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.