College education for 10 talented students in BiH

BOSANA FOUNDATION

Scholarship and Professional Development Program

Quarterly Report

September - December 2024

Executive Summary:

As we embark on a new year ahead, we would like to take a moment to send our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the efforts of Bosana Foundation in the past year.

Every dollar makes an impact on our ability to fulfill our mission and allows us to meaningfully serve our community. We are looking forward to exciting year ahead and look forward to sharing our many upcoming initiatives with you in 2025!

Students and Program Update:

In August, we received an overwhelming 159 scholarship applications, making our selection process quite challenging. We were truly impressed by the remarkable talent and determination of so many applicants striving for a brighter future. We’re happy to share that we’ve welcomed 12 new students into our Bosana family.

As of October, all our scholarship recipients have embarked on their new academic year and are gearing up to complete the winter semester. This busy time has been rich with both academic challenges and professional development opportunities. Our new scholarship recipients are thriving, having successfully secured volunteering positions within various organizations while adjusting to college life.

We're also happy to share that we have eight new graduates this quarter! We eagerly anticipate the paths they will choose, with some already stepping into the workforce, others continuing their studies, and a few actively exploring job opportunities.

Highlights of the quarter:

Here’s a glimpse into the impressive accomplishments of our students, showcasing their dedication and hard work:

•  The City of Tuzla, recently celebrated exceptional students and sports enthusiasts for their remarkable achievements over the past year. Among the awardees are our own Elma and Amina. Amina is a gifted student at the Music Academy, University of Sarajevo, while Elma is a committed Pharmacy student at the University of Tuzla, both recognized for their outstanding accomplishments.
• Sara secured 3rd place in the Rogatica Municipality's competition for the most beautiful photo with her breathtaking piece, "Prayer." This achievement marks her third accolade in this contest!
• In the meantime, our talented scholar Naa displayed her creativity at the "Center of Positive Practice" art exhibition in Breza, where she showcased nine pieces of her work.
• On September 29th, the Bosana scholars and alumni, (Almedina, Marijana, Naa, Matea, Suncica) participated in the 17th Race for the Cure, a race/walk for healing organized in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The team, along with 304 registered teams and 11,500 other individuals from Bosnia and Herzegovina, joined this walk for healing. Together, they raised 240,000 BAM, designated for prevention, education, and treatment support of breast cancer. Through a symbolic run/walk, also joined by many women who have recovered from the disease, participants celebrated life, highlighted the importance of prevention and early detection, and sent messages of support to those affected.
• Sumeja earned her Master of Pharmacy degree from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Sarajevo.
• Majra received her BS in Electrical Engineering from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Tuzla.
• Sreten earned his BS in Forestry Engineering from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of East Sarajevo. Sreten has also been recognized as the best student for the fourth year in a row. Having completed his studies, he is now seeking employment opportunities.
• Aida graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Sarajevo, earning her degree in Dental Medicine.
• Nadezda is now a medical laboratory technologist, having earned her degree from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of East Sarajevo.
• Edina received her Bachelor’s in Economics from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Dzemal Bijedic in Mostar.
• Jovana earned her BS in Biology from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics at the University of Sarajevo.
• Belma is now a social worker, having earned her degree from the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo.
• Dzenad, a fourth-year medical student, topped his first-year GPA at the Faculty of Medicine and is now serving as a Student Mentor for the third consecutive year, helping younger students with challenging subjects. He recently earned the Dean's Charter again for his outstanding average of 9.94 in his third year.
• During the 50th anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Bosana students were once again recognized for their outstanding academic achievements from the previous year. Recognitions for the outstanding results were awarded to Anida for her third year and Sumeja for her fifth year of study.
• Sumeja recently participated in the prestigious BioCamp in Bled, Slovenia, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina among global master's and PhD students. “Being selected to participate in this event was a significant achievement, especially since I was the only representative from Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the highlights was tackling a real-world business problem in the pharmaceutical industry during our team task. The exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences with experts and peers left a lasting impression on me.", shared Sumeja.

Links:

• http://www.bosanafoundation.org

BOSANA FOUNDATION

Scholarship and Professional Development Program

Quarterly Report

April - August 2024

Executive Summary:

This edition of the quarterly report covers the past two quarters, and we have exciting news to share! Between April and September, our students successfully completed their exams, participated in enriching team-building activities, and began preparations for the upcoming academic year. We are pleased to announce another year of collaboration with BAPA, which has welcomed a new student.

Currently, we are in the process of selecting a new generation of Bosana scholars from the 159 applications received in August. We look forward to sharing the results with you in the next report. Additionally, we are proud to celebrate our new graduates, with more expected in the coming month.

Students and Program Update:

The spring and summer months have been a dynamic and enriching time for our students, marked by a blend of rigorous academic work, professional development opportunities, and enjoyable experiences. Throughout the semester, students diligently completed their coursework, culminating in final exams held in June and July. This period of assessment not only tested their knowledge but also showcased their commitment to their studies.

Following the conclusion of their exams, students embraced a variety of paths. Many returned home to recharge and spend quality time with family and friends, while others seized the opportunity to gain practical experience through summer employment. Additionally, some students opted to further their education by attending summer school, allowing them to enhance their skills and knowledge in specific areas of interest. A number of adventurous students also participated in exchange programs abroad, immersing themselves in new cultures and broadening their global perspectives.

Overall, this was an exceptionally busy and productive period for our students. Their hard work and commitment to personal and academic growth are truly commendable, and we look forward to supporting them in their ongoing journeys.

Highlights of the quarter:

These are just a few examples of the remarkable accomplishments of our students, and we are incredibly proud of their dedication and achievements.

• In an ongoing commitment to fostering student excellence, the Bosana Foundation proudly presents the Best Student of the Year award annually. This prestigious accolade recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance, active participation in workshops and events, and a dedication to volunteerism. This year, we are excited to honor Emir, a recent graduate from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sarajevo. Emir embodies the qualities we seek in our award recipients—he describes himself as ambitious, persistent, and reliable. His academic journey has been marked by exceptional grades, and he has successfully passed his state exam in July soon after his official graduation, a testament to his hard work and dedication. Beyond his academic achievements, Emir's commitment to community service is truly remarkable. He has devoted countless hours to volunteering with the Red Cross and the Health Centre in Kljuc, consistently exceeding the required volunteer hours. His passion for helping others is evident in the impact he has made through these organizations.  Emir's blend of academic excellence, volunteer dedication, and hands-on experience makes him a deserving recipient of the Best Student of the Year award. We are proud to celebrate his achievements and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will undoubtedly continue to make in the field of medicine.

• Enesa has successfully completed her ERASMUS exchange at Mälardalen University in Västerås, where she earned her master’s degree. During this process, she also received a job offer.
• Mustafa has obtained his master’s degree in psychology from the University of Sarajevo.
• Mila studied medicine at the University of Mostar and graduated in July. She has already started her internship during the summer months.
• Romana is our new Master of Pharmacy graduate, having completed her studies at the University of Sarajevo. She continues to volunteer with the After School program in Sarajevo.
• Ahmedina is currently completing her doctoral studies and has recently released her first book, which she co-authored with her professor.
• Amina, our sole student enrolled in the music program at the Sarajevo Music Academy, recently participated in an International Piano Summer Masterclass. This opportunity was aimed at enhancing her skills and preparing her for her upcoming piano examination. The masterclass provided her with valuable insights and techniques from renowned instructor, allowing her to refine her performance and gain confidence ahead of the exam.

 Kick-start Your Career (KYC) Program 2024

 Celebrating the 6th year of our annual career orientation program - Kick Start Your Career!

This year, we welcomed 23 enthusiastic students who actively participated in a comprehensive workshops. Throughout the program, participants gained invaluable insights into essential skills such as resume writing, crafting effective cover letters, interview preparation, and the development of crucial soft skills.

Our program is designed with the primary goal of empowering students by equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate their job search journey successfully. We understand that securing job placements is a significant milestone; however, we also recognize the importance of personal growth and confidence-building that occurs during this process.

 As we reflect on the success of this year's program, we are proud not only of the skills our participants have acquired but also of the community we have built. We look forward to continuing this journey in the coming years, further enhancing the curriculum and expanding our reach to empower even more students in their career pursuits.

BAPA Update:

For the third consecutive year, the Bosana Foundation is proud to partner with BAPA to sponsor a $5,000 scholarship aimed at supporting Bosnian-American students in realizing their educational and professional aspirations. We are excited to announce the 2024 recipient of the BAPA-Bosana Scholarship: Imman.

Imman is currently pursuing a degree in Business Economics and Political Science at the University of Richmond, hailing from Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her research interests focus on female empowerment, sustainable development, and education in post-conflict societies, reflecting the current economic and political landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Imman is eager to engage with the Bosnian-American community, recognizing the importance of fostering strong partnerships for mutual growth and support.

Bosana Teambuilding in Mrkonjic Grad

 As is tradition, every year Bosana organizes a teambuilding event for our students to take a break from exams and classes while also providing an opportunity for them to meet face-to-face. This year’s teambuilding event in Mrkonjic Grad was absolutely fantastic!

 In the first week of August, our students gathered for our annual three-day event, this time at the beautiful Visitor Center Pecka. The activities began with a hiking experience along the breathtaking path to the source of the River Sana, where students learned more about the local nature and what this part of the country has to offer, as well as the current issues related to preserving natural sites.

 The next day, a morning hike took us to a stunning viewpoint of the countryside. In the afternoon, a culinary workshop was organized, along with other fun team-building activities.

 Overall, it was a truly memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Students for Humanity:

 "Students for Humanity" is a collaborative fund established by scholarship recipients from the Bosana Foundation. Each student contributes 2 KM per month, with Bosana matching these contributions. This initiative is supported by both current and former students, significantly enhancing the impact of this meaningful effort.

 This year, our students have provided assistance to several of their peers. For one student, they covered tuition expenses; another received support for a professional development course; and a former student was helped with dental costs. In August, one student sought assistance for her parent's medical expenses, which were too high for her family to manage.

 Additionally, they supported a traditional humanitarian sporting event organized by one of our current students, aimed at assisting local low-income families. Bosana students contributed by partially covering the costs of essential equipment, including soccer balls and nets needed for the tournament.

Links:

• Bosana Team-Building 2024 video