College education for 10 talented students in BiH

BOSANA FOUNDATION

Scholarship and Professional Development Program

Quarterly Report

January -March 2023

Executive Summary:

Welcome to our first quarterly report of 2023! We are thrilled to share with you the latest updates on our organization's progress and impact for the past quarter. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all our donors who have generously supported us and contributed to our mission. Your support enables us to continue making a difference in the lives of those we serve. In this report, you will gain insight into our recent achievements, challenges, and our plans for the upcoming quarter. We hope you enjoy reading this report and thank you once again for your valuable contribution.

Students and Program Update:

January is the end of the fall semester and it is time when the exam preparations are in full swing. During this quarter, the scholarship recipients also went through the exam season. We are proud to report that the students performed exceptionally well, and the majority of them passed their exams with flying colors. As a result, they have now started a new semester with even more enthusiasm and determination to excel academically. We are thrilled to see our scholarship recipients making the most of the opportunity provided to them and are confident that they will continue to make significant strides in their academic journey.

Once again, Bosana partnered with BAPA to provide one scholarship to a leader in the Bosnian-American community. In 2023, BAPA enters its eighth year of awarding scholarships to high achieving Bosnian-American students who do essential work in their respective communities. The BAPA Scholarship aims to assist Bosnian-American students in navigating the educational system and furthering their professional goals. Besides one scholarship sponsored by Bosana Foundation, BAPA offers three more $5,000 Scholarships. The deadline to submit applications was March 20^th, 2023.

As part of our goal to provide our graduating students with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce, we will be hosting workshops to help them achieve their goals. Stay tuned for more details in our next report.

Highlights of the quarter:

We are thrilled to share all these exciting news about our students: 

• Nadezda was selected to assist the regional competition “Misli mine” as a representative of the Red Cross. The competition consisted of multiple-choice questions and interactive activities designed to educate participants about the dangers of landmines and the measures that can be taken to prevent accidents. Through interactive work and competitive spirit, children learn how to live safely in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Pelka, one of our students from Tuzla, had the opportunity to meet and talk with her mentor Irma. Through their conversations and guidance, she was able to see new perspectives, set achievable goals, and grow both personally and professionally. This is just one example of the power of mentorship.

• Riana dedicated her blog to the International Day of Education. "In honor of education's contribution to peace and development, the United Nations General Assembly declared January 24th to be the International Day of Education. This blog is dedicated to the significance of education in my life as a fifth-year pharmacy student. Being a pharmacist is a great responsibility and it is unfortunate that students do not get many chances to volunteer. In fact, volunteering in general, and especially within the chosen profession, is essential.” You can read the full text here

•  Sumeja is a fourth- year student at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo. Sumeja and four other candidates, received a special recognition from Vera Snajder Award 2022 committee. Vera was the first female mathematician in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the first woman to publish a scientific paper, and the first female dean in the former Yugoslavia. All of this was at a time when very few women received higher education around the world, especially in less developed countries. In order to make the general public aware of the importance of Vera Šnajder's character and work, the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation made the decision to give an award in her name, as a way to honor and recognize all of her contributions.

• Adi, our student from Mostar completed his Master’s thesis. The topic he focused on was "Ergonomic risk factors when working with a computer in the student population".

• Belma was part of an important project through her volunteering services. Belma and her team spent time providing educational and recreational activities to children at "Home for neglected children" Crkvice and to children who are considered part of a marginalized group. The team aimed to ensure everyone, regardless of their social status, feels included and to fill the lack of inclusion of marginalized groups in educational institutions and centers. They also wanted to help parents who are struggling financially and don't have time to focus on their children's education.

• Suncica participated in the Global Youth Interreligious and Intercultural Forum in Katar. Youth and peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, contemporary issues and challenges were only some of the topics, but that's not all! Suncica also got to explore some amazing cultural sights and gained a whole new perspective on the world. The event lasted four days and over 50 young activists from 42 countries participated.

• Ilma was part of the organizing committee for the International Symposium #TuzlaBrainWeek which took place from March 17 to 19. Tuzla Brain Week (#TBW) is an annual project of the Student Council "MEDICUS" aimed at promoting neuroscience to the public and highlighting the importance of preserving, improving, and preventing neurological diseases. This year's theme was "All the beauties of the brain," and the symposium featured lecturers and participants from all over Europe.

BOSANA FOUNDATION

Scholarship and Professional Development Program

Quarterly Report October - December 2022

Executive Summary:

It is hard to believe that we are well into the new year. We hope you are energized and ready to welcome more learning opportunities, growth and positivity. The end of the year brings reflection and new plans for the future. I am so proud of what our students have been able to accomplish in 2022. Through it all, we have valued the support of the Bosana community. We are immeasurably grateful to our donors and volunteers. Your contribution makes it possible for us to continue our important work. As always, you can check out our website and social media platforms for more information about programs.

Students and Program Update:

Last quarter of the year is a bit quiet when it comes to exams. Classes are winding down and students get a little break for the holidays, before the official exam season starts. Nevertheless, there has been plenty of activity for our students pertaining to volunteering and professional development. We are thrilled to share all these exciting news about our students. 

Highlights of the quarter: 

Irma, joined the Bosana Scholarship Program in October, and is currently a first-year student at the School of Medicine in Tuzla. In September, Irma was nominated for the Big Bang Generation Heroes competition in the Civic Activism category. The Big Bang Challenge project is a platform that recognizes new leaders among young people. Big Bang GENERATION is a new generation of young leaders who achieve results but also inspire others to take the path of development and progress.

KAS Rule of Law Program South East Europe and the Association of Lawyers work on the promotion of transitional justice and the democratic development of the countries of Southeastern Europe. Suncica, Bosana’s MA student, had the opportunity to be part of a great team and contribute to the implementation of the 16th International Summer School, regarding the topic: "The Role of Transitional Justice Today: What Lesson Can Be Drawn to Prevent Future Conflicts and to Assist Societies After Conflict."

Šerifa completed her studies and obtained a master's degree from the University of Tuzla School of Mining, Geology and Civil Engineering in December. She also received an award from the town of Kladanj, The Best Student of Her Municipality for the Academic Year 2021/2022. The award was presented by the municipal mayor.

llma, attended the International 30th Danubian Psychiatric Symposium, which was held in Tuzla. The symposium lasted three days, during which time Ilma learned about the latest happenings in the field of psychiatry.

At the 48th anniversary of the University of Sarajevo, School of Pharmacy, Sumeja was ranked as one of the best students of her generation. She received Dean's recognition for her academic achievements. Criteria for the best students in each academic year were based on their overall grade point average. It is equally important to pass each academic year without transfer of any subjects/classes. It is also significant to emphasize that this is the second year in a row for Sumeja to receive this award.

Anida is a second-year student, studying pharmacy at the University of Sarajevo. We are proud to share that she also received an award for her academic achievements. Anida was recognized as one of the top 5 students in her class, thanks to her grade point average.

Majra , currently a third year student at the University of Tuzla, School of Electrical Engineering, attended the Futures Leaders Summit. Majra is majoring in technical education and informatics. Topic of this year’s summit was "Rethinking the Present. Reimagining The Future." Majra pointed out that it was beneficial to learn more about changing approaches to global challenges, STEM and utilizing your network.

In December, Sreten participated in an ERASMUS training course called "Collaboration and Cooperation for Youth" in Silivri, Istanbul, Turkey. Participants in this training were from North Macedonia, Denmark, Turkey, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. "The first Erasmus+ project was a fantastic experience! During the training, I learned a lot of new things about writing projects, new cultures and EU opportunities for youth. ,,BRAVO“ was a partner organization from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ismail Šehic was a lecturer during the course.", said Sreten.

Suncica was busy during the month of December as well, attending the Regional Peacebuilding Academy. Regional Youth Partnerships gathered 57 #WByouth representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia. During the 6 days in Podgorica, youth leaders with different backgrounds such as politics, civil society, sports, arts, academia, and business, engaged in a series of activities to establish a regional youth network. They worked together and shared knowledge to achieve their mutual goal - to make the region a better place! The participants had the opportunity to see from different angles the necessary conditions for all three foundations of human rights - freedom, justice and peace.

Exciting news about Bosana’s former students:

Our alumni student Benjamin is a teaching assistant at the University of Tuzla and he constantly works on his professional development. After participating in the training event in Sweden, Benjamin went to Bulgaria. New Bulgarian University hosted the final event and International Conference on Social and Emotional Skills in Early Childhood Education and Care in Europe, where Benjamin talked about Mindfulness and Peace Learning in a Montessori classroom. Gathering people from Sweden, Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Portugal and Bosnia and Herzegovina, this was the final activity within the Erasmus+ project EU-SELF: Social and Emotional Skills Development in Early Childhood Education and Care in Europe.

Mediha, our alumni student, decided to address the state of pediatric oral health in BiH. She organized education on the topic "How to save milk teeth?" The education is designed to inform parents about the proper growth and development of milk teeth, the consequences of their early loss, and the selection of adequate means for their care, including a demonstration of the application of those means.

Another inspiring story comes from Tuzla. Ildijana belongs to the third generation of Bosana students. After graduating in 2017, she got married and had a child, and for 2 years was unable to get the opportunity to do the internship necessary for her to get a job in her profession. This is exactly where the project "Women Empowerment for Former Bosana Students" comes into play! Through the GlobalGiving platform, and the project "Women Empowerment for Former Bosana Students", we managed to fundraise resources to help Ildijana and 4 other students. "As a former recipient of the Bosana scholarship, I had incredible experiences and met many friends with whom I am still in contact today. Throughout my studies, Bosana Foundation was my support, which meant a lot to me, otherwise I probably wouldn't have finished it. However, when I finished my studies, I thought that I would still work in a store and that everything was in vain. I had the wind at my back that Bosana would accompany my training and help me there, to finish what I started. I think that was my turning point for the success I'm enjoying now. So, thanks to Bosana, I didn't lack anything to become what I am today. Today I work as a clerk in the student service. Thank you Bosana for all the support and money you invested in my education and for the selfless support you still provide. I am honored to be part of the Bosana family," said Ildijana.