College education for 10 talented students in BiH

BOSANA FOUNDATION

Scholarship and Professional Development Program

Quarterly Report

October - December 2023

Executive Summary:

Happy New Year, dear Bosana supporters. We hope you have had a good start to the year and are prepared for new victories. We eagerly anticipate new opportunities and positive stories that we hope to share from our students.

The past year, particularly the last quarter, has been a successful one for us, and this success is solely attributed to your unwavering support. We have obtained sufficient funds to sustain our programs in the upcoming months, and for this, we are immensely grateful. In the upcoming year, we anticipate our students achieving new milestones, and we are also expecting a fresh cohort of graduates.

Students and Program Update:

Bosana scholarship recipients, class of 2023/24, commenced their academic journey in October. They have already settled into new cities and are discovering the advantages of volunteering. The first semester is drawing to a close, and many have already begun preparing for the upcoming exam season at the end of January.

Notably, our students in Sarajevo received exciting news as BOSANA signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Homework Hub. This collaboration will encompass several activities aimed at strengthening and empowering young individuals in their personal growth, education, and adequate preparation for the job market. Following the signing of the cooperation agreement with Homework Hub, our scholarship recipients enthusiastically embraced the new opportunities and actively participated in various training sessions offered by Hub Homework and its partners.

Highlights of the quarter:

These are just a couple of examples of the remarkable accomplishments of our students. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and achievements.

• Alma and Tome, two new Bosana students, recently participated in a captivating competition. CATCHaCORN is a student competition where Alma and Tome showcased their skills in harvesting agricultural crops - truly a unique experience! From the excitement of the competition to the delightful rewards, it was a day filled with enjoyment, new friendships, and valuable learning opportunities. They achieved an impressive third place! Remember, finding a balance between extracurricular activities and downtime is crucial during student days. It's not just about grades; the experiences they gain and the memories they create are invaluable!
• Azra, a medical student from the University of Tuzla, had the privilege of joining fellow participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, and Latvia. This journey was made truly unforgettable by the vibrant cultural exchange and diverse perspectives. Under the guidance of an exceptional trainer, they delved deep into the world of digital marketing, mastering social media strategies, and gaining an understanding of SEO and analytics. "The friendships formed and memories created are something I will cherish forever. I extend my appreciation to the sending organization, BRAVO, for the opportunity, and a huge shoutout to the hosting organization, RES POLIS, for their warm hospitality and excellent organization," said Azra.
• Aida, this year's scholarship recipient of the professional development program, participated in the training program, which is one of the initial activities for our scholars in Homework Hub. She stated, "On December 6, 2023, I had the opportunity, thanks to the Bosana Foundation's recommendation, to attend the training session 'Focus, Impact, Shine.'
• Elmir, one of our new scholarship recipients, was honored at a prestigious ceremony that celebrated the exceptional students of the Federation BiH. The Federal Minister of Education and Science presented diplomas and one-time cash prizes to the top 54 primary and secondary school students in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 2022/2023 school year. The ceremony took place on December 18 at the Federation Government building in Sarajevo.
• Sumeja, a fifth-year student, and Anida, a third-year student, have secured positions among the top 10 students at the School of Pharmacy, showcasing their excellence throughout the challenging five-year academic journey. Both of these talented individuals received Commendations for their exceptional results in the 2022/23 academic year, continuing their streak of success from previous years.
• Riana successfully obtained her Master's degree from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Sarajevo in September.
• Pavle completed his Bachelor's degree in Logopedics and began his graduate studies in November.
• Sarah earned her Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• In December, Rudaba received her Master's degree from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Sarajevo.

BOSANA at the STARfest

The Bosana Foundation proudly participated in STARfest, the largest festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina dedicated to career development, skills, and youth employment. This festival is organized by the esteemed Social Innovation Incubator - Munja, a leading organization in empowering youth at the national level.

At our booth, our scholarship recipients were present to address any inquiries regarding the diverse programs offered by the Bosana Foundation. These programs include the Scholarship and Professional Development Program, as well as additional activities such as the Mentoring Program, Students for Humanity Program, and the After School Program, which is currently operational in three cities.

We are delighted and proud to have witnessed such a significant turnout of enthusiastic young individuals eager to make the most of this festival. 

Links:

• BOSANA website