth issues and selected professional associates who are responsible for youth issues in BiH, in order to strengthen their capacity necessary to establish conditions for better and more effective dialogue and coordination among the functional actors responsible for youth issues. 4. Meetings of the Project Steering Committee During the 2012, the total realized was 4 meetings of the project. The project committee are representatives of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Commission for Coordination of youth BiH, and the relevant entity ministries (Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport and the RS Ministry of Culture and Sports Federation). In addition, the role of observers in the meetings attended by representatives of the OKC and Kulta.These meetings were aimed to monitor over the realizations of the project activities, the adoption of the document created in the project, and making decisions on proposed methodologies and approaches in the planning and implementation of project activities .
PSYCHOSOCIAL PROGRAM
Psychosocial counseling
In frame of psychosocial program, YCC has active Psychosocial counseling for over ten years. Counseling provides psychological counseling, individual and group psychotherapy. In counseling usually occur persons aged 20 to 45, who are facing various difficulties in psychological
functioning (different kinds of fears, difficulties in establishing and maintaining social contacts, problems
with learning, motivation, concentration, communication problems, etc.).
In counseling we have significant number of parents who have problems in communicating with children
and young families who are facing problems in the relationship. Although psychological counseling
services at the lowest priced and socially acceptable prices, a number of people who seek help because
of the extremely poor financial state is unable to pay. For the most part, this problem affects students
and unemployed young people who have been unsuccessful in finding or totally given up looking for
work. These persons are in psychological counseling to provide technical assistance, regardless of their
inability to pay for services. At the annual level Psychological counseling for this person provides about
500 volunteer hours of counseling, individual and group psychotherapy work.
In addition to the existing activities of the psychosocial program YCC in 2012 has been launched project
which aims to increase opportunities for employment and self-employment through secondary school
and college education for improving social skills. The project involves students and secondary school
students who are in the final stage of schooling, and will in the future look for a job. Through project we
allow students and secondary school students to develop social skills that are not related to a specific
job, but the underlying performance of any job. Although applicable in all environments and is easily
transmitted from one area to another, you can increase your chances for employment and self-
employment is not taught in formal education (steps in a successful job search, communication skills,
conflict management, time management, managing their own resources, presentation skills, motivation,
goal setting, etc.). Target groups of the project are undergraduates, graduates who do not continue their
education, young people with business ideas, young people who want to improve their social skills in
private and business environments and youth with disabilities in establishing and maintaining social
contacts.
The work methodology includes group work and individual work. Group work organized by interactive
principle which includes a combination of lectures, discussions, group work, role play, presentation, and
exchange of experiences, simulation, analysis, and other events. Individual - counseling that includes
identifying and analyzing their potential.
Psychotherapists engaged in YCC psychological counseling addition to creating new programs and
services are continuously attending vocational training. From October 2012 they are attending
education in Organizational Psychoanalytic consulting that is organizing Society of group psychoanalysts
in Belgrade.
Project: Strategy of non-profit housing for the City of Banja Luka
From December 2012, YCC is involved in the project implementing by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and
City of Banja Luka. The aim of the project is to design a strategy for non-profit housing for the City of
Banja Luka. Non-profit social housing in the coming years will be one of the leading models of access to
housing for different categories of people in need of housing solutions, such as displaced persons, young
young families, vulnerable families and personnel necessary for the development of local communities.
The first phase of the project, we as partner has been realized during December and includes conducting
research on the housing situation and housing needs of the citizens of Banja Luka. The research has
been conducted in institutions, interviewing citizens and organizing focus groups. The results of the
research will be a starting point for developing an action plan for the development of non-profit housing
strategy for the City of Banja Luka.
VOLUNTARY PROGRAMS AND GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
In frame of this program area YCC is recognized and supported by both, donors and relevant stakeholders in BiH, as leading organization for promotion and development of volunteering though establishment of adequate infrastructure (local volunteer centers) in BiH and its networking through non formal network under title "Volontiram!". Furthermore, another aspect of our recognized work is active participation in lobbing and advocacy processes for establishment of volunteering legislative in BiH and providing support to infrastructure development in other countries, mainly of South East Europe region. In 2012 we continued with positive growth of our activities and achievement of results in area of volunteering infrastructure and volunteering legislative. In 2012 we implemented following projects/programs:
Exchange of good practice on volunteering infrastructure and volunteer management at local, national and international level.
Support to local community development through implementation of Law on Volunteering of Republic Srpska and participation in working groups for drafting of amendments on this Law and drafting of strategy on promotion and development of volunteering in Republic Srpska.
Lobbing and advocacy activities on establishment of volunteering legislative in Federation BiH.
Capacity building of network "Volontiram!" in frame of cooperation with OSCE and UNV.
Inclusion of volunteering in university education system.
Participation in working group for drafting of state strategy for development of civil society in BiH.
Participation in working group for drafting of recommendations for European policy on volunteering.
IMPLEMENTED PROGRAMS/PROJECTS
Project "Get employed by volunteering - Volunteer to get employed"
Overall objective: To contribute to reducing of youth unemployment in Republic Srpska by strengthening their competitiveness in the labor market through the provision of adequate legal framework for the organization and recognition of volunteer work to gain the necessary knowledge and experience. Specific project objectives: 1. Adoption of rules and procedures by Universities in Istocno Sarajevo and 5 private universities in
Banjaluka, Bijeljina and Doboj that is complementary with Rule and procedures on student's volunteering adopted by Banjaluka University;
2. Capacity building of universities, public institutions and student's organizations on volunteer management;
3. Support to designing and implementation of organized volunteer work of students in minimum 2 university cities (Banjaluka and Istocno Sarajevo);
4. Lobbing for recognition of voluntary activities by certain number of points in open calls for granting of stipends, employment of future workers by public institutions and accommodation in student campuses in Republic Srpka;
5. Securing of maximum availability and information sharing on possibilities for gaining of practical knowledge and skills in frame of organized voluntary work.
By implementation of project we strived to influence following three aspects: first is related to establishment of legal solutions for organizing and measuring of student's volunteering by universities. Parallel with these activities, as second aspect was establishment of cooperation with representatives of local and entity authorities aiming to establish volunteering recognition during stipend awarding, accommodation in student's campuses and employment. Third aspect was related to designing of voluntary programs and its promotion through internet portals (www.okcbl.org and www.volontiram.ba), social networks and promotional material, engagements of students in frame of these programs and capacity building of relevant stakeholders for organizing of voluntary programs for students - volunteers (public institutions, universities and NGOs).
Project started with its implementation on March 1, 2012 and it will be implemented till April 30, 2013. Project is financially supported by Centers for Civic Initiatives (CCI). Implemented project activities during 2012 1. Selection of universities for capacity building activities In period March - May, meetings with representatives of Universities in Istocno Sarajevo, Slobomir P University, Paneuropean University APEIRON, Independent University Banjaluka, Banjaluka College and representatives of its student's representative bodies were implemented with an aim of their informing with aims and mission of project. With above mentioned representatives was created proposal of Memorandum of Understanding and defined activities towards adoption of Rules and Procedures on students volunteering. In period April - May Memorandums were signed aiming to secure more effective promotion of student's volunteering among students. At the end of September, in Banjaluka University was held round table during which professors and representatives of universities were introduced with project, Rules and Procedure on student's volunteering and volunteering legislative. With media support we informed wider public on full support to project by them. 2. Student's volunteering On October it was opened call for students of universities - project partners. Call was open for bigger cities of Republic Srpska (Banjaluka, Istocno Sarajevo, Bijeljina and Doboj). During November it was selected 150 students that will volunteer in organizations and institutions in coming period. Over 120 students participated to training on volunteer management implemented in period November - December. Orphanage "Rada Vranjesevic", Association Together, Chamber of Economics of RS, Center for development of corporative management, Center for environment, Ministry of education and culture, Ministry of health and social protection, Ministry of family, youth and sport, Clinic Center Banjaluka are just few out of all volunteering organizers in which frame students will volunteer and gain practical experience. 3. Public campaign From the project beginning we started with intensive media campaign with an aim of volunteering promotion to wider public. In frame of this campaign was implemented various activities: 20 specialized radio shows at Radio Balkan, as also 10 specialized radio shows at Radio Bobar, billboard campaign in Banjaluka and distribution of promotional material (around 5.000 leaflets and posters). Also, at the end of June, big student's party in Banjaluka was organized and during the Jul and September same party in Pale and Doboj was organized. These parties enabled better informing of students with project itself. As added value, project was presented at annual forum of scholars of Foundation "Dr Milan Jelic". One of the forum conclusions was necessity of volunteering promotion and its policies through designing of data base
of volunteering organizers that engaged or plan to engage students-volunteers. On September was organized campaign of free tickets for show of Banjaluka student's theatre for students of universities - project partners. By mentioned campaign we succeeded to develop recognizable project image and providing of quality information to students and university representatives on volunteering possibilities and its contribution to university education.
Project "With volunteering legislative towards development of local communities"
Through partnership with Youth Council of Republic Srpska and Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport in Republic Srpska government we developed project "With volunteering legislative towards development of local communities" that was granted by funds of Delegation of European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina in frame of the program "European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights" and funds of mentioned Ministry. Contract was signed on December 20, 2011 and project implementation started on January 1, 2012. Project will be implemented in period of 30 months and its total financial value is 193.883 EUR. 77,27% of budget is secured through EU funds, 15,82% through Ministry funds and 6,81% will be secured by YCC funds or funds of other donors. Overall objective: To establish sustainable grow of promotion and development of volunteering in social and economical area that is fully supported by our local and entity authorities. Specific objectives: 1. To initiate creation and adoption of entity strategy and rules and procedures for reporting on
volunteering programmes as main mechanisms for quality implementation of Law on volunteering in RS.
2. To initiate creation and adoption of local volunteering policies in at least 30 local communities of RS as main mechanism for quality implementation of Law on Volunteering in RS at local level.
Expected results: 1. Result 1: Adopted entity strategy on promotion and development of volunteering and rules and
procedures for reporting on volunteering programmes that support development and implementation of local volunteering policies.
2. Result 2: All relevant stakeholders in 63 local communities of Republic Srpska introduced and aware of Law on Volunteering in RS and its implications for practical work in field of volunteering.
3. Result 3: In at least 30 local communities of Republic Srpska adopted local volunteering policies that support quality implementation of Law of volunteering in RS at local level.
4. Result 4: In at least 30 local communities developed human resources for successful implementation of local volunteering policies.
Implemented project activities in 2012: 1. Regional presentations on Law on Volunteering of Republic
Srpska During 2012 was planned and implemented in total 10 regional presentations on volunteering legislative, research "Pro social dimension of volunteering in BiH" and introducing the participants
with processes on changes and amendments of Law on Volunteering and drafting of strategy for promotion and development of volunteering. These presentatons were designed for representatives of local authorities, public institutions and NGOs from all 63 local municipalities of Republic Srpska. In total 42 representatives of local authorities, 142 representatives of public institutions and 88 representatives of NGOs from 55 municipalities of RS participated to presentations. Beside introducement of participants with present volunteering legislative, these presentations were useful for purposes of creating of field analysis, ie identification of obstacles and issues that obstruct processes of promotion and development of volunteering. This analysis is used with an aim of identification of framework of future strategy for promotion and development of volunteering and changes and amendments of Law on Volunteering. 2. Work on volunteering legislative Rules and procedures that defines ways and conditions of fulfillment of defined legal obligations of volunteering organizers was sucesfully prepared and adopted. This legal act is defined by Law o Volunteering, but till 2012 it was never prepared and adopted. Another aspect of project is work on changes and amendments of Law on Voluntering and Strategy for promotion and development of volunteering for which creation working group were established. Each working group is formed by representatibes of relevant stakeholders: Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport, Ministry of governance and local governance, Ministry of Education and Culture, Commission for issues of children, youth and sport at National Parliament, Association of municipalities and cities, Youth Council of RS and YCC. Till the end of 2012, working group for changes and amendments of Law on Volunteering held 4 meetings and it is expected final draft of new Law at the beginning of next year. Working group for drafting of Strategy for promotion and development of volunteering held 2 meetings and final draft of document is expected to be finished till the end of first half of 2013. 3. Promotion and visibility activities It was prepared and broadcasted in total 46 short radio reports (up to 4 minutes each) at network of BiH radio stations "Radio 27". Most of the electronic and written media followed up implementation of regional presentations. During the implementation of project activities it were distributed promotional and educational material (Research "Pro social dimension of volunteering in BiH", Guide for implementation of Law on Volunteering "Volunteering in Law: Who, Where and How?" and promotional project leaflet (309 participants). For the purposes of celebration of International Volunteer Day, at the end of the year TV promotional spot was produced and broadcasted at public TV station (RTRS). Project activities are regularly promoted through web pages of YCC, Youth Council of RS, Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport and internet portal www.volontiram.ba. Also, these are promoted through social networks (facebook accounts).
Project "Volunteering for Cross-Border development of local communities"
The project is implemented by OKC Banja Luka and ALD Sisak alongside with 4 partners – Association Women from Una Bihac, BiosPLUS Derventa, Disabled Persons Association Kutina and IKS association from Petrinja. The project is financed by the European Union in frame of IPA Cross-Border Program Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina 2007-2013. The project “Volunteering for cross border community development” is designed to help to improve accessibility of community-based services in border area through establishment of five voluntary services – two in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bihać and Derventa and three in Croatia (Sisak, Kutina and Petrinja). Furthermore, the project will contribute to establishment of cross-border networking between local authorities, civil society and social partners through creation of six local volunteering policies (in all 5 above mentioned towns and in Banja Luka). These policies will define measures from which the local communities will benefit in their economical and social development. The project will also help to enhance quality of life and social cohesion in border area by creating a cross-border voluntary network consisting of volunteers from six towns. Two volunteering camps will be organized, one in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one in Croatia that will gather 60 volunteers to discuss actual social issues in bordering towns and initiate actions for change. Implemented project activities in 2012 1. Local volunteering policies One of the project objectives was drafting of Local volunteering policies in all targeted 6 local communities. These documents were prepared by working groups consisted by representatives of local authorities and civil sector. The final result is to create Local volunteering policy that respond to needs of local community and its submission into adoption procedure city authorities. 2. Development of existing and opening of new Local Volunteer Centers Local volunteer centers were opened in Petrinja and Kutina. Local volunteer center in Petrinja was open on May 15, 2012 in facilities of organization "Iks". Around 50 representatives of voluntary service beneficiaries, volunteers and partner organizations were presented to opening ceremony. Local volunteer center in Kutina was opened on May 17, 2012. Kutina Mayor participated at opening ceremony, as also representatives of partner organizations from Sisak, Petrinja and Banjaluka and future volunteers. Throughout the project implementation regular monitoring meetings to Local volunteer centers in Derventa, Bihac, Sisak, Kutina and Petrinja were implemented. During this year 2 monitoring meetings per community were held, to which volunteers and partner organizations participated. Objective of this activity was to identify does the volunteers and partner organizations aware of Local volunteer center role and is it volunteering legislative respected.
3. Celebration of International Volunteer Day
In Banjaluka 1st Fair on volunteering was organized that gathered in total 23 volunteer involving organizations and around 200 visitors. At fair, Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport announce reward for the best volunteer and volunteering organizer for 2012. Fair was implemented in cooperation with Foundation "Dr Milan Jelic", Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport and Youth Council of Banjaluka. Participation of Ministries, Mrs Nada Tesanovic and Mr Jasnim Komic, as also media follow up, contributed to promotion of volunteering. 4. Voluntary camp From 17 to 23 September, 2012, was organized cross-border voluntary camp in Sisak. Camp gathered volunteers from 6 communities participating in project. YCC volunteers also participated; however, respond of volunteers was less than expected, so at the end, out of planned 30, 14 volunteers participated to this activity. 5. Cross-border meeting On 17 December, 2012, in Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport was held meeting of representatives of ministries, local authorities and established Local volunteer centers in frame of the cross-border cooperation among Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Objective of the meeting was exchange of experiences among representatives of both countries related to development of local infrastructure (legislative, policies and local volunteer centers). Meeting was used to present Laws on Volunteering in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and present situation regarding the changes and amendments that are in ongoing processes in both countries. Network of volunteer centers of Croatia and Network "Volontiram" were also presented. Meeting participants had opportunity learn more about how these networks functioning, their strategic objectives and ways how to become member of these. Also, exchange of experiences related to different approaches in network development and supporting development of volunteering infrastructure at local and regional level was made.
Project "Cross Border Volunteer's Network for local development"
On basis of positive experiences achieved through previously described project, ALD Sisak and YCC, together with its 4 partners - Association "Most" from Gradiska, Center for children, youth and family from Laktasi, "Suncokret" from Gvozd and LAG Vallis from Ozalj, jointly developed new project applied for funding in frame of the IPA Cross-Border cooperation Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project „Cross border volunteer's network for local development“ is designed to help to improve accessibility of community-based services in border area through establishment of four voluntary centers- two in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Gradiska and Laktasi) and two in Croatia ( Ozalj and Gvozd).
In order to establish a more effective connection in the border area project envisages the establishment of cross-border voluntary network consisting of nine organizations that are composed of local voluntary services. Advocacy volunteering activities of interest to the community that leads to improved quality of life to people active involvement in social processes and the development of a more humane and equitable society, members of the network in this way will be contribute to the establishment of more effective cross-border networking between local authorities, civil society and social partners, and thus encourage their effective mutual cooperation as the starting point for the development of this area. Two voluntary camps will be organized, one in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one in Croatia that will gather 60 volunteers to discuss actual social issues in bordering towns and initiate actions for change. The project is financed by the European Union to the tune of 103.834 EUR and will be implemented from December 2012 until December 2013. The project „Cross border volunteers network for local development“ is part of IPA Cross-Border Program Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina 2007-2013. The Programs aims to encourage the creation of cross-border networks and partnerships and the development of joint cross-border actions with a view to revitalizing the economy, protecting the nature and the environment and increasing social cohesion of the programming area. The Program will also contribute to building the capacity of local, regional and national institutions to manage EU programs and to prepare them to manage future cross-border programs under the EU Structural Funds.
Project "Volunteers make a change"
Project "Volunteers make a change" that is financially supported by International Olof Palme Center will support development of 12 Local volunteer centers in frame of 12 CSOs in period of 3 years. It is planned that in each project year will be supported development of 4 Local volunteer centers. Project activities in 2012 1. Open call for new Local volunteer centers in BiH First activity organized in 2012, after signing of contract, was opening of call for new Local volunteer centers, i.e. for selection of 4 CSOs interested to develop this program in frame of their structures. On basis of received applications, it has been selected following CSOs: "Don" from Prijedor, Local office of Red Cross from Pale, Center for youth education from Travnik and Youth Center Jajce. It is important to highlight that selected organizations, before submission of application to this call, had experience in working with volunteers and that one of their program objectives is volunteering development. From that side, they have been highly motivated to develop methodology of Local volunteer center in frame of their structures. 2. Training for establishment and development of Local volunteer centers
After selection of partner organizations, in April was organized training for 2 representatives per organization selected for development of Local volunteer center. This training had an objective to build capacities of organization's representatives selected to play role as coordinators of Local volunteer centers and to equip them with information and tools for establishment of and development of Local volunteer centers. These included presentation of basic principles of volunteering, volunteer management and creation of volunteering programs in cooperation with potential partners interested to engage volunteers - introduction to their basic rights and obligations. Together with necessary information related to volunteer management, participants were introduced with tools for successful managing and work with volunteers and volunteering organizers (questionnaires for volunteers and volunteering organizers and data base). At the end, each Local volunteer center was equipped with these questionnaires, data and promotional material needed for promotion of Local volunteer centers and volunteer's ID needed for recording of volunteering experience gained by volunteers. 3. Official opening of new Local volunteer centers On May, selected partner organizations prepared and implemented official opening ceremony of Local volunteer centers to which participated representatives of local authorities, CSOs, public institutions, volunteers and media. After its opening, each Local volunteer center promoted itself through different activities aiming to invite and recruit interested citizens to volunteer and potential organizations and institutions that could have interest to engage volunteers. Most of them organized distribution of promotional leaflets at important locations of communities and different presentations and round tables with focus on volunteering theme and work of Local volunteer centers. During the implementation of different activities in communities, coordinators of Local volunteer centers participated to these aiming to invite and recruit interested citizens to take participation in Local volunteer centers and volunteering activities. Youth Center Jajce in cooperation with Youth Center "Dijamant" organized round table for youth from urban and rural areas to whom work of Local volunteer center and importance of volunteering for them and their surrounding was presented. Center for youth education Travnik organized serial of presentation on volunteering and Local volunteer center for high school students that resulted with over 90 applications of interested citizens for volunteering. 4. Preparation and implementation of volunteer positions
After opening and promotion of Local volunteer center work it was started with creation of volunteer programs. In these 4 local communities during the project implementation over 300 volunteers were engaged. Volunteers participated in different activities that had impact to different society areas: environment, culture, social protection, etc. Initiated by international volunteers, volunteers of Local volunteer center Jajce started project Open Cinema that attracted high interest of citizens. Local volunteer center Priijedor organized camp for primary school students of different ethnic groups and humanitarian activities for socially marginalized families. Volunteers also took participation in different promotional activities that had an aim to motivate citizens to vote at elections and its follow up. Local volunteer center Pale organized serial of humanitarian activities and celebration of international days such as Week of child, but also organizing educational workshops on reproductive health. In cooperation with Merhamet, volunteers of Local volunteer center Travnik organized packing of humanitarian packages for socially marginalized group, but also assisting to activities of Center for youth education projects such as Park of culture and tolerance and Citizens in elections processes. It is also important to highlight that most of the Local volunteer centers participated in engagement of volunteers for environmental activity "Let's do it" organized throughout the Bosnia and Herzegovina. Local volunteer centers successfully promoted volunteering in their communities and offered volunteering possibilities to interested citizens. Nevertheless, YCC as project leader, on regular basis provided support and advisory work through monitoring activities and every day communication. 5. Monitoring and evaluation activities During the implementation of monitoring activities, evaluation with volunteering organizers and volunteers was organized. Majority of participants of these meetings expressed positive experiences related to volunteering programs and volunteering itself. Most organizations expressed importance of volunteering activities for their work, especially those with small income. From the other hand, volunteers expressed importance of volunteering experiences for gaining of new skills, useful spending of free time and meeting other people. Also, some of the volunteers expressed need for intensive promotion of Local volunteer centers aiming to introduce wider public of their communities with these. At the end of year, evaluation meeting with coordinators of new established Local volunteer centers and organization's representatives was implemented. Issues highlighted during the meeting was unsuccessful cooperation with Centers for social welfare and non existence of understanding and readiness of public institutions to engage volunteers that could assist in their work, but also their readiness for cooperation on engagement of volunteers for low profile positions for which volunteers are not interested. This tendency of some institutions reflects devalue attitude of one part of our public towards volunteers, i.e. citizens that reflect humanity and readiness to help others. In the future it is necessary to influence and initiate changes to increase positive attitudes towards volunteering. Beside these negative experiences, partner organizations highlighted that Local volunteer centers were useful in their work, so they decided to put extra effort in securing of different types of sustainability of these services in communities. The most positive example is success of Center for youth education from Travnik to secure needed resources for continuation of Local volunteer center work in period of 6 months after project support.
Support activities related to promotion and development of volunteering at local level
Local volunteer center - YCC Banjaluka
Already 7 years passed from official opening of Local volunteer center Banjaluka in frame of YCC. During 2012 Local volunteer center Banjaluka enabled 10 volunteer positions for which 70 volunteers were engaged. Out of this 10, two positions included direct help to marginalized groups, one had promotional character and awareness rising, three were used for capacity building of CSOs and four of them promoted different cultural events. Volunteer positions
Public kitchen "Mozaik prijateljstva": Local volunteer center Banjaluka je continued its cooperation with "Mozaik prijateljstva" in which frame volunteer assistance was secured for preparation of food for marginalized groups in our community. 30 volunteers participated in this activity throughout the year.
Animafest – Fenix art, organizer of this traditional festival of animated movies, as permanent partner of Local volunteer center Banjaluka, used help and assistance of volunteers in this year also. 24 volunteers were engaged for purposes of this festival.
Gitarfest: At 7th Gitarfest 10 volunteers participated. Festival was held from 14 to 17 November, 2012. Volunteers participated in organizing of festival that included hosting of visitors and logistical support needed for program implementation.
Museum of modern arts: 6 volunteers of Local volunteer center was engaged for hosting of visitors and logistical assistance of painting exhibition of painter Sava Šumanović that was held from 5 July to 5 August, 2012.
International volunteer Paidamoyo Chikate, student from Minnesota spent two months in YCC as volunteer internship.
Activities of network "Volontiram!"
Network "Volontiram!" is initiated and administered by YCC and during 2012 has been consisted of 18 Local volunteer centers. This year was also successful in aspect of fundraising for network activities. Nevertheless we succeeded to keep our presence at some of the relevant decision making processes at state and Federation BiH level. In cooperation with OSCE and UNV during 2012 network implemented different support activities for its members, but also for network itself. Implemented activities in 2012: 1. State strategy for development of civil society In 2011 Ministry of justice at state level formed working group for drafting of state strategy for development of civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Working group is consisted of 10 members out of whom 5 are representatives of state networks dealing with different issues (Justice Network, Peace Network, Network Plus, Network Volontiram and NGO council BiH). Working group continued with its work in 2012 on drafting of above mentioned strategy, however at the end of 2012 Republic Srpska government gave negative opinion regarding this document. That opinion created issue of possible finalization and adoption of this document. 2. Law on Volunteering in Federation BiH
On November 7, 2012, Law on Volunteering has been adopted by Federation BiH Parliament. By adoption of this Law, volunteering finally has its legal regulation at whole territory of BiH. However, Network "Volontiram" didn't supported legal solutions defined by this particular Law. The reason lays in fact that long term volunteering is defined as way for obtaining of official working experience that could lead to possible abuse of labor force. Event that group of strong and big organizations negatively respond to suggested legal solutions, comments and suggestions made by this group was not accepted at the end during the process of drafting of final proposal of Law. This process excluded civil sector and with this non transparent approach was finished adoption process of Law. In coming period Network "Volontiram!" will actively play role as dogwatch on Law implementation and if needed will indicate potential abuse or disadvantages of Law implementation. Nevertheless, network will provide its resources to authorized governmental bodies aiming to support monitoring and further improvement of Law on Volunteering in FBiH. 3. OSCE and UNV activities for capacity building of Network "Volontiram!" In 2012, OSCE provided support for implementation of 2 network meetings and capacity building of 9 Local volunteer centers in philanthropy area. For needs of philanthropy development in their communities, Local volunteer centers received capacity building in areas jointly defined by them and OSCE, as also support to preparation and implementation of activities that had an aim to promote philanthropy in local communities. Network meetings were used aiming to exchange experiences and knowledge and planning of joint activities and network activities for 2013. Also, Network included 9 new member organizations which received YCC support on development of Local volunteer centers with financial support of OSCE and International Olof Palme Center during 2011 and 2012. Till the end of 2012 Network "Volontiram" had 18 members - Local volunteer centers. Last but not the least, through cooperation with UNV, it has been secured funds needed for designing and further improvement of Local volunteer center data base. Finalization of redesign and improvement will be achieved till the end of March 2013 afterwards will start adaptation process and usage of new data base by all network members. It is important to stress out that new data base will be on line that will create possibility for more quality usage of data base by other Local volunteer centers from other countries in the region (Croatia, Serbia, Monte Negro, Macedonia, etc.).
Cooperation in frame of the South East European Youth Network (SEEYN)
YCC continued with its active engagement in work of this network as one of its members and founders. Network activities were mostly based in area of promotion and development of volunteering such as volunteering infrastructure. These activities were based on exchange of experiences and knowledge and activities related to volunteering legislative in region of South East Europe.
Cooperation in frame of European networks and platforms focused on volunteering
European Volunteer Center and VolontEurope
YCC is associate member of European Volunteer Center (CEV) and partner to VolontEurope. These two European networks gather local, state and international networks and organizations which primary area is promotion and development of volunteering. In 2012 we were not able to participate at meetings and other events organized by these networks, but on regular basis we informed members of these networks on the most important events and developments in area of volunteering.
RADIO BALKAN
Radio Balkan in 2012th has important role in promotion of questions important to young people, high school and university students in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We acomplish that trough production, broadcasting and exchange of specialized radio programe in cooperation with youngsters and student organisations. In last couple of years radio Balkan managed to establish cooperation with governmental and Non-governmental institutions and organisations who deal with youngsters. That is one of ways to encourage influence on creation and implementation of youth policies.
Radio Balkan has held and improved its aspect of support to other social groups through projects and support to civil society organizations. First thing that is important to state is support to social inclusion of young people with disabilities which we created through media support, our contribution in implementation of project related to employment of persons with disabilities, and professional and voluntary engagement of four persons with disabilities.
Positive reactions of our listeners, youngsters, high school and university students, and especially representatives of organizations and institutions for youth, students and other organizations proved right way of Radio Balkan development.
Third year in a row we continuously implement project named “Radio Balkan” supported by City of Banjaluka. Main goal of this project is improvement of position of youth. This year through project “Radio Balkan” we committed to promote issues concerning persons with disabilities, especially youngsters with disabilities. Radio Balkan as socially conscious radio station as part of its staff had two young persons with disabilities.
We also implement project “Students’ republic” supported by In foundation, organization which is dealing with social inclusion of children in BiH, and Ministry of education and culture in Republic of Srpska Government.
Trough project Students’ republic we educated 30 high school students from Banja Luka in journalism, radio broadcasters and audio editing who substantively create 8 hours of specialized
radio program on weekends and electronic magazine “Students’ republic. Content of radio program and e-magazine is dedicated to important issues of high school population as quality choice of education, tolerance and in general subject important to youth population.
In addition to programe that we broadcast 24h a day, Radio Balkan also focuses on:
1. Media support to projects implemented in our organisation
Through project “Employ volunteering- volunteer to find employment“ implemented by YCC and supported by Center of Civil Iniciatives, Radio Balkan creates and broadcasts 33 radio shows named „Volunteering to job“
In project supported by National Endowment for Democracy we create radio show „Youth journal“. In 2012th we had 9 thirty minutes radio shows that cover work of student councils, engegement of youht in society, voluntary programmes... Airs Mondays in 8 P.M. Topics are initiatives and actions priory of high school student in student councils.
In cooperation with Radio Free Europe in morning program of network of 28 radio stations named “Radio 27” we had 43 theme features named „Activate – volunteer“. These features are created within EIDHR project „With volunteering legislative towards development of local communities”. Topics included are volunteering in BiH, acknowledgement of volunteer work, legislative of this area with aim to get to know listeners with rights and responsabilities of volunteers.
Important role of Radio Balkan is seen in project „Choose school – choose future“ : 5 specialised radio shows are created dedicated to policy of student admission in high schools. We continiously broadcasted promotional messages which had purpose to invite future high school students to better choose their occupation, and also folowed activities related to student admission policies. Bearing in mind that in BiH exists 58,5 % unemployed young people we consider that we still need to act upon decreacing of this percentage. Radio Balkan planes to continue participating in promotional campanigs of this type therefore we consider that timely and relevant information to student of senior classes about opportunities in education and qualification for certain occupations, trends in labour market and deficit occupations gives oportunity to students and motivate them to choose schools which are going to give them knowlegde and skills for occumations wanted in labour market.
Radio Balkan has meaningfull role in project implemented by YCC in partnership with Vesta from Tuzla named „Presenting of anticoruptional mesures in universities in BiH“ financed from EU IPA funds.
Role of Radio Balkan was to prepare and broadcast quality radio programe compleatly intended to fight coruption in universities, and following through media activities in project in which is conducted research about coruption, public discussions and all series of workshops in this area. Radio Balkan journalists had very demanding task to prepare seventy specialized radio shows dedicated to fighting coruptivity that are broadcasted in Radio Balkan and radio Vesta from Tuzla. In 2012th we created 59 specilaized 15th minute radio shows about anti-coruption activities in BH universities and positive examples from the region.
Apart from active involvement in YCC projects Radio Balkan has done promotional campaigns for project such as creation and broadcasting of radio jingles in its programe, and in program of network of 28 radio stations „Radio 27“ (project of Radio Free Europe)
PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED
Project „Students' republic “
February the 1st, 2012. Started implementation of project „Students' republic . This projest is implemented by Radio Balkan and supported by In foundation, Ministry of Education and culture in Republic of Srpska government and in partnership with student councils network in Republic of Srpska. Through project Students' republic we educated 30 students in journalism, radio broadcasting and audio editing who create 8 hours of radio programe on weekends and electronic magazine Students' republic. Content of radio programe and e-magazine is dedicated to important issues concidering high school students such as quality choice of future occupation, reforms of educational system, tolerance and general topics important for youth population. In that project high school students create two half hour radio shows every month aired in Radio Prijedor, Radio Doboj, Radio Istocno Sarajevo and Radio Trebinje. With this radio program created by high school students media part of project encompasses almost all territory of Republic of Srpska. Project ends in February 2013th with planned goals 260 hours of radio program, 14 one hour radio shows and 7 editions of e-magazine Students’ republic. Besides education basic mission of the project is to increase level of information about actual happenings in high school education and various topics related to youngsters and their motivation for inclusion in different social flows within high school population and youth in general.
High school students work on topics in folowing areas:
1)LAW ON HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
2) PLACEMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
3) PRESENTING ALL SCHOOLS AND OCCUPATIONS OFFERED
4) STUDENTS ORGANIZING
5) OBJECTIVE APPROACH TO PROBLEMS IN HIGH SCHOOLS
6) PRESENTING OF POSITIVE EXAMPLES 7)ADDMISION POLICY IN HIGH SCHOOLS
8) ADDMISION POLICY IN UNIVERSITIES
9) PRESENTING OF DEFICIT OCCUPATIONS
10) PRESENTING OF NEWS IN EDUCATION AREA
Important thing to note is that above mentioned areas are whide and insine of every one of them different topic can be analized. Bestdes them othes areas considering youth are present in radio programe and e-magazine.
Projects of cooperations with other NGO
In 2012 with cooperation and financial support of Society of in depended artists and activists “GETO” in Radio Balkan program 23 ninety minute radio shows named Restart are created. Topic of these radio shows is needs of youngsters, promotion of positive activism, and presenting of alternative music scene. Goal is to enable affirmation of issues and activities of youth who often do not have a chance to reach media space due to great commercialization of media market.
In October 2012th with cooperation and financial support of civil society “Sharp zero” 4 radio shows are created. Goal of these shows was to encourage young people to vote in local elections.
Radio Balkan had cooperation with Society of Hepatitis patients, with minimal fee gave six month support to campaign for support to hepatitis patients, prevention and better understanding of this disease.
Projects supporting Radio Balkan
Support of ministry of family youth and sports continued in 2012 through project „Here in front of you“. Ministry financialy supported Radio Balkan having in consideration that it is relevant subject in area of youth activism in Republic of Srpska. Radio Balkan in cooperation with ministry of familiy, youth and sports creates 15 minute radio show „Here in front of you“ where most important activities of ministry in its domain are presented. Relevant information about planed activities, calls for projects and most important informations considering areas of family and sports are presented to young people and youth organizations.
Ministry of education and culture supported implementation of project students' republic. This support made possible broadcasting of 14 one hour shows about issues concerning high school students in four radio stations (Radio Istočno Sarajevo, Radio Doboj, Radio Prijedor and Radio Trebinje.
In 2012 City of Banja Luka Grad suported Radio Balkan activities through grants meanth for youth sector in Banja Luka. Activities in promotion of most important issues concerning youth population, planing and implementing of local youth policies were supported by city trough continiouns project named „Radio Balkan“. In 2012 through this project was planed support to organizations dealing with persons with dissabilities. Radio Balkan had as part of its staff two persons with dissabilities who through this project created 15 minute radio show named „Right to have a chance“ every week. In that show we tended to dealwith every topic that is important for persons with dissabilities and present all activities of organisations of persons with dissabilities.
Preparations for new projects
In 2012 Radio Balkan started preparations for next fase of the project Students' republic through which is planed education of next generation of students from Banjaluka highschools in journalism, radio broadcasting and audio editing. It is planed to create 280 hours of radio programme and 7 new issues of Students' magazine. In thet way Radio Balkan wants to contribute to young people, high school students opely and without taboos begin to speak about important issues considering this population, such as violence in schools, missing classes, relations with professors in the same time trying to find causes and answers to these problems. Desire is to also present positive examples is schools, achivements, favourite professors and all other things representing progress in high school education.
Preperation of the project to Ministry of health is going to imply support in promotion of questions important for persons with disabilities. Besides this project aplication we have agreement with ministry of health to support Radio Balkan activities similar to cooperation with ministry of Family, youth and sports.
Project implementation of project „Radio Balkan“ supported by city of Banjaluka. Trough this project we want to keep promoting issues concearning young people in Banjaluka and maintain status that YCC reached – association of special interest for Banja Luka.
Continius cooperation with Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports through project „Here in front of you“. Informing youth and youth organizations about activities of ministy.
Important topics and issues in our radio programme
Youth participating in monitoring of reforms in education, developements of student council and support to youth and student organizing.
Engagement of students in processes of democracy developement in schools (role of student councils, cooperation with school bodies and parents councils, student participation in desision making etc.)
Educational reforms in schools curriculum (new plan and programme, changes in litereture, lecture quality, relation student-professor, peer to peer education, final exams)
Youth participation in developement of local comunities (volunteer actions organized by youth organisations, presentations on fairs, support and participation in developement of yuth policies on local levels)
Participation of youth in civil iniciatives (examples of good practiseand activities of other NGO considering students, perticipation, employement and enteprenuership)
Quality of education and influence of reform of education (European Transfer Credit System ECTS points, students mobility and funds available)
Building of democracy in universities and students involvement (presentation of problems and activities of students unions, protests of students against increasing of tuition, advocacy initiatives for involment of students in governing bodies in university)
Topics as elections of students associations and different student events were covered differently then other media
In our radio shows we managed to host representatives of different govenmental institutions, parliament and students organizations from different cities and universities of BiH.
Besides that, radio shows covered other project activities implemented by our organisation or other NGO.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM (Community servis)
Our organization is in 2012. year continued to serve as a place for informal education community, where
people of different backgrounds can come and gain knowledge of the English language through our
courses (6 levels). In addition to English courses, this year we started the courses and the German and
French languages in order to develop additional opportunities to increase our regular source of income.
Most people in social need or vulnerable from seeking additional education, but in most cases can not
afford expensive school language classes. Through our cheap courses, we serve the same category as
this would not be marginalized in access to education. During the 2012th year, 115 people have
completed our courses in English language.
It should be noted that this year we have made a strategic approach to the organization and
implementation of courses in foreign languages. Through this approach we have solved the issue of
long-term space for the realization of courses. By this we mean two rooms fully equipped for the
realization of courses, as well as space in YCC for the smaller groups.
As for the organization, from the month of September we started the development of foreign language
coordinator position, at the moment volonteer positions.
These are courses of our self-sustaining program that serves people in the community, and to support
our organizational budget. Although we provide the cheapest courses in Banja Luka, the economic
situation has caused many of our students.
Youth Communication Center
Financial Report for period January 1 – December 31, 2012
STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENSES
Average exchange rate in 2012: 1 USD = 1,52276 BAM
BAM USD
Opening fund balance (from fiscal year 2011) 121.589 79.848
REVENUE
1. Grants revenue 578.434 379.859
2. Program services revenue
2.1. Fee for educational classes 7.220 4.741
2.2. Radio Balkan revenue (advertising and training program) 24.281 15.945
2.3. Fee for clients in psychosocial counselling 8.635 5.671
3. Positive exchange rate differencies and bank interests 198 130
Revenue total: 618.768 406.346
TOTAL REVENUE + OPENING FUND BALANCE (2011): 740.357 486.194
GRANTS RECEIVED
1. UNDP 1.870 1.228
2. National Endowment for Democracy (NED) 68.933 45.269
3. Balkan Trust for Democracy 37.677 24.743
4. Centers for Civic Initiatiatives (CCI - USAID) 104.284 68.484
5. Government of Banja Luka City 3.000 1.970
6. OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.432 940
7. EU IPA Cross Border Programme Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina 66.549 43.703
8. EU (EU European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights) 70.875 46.544
9. Aneks Banja Luka 3.000 1.970
10. South East European Youth Network (EU IPA programme for Albania) 2.655 1.744
11. Government of Republic Srpska (Ministry of family, youth and sport) 48.665 31.958
12. Government of Republic Srpska (Ministry of Ministry of Education and Culture) 5.000 3.284
13. In Foundatio Nederland 17.837 11.714
14. Vesta Association (EU IPA program for Bosnia and Herzegovina) 10.419 6.842
15. ACED (EU European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights) 48.666 31.959
16. Individual donations 1.246 818
17. Olof Palme Center - Stockholm 54.907 36.058
18. NGO Infohouse Sarajevo 116 76
19. Syri i Vizionit 31.303 20.557
Grants total: 578.434 379.859
EXPENSES
1. Staff salaries 224.903 147.694
3. Auditing costs 4.365 2.867
4. Costs of legal services, administrational and court taxes 1.178 774
4. Taxes for radio Balkan frequency 3.285 2.157
5. Insurance costs (insurance of employees and office facilities) 1.044 686
5. Radio and office equipment (transmitter, microphones, computers, printers,
phones, cameras, etc.)
1.796 1.179
6. Office supplies/materials/spare parts 11.464 7.528
7. Telephone office, mobile costs and fiscal data transfer costs 6.468 4.248
8. Internet/web space renting 1.844 1.211
9. Mail costs 548 360
10. Utilities costs (electricity, heating, water, renting of facilities for radio trasnmitter
and main facilities)
13.394 8.796
11. Maintain costs (security, building maintain tax, fire protection maintain,
equipment maintain)
2.505 1.645
12. Land property investment 0 0
13. Program costs 178.062 116.934
14. Contracted services 61.936 40.674
15. Stipends for project personnel 13.600 8.931
16. Bank fees 3.870 2.541
17. Negative exchange rate differencies 314 206
18. Gifts costs 300 197
19. Donations to partner organizations 35.820 23.523
20. Amortization costs 5.837 3.833
TOTAL OF EXPENDITURES 572.534 375.984
Contracted services (costs for trainers, moderators and supervisors in projects and costs for lecturers of
education classes and other)
1. Services revenue (fee for education classes, psychological counselling and radio
staff/marketing)
16.382 10.758
2. National Endowment for Democracy (NED) 1.904 1.250
3. Centers for Civic Initiatives 2.100 1.379
4. Government of Republic Srpska (Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport) 667 438
5. EU IPA Cross Border Program Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina 2.947 1.935
6. Olof Palme Center - Stockholm 970 637
7. Syri i Vizionit 6.359 4.176
8. EU (EU European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights)/ 6.650 4.367
9. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation 632 415
10. UNDP 3.468 2.277
11. Association Vesta (EU IPA Program Bosnia and Herzegovina) 12.950 8.504
12. Balkan Trust for Democracy 158 104
13. In Foundatio Nederland 6.748 4.431
TOTAL OF CONTRACTED SERVICES 61.935 40.673
Stipends for project personnel (students in radio Balkan and students in other projects)
1. Services revenue (fee for education classes, psychological counselling and radio
staff/marketing)
9.542 6.266
2. Centers for Civic Initiatives 60 39
3. Government of Republic Srpska (Ministry of Family, Youth and Sport) 900 591
4. In Foundatio Nederland 1.760 1.156
5. National Endowment for Democracy (NED) 1.200 788
6. Charlers Stewart Mott Foundation 138 91
TOTAL OF STIPENDS 13.600 8.931
Program costs
1. Centers for Civic Initiatives (CCI) 25.894 17.005
2. National Endowment for Democracy (NED) 44.971 29.533
3.NGO Infohouse Sarajevo 116 76
4. Olof Palme Center - Stockholm 9.544 6.268
5. Syri i Vizionit 15.342 10.075
6. Charlers Stewart Mott Foundation 4.023 2.642
7. Government of Republic Srpska (Ministry for Family, Youth and Sport) 22.439 14.736
8. Association Vesta (EU IPA Program Bosnia and Herzegovina) 476 313
9. South East European Youth Network (EU IPA Program Albania) 2.655 1.744
10. Balkan Trust for Democracy 31.707 20.822
11. ACED (EU European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights) 6.571 4.315
12. EU IPA Cross Border Program Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina 8.332 5.472
13. EU (EU European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights) 5.405 3.549
14. In Foundatio Nederland 587 385
TOTAL OF PROGRAM COSTS 178.062 116.934
Breakdown of program costs
1. Material costs for workshops, seminars, trainings, round tables, conferences and
voluntary activities
1.718 1.128
2. Board, lodging and refreshment costs during seminars, trainings, conferences and
voluntary activities
89.234 58.600
3. Travel costs for participants of seminars, trainings, conferences and voluntary
activities
46.592 30.597
4. Media support to projects (newspaper announcements, press, bilboards) 11.414 7.496
5. Printing of brochures, posters and flayers 26.635 17.491
6. Renting of space for round tables, seminars, trainings and conferences 1.059 695
7. Volunteer's costs 100 66
8. Training services 1.310 860
Total breakdown of program costs 178.062 116.934
TOTAL REVENUE - TOTAL EXPENSES 167.823 110.210
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