AUGUST 2014

PROJECT VALUE OF 7 MILLION KM 60.000 BENEFICIARIES

224 FINANCED PROJECTS

40 LOCAL SELF-GOVERNANCE UNITS

Project is financed by Ministry of Justice European Union and 3 PHASES OF THE LOD PROJECT ★ 40 local self-governance units (LSU): , Bihać, , Bosanska , , Čapljina, , , Foča, City Of , Gradiška, Gračanica, Jablanica, Ključ, Kozarska Dubica, Laktaši, , , , Ljubuški, , Mrkonjić Grad, Novi Grad, Novi Grad Sarajevo, , , , Stari Grad Sarajevo, Široki Brijeg, Teslić, Tešanj, , , , Velika Kladuša, Višegrad, Zavidovići, , and Žepče. ★ 224 CSO projects financed ★ The total value of the financed CSO projects during a five-year intervention by LOD amounts to 7 million KM, With The LSUs contributing almost 1 million KM. ★ 60.000 beneficiaries included in the CSO projects, out of which more than 30,000 in the field of social inclusion. LOD NEWSLETTER REINFORCEMENT OF LOCAL DEMOCRACY

During all three project phases, a total of 224 CSO projects were implemented at 40 local communities in , which included more than 60,000 project beneficiaries.

Period Total grant funds Share of local communities Number of partner LSUs Number of CSOs LOD I BAM 2.286.263,51 BAM 241.430,43 14 67 LOD II BAM 2.363.749,22 BAM 245.615,39 15 81 LOD III BAM 2.411.285,31 BAM 456.044,65 11+4 76 Total BAM 7.061.298,04 BAM 943.090,47 40 224 Partner LSUs have directly assisted not only with the preparation and implementation of these projects, but they have A symbiosis of the local self-governance and civil society also co-financed them as shown in the table.

After a successful implementation of three phases over the past five years, the project ‘’Reinforcement of Local Democracy – LOD’’ positioned itself as an important intervention Based on the project approach and tran- of integrated strategic planning and pu- Results of the LOD project that reinforces the relations between the civil society and local self-governance. It is the sparent funds allocation mechanisms, blic consumption. The importance of the impact of this project that enabled civil society organizations (CSOs) to be recognized as the LOD methodology implies decisi- LOD project is reflected in the fact that The implementation of project ons on allocation of funds for CSOs from the improvement of relations betwe- activities has resulted in successful local governance service providers, at the same time pointing out ways in which Local Self the public budgets are made in compli- en the civil society and LSUs results in a assistance to LSUs in developing Government Units (LSUs) may entrust the civil society with some of its duties. ance with needs and priorities of local better and stronger participation of the uniform and transparent mechanisms communities and based on results of a civil society in planning and provision for the allocation of budget transparent evaluation of project propo- of services to citizens. At the same time, funds planned for CSO projects sals submitted following a public tender. a close cooperation between CSOs and The LOD III project is financed by the Eu- LSUs participated: Banja Luka, Bihać, phases were selected for participation in in compliance with local needs As opposed to the ‘’traditional’’ method LSUs, in compliance with clearly defined ropean Union (EU) from the Instrument Bijeljina, Bugojno, Derventa, Doboj, LOD III phase, namely Banja Luka, Novi and identified priorities. Improved of allocation through direct financing of procedures, includes a harmonisation for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) in the Foča, Grad Sarajevo, Gradiška, Grad Sarajevo, Tešanj and Višegrad. Ba- communication was promoted and amount of 2 million EUR and implement- Gračanica, Jablanica, Ključ, Laktaši, sed on clearly defined criteria, the finan- CSOs, this method allows to direct the of financing the civil society in line with public consumption towards the achieve- local development plans and needs of permanent partnership between CSOs ed by the UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegov- Ljubuški, Maglaj, Mrkonjić Grad, Novi cing of 76 CSO projects at 15 participa- and LSU was established by raising the ina (BiH), whereas the Ministry of Justice Grad Sarajevo, Prijedor, Srebrenik, ting LSUs in LOD III phase was approved, ment of strategic goals of local commu- local communities. This is of particular awareness on mutual benefits of the of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Association Široki Brijeg, Tešanj, Travnik, Trebinje, with a total value of over 2,4 million KM. nities and at the same time it maximizes importance considering that local autho- cooperation, supporting sustainable of Municipalities and Cities of the Fed- Tuzla, Velika Kladuša, Višegrad, Priority areas of the selected projects are effectiveness (by achieving the best re- rities are frequently unable to recognise eration of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Zavidovići, Zenica i Zvornik. related to poverty reduction and social sults) and efficiency (by achieving results and design relevant activities for specific dialogue and building of capacities Association of Municipalities and Cities inclusion. with the minimum use of resources). This needs of citizens fast enough, especially needed for the implementation of of are project partners “Preparations for the fourth approach also enables representatives when it comes to those citizens that be- joint activities. There was continuous that have provided full support in the phase of the LOD project of the civil society to participate in a de- long to the category of socially margi- capacity building of partner LSUs implementation of project activities in all have already started and Municipalities and cision making process, which results in nalised citizens. For this specific reason, and CSOs in the field of project cycle better inclusion and transparency of the the LOD project aims at strengthening three phases. The goal of the project is to the selection of new LSUs to cities co-financed civil management. At the same time, process. An important approach to im- capacities of service providers in the field CSOs were encouraged to specialise support democratic stabilisation, rec- participate in this project phase onciliation and further development society projects plementation is also the introduction of of social service provision, considering a their activities and make them more In order to assist partner LSUs in impro- of Bosnia and Herzegovina by assisting is expected soon.” gender equality principles, especially en- special needs-based approach and im- professional, adopt the practice of ving the methods of financing CSO from the selected LSUs in establishing better couraging women to participate in all ac- plementing targeted support interven- long-term planning, act in compliance The third phase, LOD III, was initiated in their own budget funds, the LOD team relations between the local authorities tivities and goals of the LOD intervention. tions, e.g. for Roma, internally displaced with local needs and be less dependant June 2012 and it was completed in June also conducted a comprehensive analysis and civil society and developing financial persons, children and youth, women, di- on the current donor priorities. 2014. LSUs from throughout BiH were of the distribution of budget funds fo- sabled persons and elderly persons. The mechanisms for better provision of ser- The preparations for the fourth phase invited to participate in a transparent reseen for CSOs within the partner LSUs Unique local development activities of the Reinforcement of Local vices. of the LOD project have already and competitive process of LOD III pro- participating in the third project phase. intervention Democracy project develop synergy with ject partner selection. Initially, 11 partner The analysis identified challenges in the other UNDP interventions in the field of started and the publication of a tender What makes the LOD project a unique for the selection of new LSUs that will Three phases of the LOD project LSUs were included: , method of financing of CSOs and ne- intervention is the cooperation with the local governance, such as the Integrated participate in this project phase is The first phase of the LOD project lasted Čapljina, Kozarska Dubica, Livno, Lju- cessary steps were proposed in order local self-governance in strengthening Local Development Project (ILDP) and expected soon. The EU will continue from January 1, 2009 to September 30, binje, Lukavac, Novi Grad, Srbac, Stari to establish a transparent and uniform the civil society and their mutual coo- the Municipal Training System Project 2010, whereas the second phase was Grad Sarajevo, Teslić and Žepče. Due financing mechanism for CSOs in com- peration. By assisting LSUs in achieving (MTS). These interventions are implemen- financing this successful project from implemented in the period October to good practices in the implementation pliance with best practices from the EU a symbiosis with CSOs, the LOD project, ted as part of the UNDP’s Regional and IPA funds amounting to 2 million 2010 – May 2012. During the first two of the LOD methodology, additional four Member States by adopting and imple- with the support of the EU Delegation Rural Development Sector in Bosnia and EUR, as in case of the previous project phases of the LOD project, the following LSUs that had been partners in previous menting the LOD methodology. in Bosnia and Herzegovina, tries to esta- Herzegovina. phases. The LOD IV project will be blish a basis for long-term sustainability implemented over the coming two years (2014-2016).

This publication was made possible with the support of the EU. The content of this publication is the exclusive responsibility of the project Reinforcement of Local Democracy III – LOD III and it does not in any way represent the views of the EU.

2 3 LOD NEWSLETTER REINFORCEMENT OF LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Herzegovina (state level), Federation of Bos- cines, hygiene products, first aid and ac- Assessment of damages nia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska (en- commodation. A priority was to ensure FLOODS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: occurred and needs tity level), and Brčko District as well as for clean potable water, essential goods such The EU, UN and World Bank have jointly re- international experts from the EU, UN agen- as blankets, mattresses, beds, bed linen, sponded to the request of the authorities of cies and World Bank. More than 100 officials Chronology of Assistance Bosnia and Herzegovina for an emergency from Bosnia and Herzegovina, national and assessment of damages occurred and international experts, who participated in needs and the impact of the recent floods the needs assessment for Bosnia and Herze- on the lives of persons and vital sectors in govina, had an opportunity to learn about the affected areas. The EU tasked Mr Ricardo the assessment methodology and agree Zapata Marti, the winner of the 2007 Nobel on its implementation. The methodology Peace Prize, with leading the assessment of consists of individual methodologies used The EU assists flood-affected areas the situation together with other members by the World Bank, EU and UN for a disas- of the International Climate Change Com- ter impact assessment in the affected areas. mittee (IPCC). This includes a detailed assessment of con- Since the very beginning of the emergency and received request for assistance that the authorities sequences and influence of disaster from the municipal to the state level, by combin- tools and equipment such as drying equip- of Bosnia and Herzegovina sent on May 15, 2014, the EU has demonstrated full solidarity with ‘’With the support of the EU, UN and World Bank, the authorities in ing social, economic and financial factors. ment for the destroyed houses. These items Bosnia and Herzegovina. Assistance will continue to be provided for the purposes of the fastest were distributed through the Red Cross/ Bosnia and Herzegovina success- Crescent and other partner organisations possible recovery and resolution of this dramatic situation. fully conducted an assessment of Additional financial assistance on the ground. The remaining 62 million, the reconstruction needs after the for reconstruction and out of which around 42 million will be al- floods that affected the country. In located for Bosnia and Herzegovina, will Assistance in the form of an immediate ters, motorboats and special teams. EUFOR rehabilitation be used for short-term and medium-term emergency response provided by EU Mem- participated in the rescue of 3,000 persons. addition to the damage occurred reconstruction projects and mitigation of ber States and organised by the European Twelve large capacity pumps were used, as a result of floods amounting to consequences in the affected areas. These Commission is an important part of the re- with additional 85 pumps and 14 water pu- four billion KM, the floods will also funds were reallocated from the existing action to the emergency in Bosnia and Her- rification devices. Flood victims in Bosnia IPA programmes. zegovina. Activities on the ground included and Herzegovina were also provided with lead to a reduction of the econom- ic growth in Bosnia and Herzegovi- The EU is willing to continue providing as- rescuing lives, pumping water from flooded 11,000 water purification tablets, 14,000 sistance over the medium and long term buildings, maintenance of the electricity blankets and more than thousand tents. na over the coming period, so that from new IPA funds to be approved for the supply system, provision of material goods The European Commission co-finances as- it will amount to -1.1%. Agriculture period 2014 – 2020. The European Commis- sistance transportation costs for the affect- has also been affected, so that sion cooperates with the affected countries ed areas and ensures satellite images. The production in that sector will also and international financial institutions on Emergency Response Coordination Centre and Ricardo Zapata Marti, Chief Coordina- decrease over the coming period. the assessment of specific needs and find- (ERCC) of the European Commission has tor of the EU for the Recovery Needs Assess- ing the best way for using financial assis- been in contact with the competent gov- ment, visited Doboj on May 27. Danielsson However, if the reconstruction is tance. Based on that, the EU will approve ernment authorities in the affected coun- and Zapata met with mayors of Doboj and conducted fast, economic recovery additional IPA funds to be used for infra- tries in order to ensure that the arriving Maglaj and other members of rescue coor- will be much faster. The construc- In addition to direct humanitarian assis- structure reconstruction, improvement of assistance meets the needs on the ground. dination teams in order to discuss the situ- tion sector is crucial for economic tance to the most affected population in the water management system and flood The Head of the EU Delegation in BiH and ation on the ground after the catastrophic growth.’’ both countries, the European Commission protection in the whole region. This will re- EU Special Representative in BiH, Peter Sø- floods. allocated additional 65 million EUR for flood sult in better planning and reduction of risk rensen, delivered humanitarian assistance relief in and Bosnia and Herzegovina. and better organisation of civil protection for the inhabitants of the affected areas to The assessment work officially started with a two-day training (May 29 – 30) for repre- Out of this amount, three million EUR in case of natural disasters. one of the aid collection points in Sarajevo. The participation of EUFOR were allocated for ensuring food, medi- to flood affected areas, analysis of water- The EU Commissioner for International Co- sentatives of the institutions of Bosnia and courses and forecasting of their tendencies operation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Re- ALTHEA troops in the rescue and satellite image analysis of damages oc- The EU military troops in Bosnia and Herze- curred. As the situation unfolds, the EU mo- govina (EUFOR ALTHEA) and soldiers from bilises all tools available that will ensure as- 22 countries were among those leading the sistance with the recovery and reconstruc- way in providing international assistance to EUROJARGON Glossary of EU terms tion of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina. They assisted in Do you know... THE EUROPEAN UNION SOLIDARITY FUND is an the rescue of persons from flooded areas, ... that there are three different European bodies that contain the word ‘’Council’’: assistance instrument that renders possible fast, efficient provided medical assistance, and transport- Emergency response ed water, food, medicines and other neces- The European Council represents the heads of states or governments (i.e. presidents and/or prime ministers) and flexible reaction to great natural disasters or On May 15, the Ministry of Security of Bos- sary materials and equipment. of all EU Member States and President of the European Commission. In general, the European Council convenes emergencies in Member States and countries acceding to nia and Herzegovina sent a request for in- The reserve troops of EUFOR arrived in Bos- four times a year in order to discuss general EU policies and supervise the progress. The Council is the highest- the EU. It was established in 2002, and its budget is adopted ternational assistance to the Civil Protection nia and Herzegovina on May 29, 2014 in or- ranking body of the EU and its sessions are thus frequently called summits. on an annual basis. of the EU through the Emergency Response der to participate in the joint rescue action The Council of the European Union, previously known as the Council of Ministers, is an institution consisting Coordination Centre (ERCC) of the Euro- with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herze- pean Commission. The EU has put its emer- sponse, Kristalina Georgieva, visited Saraje- govina. In addition to this, the EU, including of ministers (from a certain field) of all EU Member States. The Council convenes regularly for the purpose of THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT is an example of a directly gency response mechanism to use since the vo on May 21-22 2014. On this occasionshe the EUFOR ALTHEA troops, hired experts in adopting specific decisions and legislation. expressed political will of the European Union and the very beginning and provided emergency also visited some of the most affected areas order to assist the authorities in Bosnia and The Council of Europe is not an institution of the EU, but an international organisation with seat in Strasbourg, largest multi-national parliament in the world. The assistance. The EU Civil Protection engaged and discussed assistance with some of the Herzegovina and organisations engaging in which, since its establishment in 1949, has been aiming at, among other issues, supporting human rights European Parliament supports the rights of citizens, adopts more than 400 persons under the emer- European teams that participated in rescue mine clearance in evaluating the impact of protection in its member countries, promoting European cultural diversity and fighting social problems, such as legislation and supervises the executive power. gency response, who participated in provi- operations on the ground. Furthermore, floods and landslides in mined areas (www. sion of the assistance. Thanks to them, more Christian Danielsson, Director General for euforbih.org). xenophobia and intolerance. than 1,700 persons were saved by helicop- Enlargement at the European Commission

4 5 LOD NEWSLETTER REINFORCEMENT OF LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Young volunteers' efforts FLOODS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA The citizens of Novi Grad Municipality also of enthusiasm, wishing to contribute by participated in collecting aid for the families helping those who are most in need. Aid most in need from the flood-affected areas collection activities continue at the prem- Unprecedented rains affected Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Members of the ises of the Red Cross Novi Grad, with the and Serbia in mid May of this year, which Youth Centre for Creativity and Initiative assistance of young volunteers who are (OCKI) Novi Grad and Red Cross Novi Grad still sorting, packaging, transporting and Assistance on the spot resulted in floods that have not been witnessed over collected more than five tons of basic food- distributing aid at the municipality. As an the past 120 years. As a result of floods and landslides, stuffs, hygiene articles, shoes and clothes. organisation promoting volunteering, OCKI a great number of persons lost what they had been building and acquiring for a long time, in what implemented the project ‘’Active Youth De- veloping the Society’’ in Novi Grad in the they had invested years and decades of work and efforts. However, the floods have also lead to the period April 2013 to February 2014 under best coming to surface – people, revealing the best in them. What we are happy about is that many ensured numerous packages containing the LOD III. CSOs, which had been partners of the LOD project in resolving problems at local communities, food and other items. Fifteen to twenty immediately came to help their fellow citizens. Some of the examples are shown in this issue. volunteers, members of OCKI, worked dur- ing the collection, sorting, packaging and distribution of packages on a daily basis. The aid was distributed in Doboj, Modriča, United in a humanitarian mission Donji Žabar, Šamac and other affected areas of the efforts was collecting aid for inhab- this appeal it has proven once more that it of Novi Grad Municipality, and members of itants of the refugee settlement in Puračić is active in all segments of social activities One of the aid collection points was the OCKI visited some of these locations or fam- that was most affected by the floods. and willing to assist those who need such Youth Information Office in the main city ilies that had suffered damages as a result Out of 12 housing units in the settlement assistance. We would like to remind of the street, and other locations for aid collec- of the flood and they directly distributed ten were fully flooded. There are 20 families fact that the Cultural and Artistic Associa- tion were located at all larger supermarkets packages containing humanitarian aid. with 67 members living there, most of who, tion Puračić successfully implemented the in the city and at the very office of the Red in addition to all problems they face, also project ‘’Wake Up – the Nature Does Not Cross. The reactions of inhabitants were be- A positive message and good results of the belong to a socially disadvantaged catego- Forgive’’ in Lukavac municipality in the pe- yond all expectations, and the aid was col- action were sent by new young volunteers, ry. Many fellow citizens reacted to the invi- riod 2013-2014 under LOD III Project. lected in a very short period of time, which many of which joined this action with a lot tation launched by the Cultural and Artistic Association Puračić, but also people from diaspora, so that large quantities of food, After the first news about the people affect- clothes and other items were collected and Stories after the rain ed by flooding the collection of food and distributed during the first days following There were numerous examples of humanness, courage, solidarity, strength, dedication, which flooded the media and social clothing was organised in numerous local the disaster. networks over the past months. In order to acknowledge that solidarity and motivate to similar activities, CSOs launched an ini- communities throughout Bosnia and Her- With the assistance of its fellow citizens, tiative entitled ‘’Stories after the Rain’’. During a gathering organised on June 25,2015 by the Office of the Resident Coordinator zegovina. Diligent members of the Cultural the Cultural and Artistic Association Puračić at the UN House, the selection of ten photo and video stories was made in order to illustrate the experiences of citizens who had and Artistic Association Puračić had been forwarded part of the collected aid to in- saved lives and helped their fellow citizens in trouble. collecting food, clothes, cleaning agents habitants of Orašje in Canton. The and hygiene articles for days in order to Cultural and Artistic Association Puračić had The heroes of the stories that had been ar- population of Bosnia and Herzegovina in mission in Doboj area’’ of the Red Cross alleviate the difficult situation of the flood- organised humanitarian actions for disad- riving from the flood-affected areas in Bos- the flood-affected areas were presented and rescue team Wolf in Foča, ‘’Rescue of affected population at least a bit. The focus vantaged families before, and by launching nia and Herzegovina over the past weeks during the gathering. a pregnant woman and her husband in a were so-called ordinary people, who ‘’Exactly stories such as these, resulting village near Doboj’’ of the diving club Buk demonstrated unusual dedication and from the catastrophic floods, are what you from Banja Luka and ‘’Testimonials from solidarity. Irrespective whether it is about will remember until the end of your lives. the flooded areas in Posavina’’ of the emer- informal, self-organised groups of citizens, Thank you for helping us to collectively gency headquarters in Domaljevac, Orašje. individuals, members of the Mountain think on how we can raise further the term The authors of the photo series were Enver Herzegovina helps Bosnia Rescue Service, rafters and kayakers or fire of solidarity and humanity,’’ said UN Resi- Sulić from the Automobile Club of Bos- The natural disaster did not affect Her- ‘’Our job is to protect and rescue per- tion, but one that had to be conducted fighters, all of them rushed to help those dent Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzego- nia and Herzegovina: ‘’Supporting Maglaj zegovina this time. However, Herzego- sons and material goods, we do not slowly and carefully. most in need, dissolving all boundaries, all vina, Yuri Afanasiev, and on this occasion community through provision of emer- vina did provide assistance. Fire fight- need additional motivation’’, says com- Dozens of interventions were con- differences. They provided assistance in he added: ‘’We are celebrating the unsung gency items, food and water’’, Elvir Karalić: ers, members of the Mountain Rescue mander Jurković, and adds: ‘’We found ducted, mostly rescues of persons who flood affected areas at their own initiative, heroes of the floods, all of you, and I thank ‘’Pomozi.ba acting for the wellbeing of the Service, rafters, citizens, they all par- a catastrophic situation that cannot be were lowered on stretchers by means frequently using their own resources, and all persons present, who were not obliged persons most in need’’, Mate Jurković and ticipated in their way. Large quantities described by words. Čapljina municipal- of ropes to boats and transportation as one of the participants outlined ‘’by act- to save lives, but did so nevertheless, by Dominik Marijanović from the Fire Depart- of aid were collected, and many volun- ity was flooded twice in 2011, but that of the evacuated persons to the banks, ing on the ground, they have shown that risking their own.’’ ment Čapljina: ‘’How Herzegovina helps teers arrived to the flood-affected areas. had not been even similar to what we which were approximately some 1.5 to they are with Bosnia and Herzegovina with People who helped in the flooded areas Bosnia’’, Jim Marshall: ‘’A positive game – They are used to emergency situations, have seen in Bosnia and Posavina.’’ 2 kilometres away. While doing so, they their whole heart’’. will mostly say that this was their human cleaning up in Željezno and Topčić mostly fires, and the fast Herzegovinian Colleagues from the Mountain Rescue also brought food, water and medica- In addition to acknowledging the selfless and civic obligation. And that is true. On Polje’’ and Emir Gibić: ‘’Rescue in Šamac’’. rivers have also enabled them to get Services from Čitluk and Široki Brijeg tion in boats and distributed them to solidarity and volunteering of numerous the other hand, however, those who had The participants agreed that it was neces- to know the nature of water courses, joined the rescuers from Čapljina and persons in need. There is no doubt that individuals, the goal of the initiative ‘’Sto- the chance to see their faces and behav- sary to provide support to creating multi- which turned out to be an important as- Jablanica as soon as May 18, and all of they always do their best in their work. ries after the Rain’’ and the very gathering iour while they were helping persons in the dimensional mechanisms of coordination set in this case. them together – 34 of them from four However, it has to be said that this was was to exchange experiences, but also an flood-affected areas, could not but notice and cooperation between the government Mate Jurković, the Head of the Fire Bri- stations of Mountain Rescue Service, a special situation in which, it seems, occasion for participants to achieve net- a dedication that certainly goes beyond sector and civil society. In the end they gade Čapljina, remembers that when with six boats and water and air rescue everyone somehow did their duties and working among local communities for the the usual term of ‘’performing a civic duty’’. concluded that it was necessary to pay his brigade decided at their own ini- equipment, went to the flooded ar- tasks at least a bit better, or at least with purpose of cooperating on further activi- Their stories were shown in the following respect to the citizens who selflessly inter- tiative to go there and help persons in eas of Šamac, Žepče, Odžak, Orašje and more zeal. And not even once did they ties. video clips: ‘’Reconstruction of the kinder- vened in the affected areas and restored flood-affected areas, he did not have to Domaljevac, providing assistance with complain of being tired. They say that Ten stories that were selected in order to garten in Maglaj’’ of the CSO Magna, ‘’Tes- the trust and put focus on the culture of decide who would go, but rather who everything that was needed. A priority the greatest award for them had been illustrate the experiences of citizens who timonials from the flooded areas’’ of the activism and solidarity in Bosnia and Her- would stay, because members of the was the rescue of children, women and when they were able to assist persons had been saving lives and assisting the Volunteer Fire Department Tešanj, ‘’Rescue zegovina. brigade volunteered on their own. sick persons. It was an emergency ac- in need.

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‘’Peer education is a process in which motivated individuals, who have been trained in a certain field, organise and lead educational activities for their peers. This is a popular way of learning also when SUCCESSFUL LOD III PHASE PROJECTS it comes to teaching. Students learn together, learn from each other, without direct involvement of a teacher, although they can initiate this process, be present and supervise it. Such an approach is based on the idea that interaction and communication among peers is not limited by diversity, A community supporting children with special needs which renders possible not just a transfer of information and education, but also acquisition of skills that will enable them to improve the quality of their lives and be responsible, protect Children and youth with special needs fre- at this institution in Ljubinje. quently face discrimination in the field of The implementation of the project ‘’Day themselves and their health. education, employment, health, informa- Centre As a Good Example of Social Inclu- tion, culture and sport. Support is thus sion of Children and Youth with Special Typical examples of the peer education and learning are workshops lead by students, team projects, needed from the whole community, espe- Needs’’ started in April 2013 as part of the joint learning (in groups or pairs), peer assessment during classes. In this process, a peer educator cially social and health protection and edu- LOD III phase. Ljubinje Municipality partici- cational institutions in order to improve the pated with 10% of the total project value has a basic and key role. Due to this, a peer educator has to participate in a special training in order to quality of life of one of the most vulnerable amounting to 54.953,47 KM, and the mu- social groups and their parents. ‘’By opening nicipality ensured a 100 m2 building for the perform his/her role efficiently.’’ a daily centre for children and youth with needs of the centre, which used to be a fire special needs, Ljubinje municipality joined department garage. Under the project, the municipalities from the region, adopting building was adapted to the needs of the a new care model for children with special daily centre which included a roof repair, needs that is based on individual needs of construction of new openings and facade, Small heroes with great power these persons and adaptation of the living followed by interior design of the build- space and environment according to their ing. In addition to the construction works, of parents on how to be independent work- to the centre on a daily basis doing home- needs’’, said the Chairwoman of the Associa- the project also supported numerous other shop trainers, visits to similar daily centres work, studying the subjects and socialising tion of Parents and Friends of Children and activities important for the functioning of in and Trebinje, purchase of techni- with her peers, which she had not done be- Youth with Special Needs Zračak, Slavica the centre; activities such as education of cal equipment, didactic work material for fore. ‘’She increasingly expresses her wishes, Turanjanin, during the opening ceremony expert staff for work at the centre, training children’s workshops and equipping a tea makes proposals, builds her own opinions. kitchen and living room. These activities She laughs more often, shows anger if she built the resources and capacities of the lo- disagrees with something, although she cal community for improving the position still sometimes bends her head and with- and quality of life of children and youth draws if someone teases her, because she with special needs. In addition to the ser- avoids conflict situations. Any negative vice of children’s stay during the day, the event in the family is reflected in her be- daily centre also disposes of diagnostics, haviour: she withdraws, communicates less, psychological, social and logopaedic treat- refuses food, plays on her own. It is not easy, ments for individuals and groups and oc- but it is necessary to continue this, to bring cupational therapy. During children’s stay at down the wall that is still high. And it is not the centre, parents can work, perform other just one wall. But we will not stop’’, says the Being aware of the fact that large social and lems, characterised by dysfunctionality, tasks and contribute to financial sustain- team of the Integrated Day Centre for Chil- cultural differences, economic crisis, pover- poverty, unemployment, lack of education, ability of the family. dren at Risk. ty and unemployment lead to social devia- poor cultural and hygiene-related behav- tion affecting all families, especially those iour, alcohol problems, children with special most in need, the association Dar prirode needs, low awareness and responsibility, from Novi Grad wished to establish an Inte- etc. These children are frequently neglected Importance of public activism grated Day Centre for Children at Risk in this in social and educational terms – they do Writing projects, lobbying, advocating, and Political Education (UEPeO) was the municipality. Wishing to provide them with not attend school or are not included in the public appearance, public policy and com- organising institution and project acitivi- a ‘’safe haven’’, the centre assists children educational system in any way. Through munication – are some of the topics young ties were implemented in Teslić municipal- coming from families with multiple prob- work with psychologists, pedagogy experts participants of the trainings and workshops ity. A total of 20 young people participated and logopedicians, children attend differ- organised under the project ‘’Through Edu- in all training workshops and other project ent therapy workshops through play, and cation and Activism to Cooperation’’ were activities, and additional 10 young peo- regular warm meals prepared at the centre interested. The Association for Education ple participated periodically. Participants give their exhausted bodies new vitality. were mostly active in CSOs or political One of these ‘’fragile heroes’’, as they say at parties and they all showed great inter- the centre, is the thirteen-year old Dušanka est and wish to acquire new knowledge. Nikolić from Novi Grad, who comes from a A group of youngsterswho showed more five-member low-income family, with poor interest stood out during the trainings and hygiene living conditions and dysfunctional launched independent project initiatives. family relations characterised by violence Some of the participants even established because they have convinced us that there and alcohol problems. After several months a development agency to partner with the are no bad ideas and that any of them can spent at the day centre, with the generous municipality and other institutions. be implemented’’, said Dijana Josipović, a assistance of the therapy staff, there has al- ‘’I have truly learned a lot and met many training participant. ready been some progress in Dušanka’s be- interesting persons. I am very satisfied with The mayor of Teslić municipality, Milan haviour. The girl quickly adopted basic hy- the trainers who did their best to transfer Miličević presented all participants with the giene habits, started coming independently their knowledge. This training helped me relevant diplomas upon training comple- to try implement some of my future ideas, tion.

8 9 LOD NEWSLETTER REINFORCEMENT OF LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Peer education in fighting addiction Youth in the labour market ‘’Unique opportunity’’, ‘’I am sure that my feel more valuable, I am no longer afraid’’, riously. It is very important that they spoke pose of prevention of risk behaviour. At the CV will be richer after this and that I will be ‘’This training is an excellent thing for youth about positive impressions and they were same time, parents were provided with the more competitive in the labour market’’, ‘’in – a message not to give up’’, ‘’every class at- particularly satisfied with the peer educa- support in terms of strengthening the role order to acquire new knowledge and skills’’, tendance is enriching, makes me happy, tion school. They demonstrated motiva- of family in the protection of mental health ‘’I hope it will help me find employment’’, I feel useful because I learn something tion to work and educate their peers very of youth but also of all actors in education ‘’free certificates, which are required in any new every day, giving me more me’’, ‘’I can fast’’, said Mihaela Pralica, a psychologist and upbringing of youth and overall local job vacancy, are awarded’’ – these are only achieve much more than what I thought’’, ‘’I and coordinator of peer education. Radana community, raising awareness on the harm- some of the replies that members of the improve as personality and learn about how and Helena from Primary School ‘’Majka fulness, health and legal consequences of Association RODA received from partici- to achieve the most possible in the labour Knežopoljka’’, who participated in a work- abuse of addictive substances. pants of the training aiming at empowering market’’. shop for sixth grade students, said that at young, unemployed persons and prepar- The complementary activities of the project the beginning they were a bit nervous and ing them for the labour market when they will support the introduction and improve- insecure, but they quickly realised how fun asked them as to why they applied for the ment of cooperation between local authori- and nice the project was, and how they training. The primary goal of this project is exposed to social exclusion, frustrated with ties and actors from the field of education, learned something new and useful. Their to train young, unemployed persons from their position in the labour market and ex- training and employment. school friends, Marija and Sara, who are Wishing to include the whole local commu- Stari Grad municipality in Sarajevo, who are posed to the possibility of risky behaviour, nity and initiate active joint participation a year older, shared with us their experi- and enable them to use information tech- of all participants in resolving problems ence: ‘’We discussed with students alcohol nology, acquire English language, business regarding addiction, the Association of and gambling addiction. We divided them and social skills for an active search for em- Citizens Viktorija implemented the project into two groups. One group of students ployment and its successful performance. ‘’Healthy Growing Up’’ in Kozarska Dubica, made a panel about alcoholism, and the The five-month training will result in higher which also included primary preventive other about gambling. After having actively motivation, acquired knowledge and skills programmes for youth. Specifically the worked on their presentations, there was a and internationally recognised certificates, youth, due to the very development they brief presentation of both groups, followed which will make these persons more com- undergo, are at risk to come into contact by our reading of ‘Dejan’s story’. The stu- petitive in the labour market. with different psychoactive substances that dents listened to it attentively and partici- It is an honour and privilege to be a peer Upon completion of the training, members cause addiction. pated in the work. ‘’ While the activities with educator and it entails a great responsibil- of RODA asked the participants once again A key activity of the project was to develop students aimed at increasing their knowl- ity. Peer educators educate themselves and what the training they attended meant for peer education programmes in the field edge and changing their attitudes on differ- progress all the time in order to transfer ac- them. The following answers were given: ‘’I of prevention of addiction at all primary ent forms of behaviour and addiction, there curate and full information to their peers. schools in Kozarska Dubica. ‘’Students vol- were at the same time capacity building They help themselves, their peers and the unteered to participate in project activities. measures for school staff in order to enable community they live in, and that should be They are motivated for the work and they them to find an active work model for their the long-term effect of the project ‘’Healthy Golden years of old age took their role of future peer educators se- work with children and parents for the pur- Growing Up’’. ment, preparing food, paying bills, obtain- were organised. ing medication receipts and their purchase ‘’Old Age is a Golden Age’’ is a project that and control their therapy compliance’’, says was also followed by media promotion by A centre where children play and learn the staff of Partner. Numerous activities means of visits of members of Partner in ra- were implemented during the project, such dio and TV shows, distribution of brochures The rarely used Youth Centre in the local as developing a data base on elderly per- and leaflets containing basic information community Kobaš in Srbac municipality sons – returnees and nationalised minori- on the project, but also on the issue of ag- was turned into a centre for play, education, ties – in suburban and rural areas of Banja ing in general. sport and creativity of children and youth Luka: Vrbanja, Debeljaci, Česma, Bronzani ‘’Considering the fact that elderly persons from this area in May last year. The CSO Majdan, Stričići, Han Kola, Piskavica and who live in suburban areas do not have an Zdravo da ste initiated the opening of the Verići. Caretakers were trained on providing organised form of support from the local in- Centre for Children and Youth Kobaš under support and assistance to the elderly, and stitutions, we believe that this project was the project ‘’A Chance for Everyone’’ in order six caretakers were employed in order to an excellent opportunity to show that by to improve the quality of life of vulnerable, provide care services to elderly persons for employing caretakers it is possible to use poor, socially disadvantaged and minority The reintegration of elderly people – return- six months. Individual plans of beneficiary resources that every local community has groups in rural areas of Srbac municipality. ees and national minorities – in the wider needs were also made, excursions and visits in order to help persons who need support’’, The Centre quickly became one of the main social community and provision of support to day centres for the elderly in Banja Luka says the staff of Partner. pillars of the cultural and social life of chil- was the noble goal of the project ‘’Old Age dren and youth in Kobaš, providing them is a Golden Age’’ that was implemented by with the possibility to spend quality free ests and also negative traits that can be cor- that includes all children and youth from the humanitarian organisation Partner from time. Children enjoy numerous offered pro- rected by socialising and learning. I am glad this, but also from the neighbouring local Banja Luka as part of the third LOD phase. grammes, such as drama and art section, that I had the honour to become a volun- communities in its programmes and activi- ‘’By implementing the project, we wished where they can be creative, but also social teer and I hope that I will meet new friends ties, no matter what is their religious, eco- to enable elderly people to have access to and sport activities such as basketball, table by volunteering’’, says the fifteen-year old nomic or any other background, and ena- care services and organised social activities tennis and volleyball. Considering the fact Dalibor Gligorić. bles them to improve the cultural and social in order to raise awareness of their impor- that summer holidays are on-going, the Sisters Manuela and Gabriela Savić add that life through sports, creative, cultural and tance for elderly persons. We provided as- Centre is full of children who socialise there they spend time at the Centre on a daily ba- educational activities. By organising cul- sistance through caretakers who live near on a daily basis. sis, learning and socialising, while their par- tural and entertainment events, masquer- elderly people, so that they were able to ‘’For me personally, the Centre is the best ents know that they are in a safe place, and ades and similar events, children are taught reach the beneficiaries fast and help them place to play and socialise, but not just that. not on the street. about team work, accord and camaraderie. with bathing, shaving, cleaning the apart- It also enables us to show our traits, inter- The Centre for Children and Youth is a place

10 11 WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT LOD: SLAVIŠA MIŠKOVIĆ, SLOBODAN GAVRANOVIĆ, SAMIR OMEREFENDIĆ, Mayor of Višegrad Municipality Mayor of Banja Luka Head of LOD Project The City of Banja Luka was so lucky to implement two phases of the LOD Project: LOD I and LOD III. An important result after the first phase of the LOD project was the adoption of the LOD methodology, but also developed capacities of the civil servants and at the City administration. The City has achieved a high level of cooperation with the EU Delegation and UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The current cooperation is focused on seven CSO projects approved and co-financed under the third phase of LOD. The implementation of these projects is in the final phase, and we expect that with their completion, certain problems will be resolved. The local community will thereby resolve certain community problems jointly in partnership with CSOs, which would not be possible without cooperation with CSOs. There is It is an extraordinary honour to say that the LOD III project was successfully completed to the satisfaction of our partners, Good cooperation between Višegrad municipality and EU Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Delegation of Delegation and UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina continued the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, municipalities with the new partnership on the implementation of activities and cities with which we have cooperated, and their respective related to the project Reinforcement of Local Democracy – LOD associations, CSOs and the beneficiaries themselves. 76 projects III. The project resulted in the continuation and improvement were implemented, which ensured assistance for thousands of of the relations between the local community and CSOs, persons in their daily lives and resolving problems they face in resolving issues in jointly defined priority areas for our local life. We worked with youth, unemployed, elderly, volunteers, community. Municipal officers gained good practical experience children, persons with intellectual and physical difficulties, and in the implementation of the LOD methodology, supervision other, often marginalised citizens in our society, pointing to the and monitoring of project implementation as well as capacity strengths of the civil society, and how these strengths can be building of CSOs for the implementation of projects. Four utilised at the local level. Considering that the overall goal of projects were successfully implemented in Višegrad municipality our activities was to meet the needs of ordinary people living in under the LOD I project and two projects under the LOD III. local communities and improve life conditions we have shown We point out that the final beneficiaries were extraordinarily that CSOs can play a more active role and create a better place satisfied with the implementation of the planned activities of for their citizens by working jointly with the local authorities. I all these projects. We expect continuation of cooperation with would like to underline that over the past period (2012-2014), CSOs in relation to the principles of the LOD methodology for a certain number of CSOs that stand out specialised in a certain we managed to institutionalise tools for transparent financing the purpose of a faster development of our local community. field and as such they provide better quality services to the of CSOs in every of the partner municipalities and cities, and We hope more CSOs will be willing to further strengthen their marginalised groups. It is expected that the civil society sector, to additionally enhance capacities of our partners for a better capacities in order to apply to public tenders and offer ideas for by participating in the project, will build its capacities, develop a cooperation in future. The LOD has been recognised as a good meeting local needs, both from the budget of the municipality more professional approach to project design and management, practice, and we have been invited several times to share our and donor funds. and be ready for new projects and new grants from the EU. experiences in Brussels, Prague and the countries of the region. The project as such has been recognised as an example of good practice and it was recommended for replication in the region. It is thus a particular pleasure to announce the beginning of a new phase of the LOD Project – LOD IV which will cooperate with local level stakeholders in the period 2014-2016. As a response to damage caused by the floods based on the initiative of the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, six LSUs have already been selected, namely: Bijeljina, Doboj, Domaljevac- Šamac, Maglaj, Šamac and Žepče. We will also publish a call for other LSUs that would like to participate in the project and continue building local communities in compliance with principles of inclusion, transparency and mutual responsibility with the purpose of preparing local authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina for joining the EU.

Istočno Sarajevo 1 - Istočni Stari Grad 2 - Istočno Look for more about LOD Project 3 - Istočna Ilidža If you are interested in activities of the LOD Project Grad Sarajevo implemented so far, as well as our future, planned 4 - Stari Grad projects, please visit our website http://www.ba.undp. 5 - Centar org or take a look at our Facebook page www.facebook. 6 - Novo Sarajevo com/ProjekatLOD. The Facebook page of the LOD Project 7 - Novi Grad contains information on activities of LOD III Project, partner LSUs, implemented projects and information on general activities of the civil society sector and youth organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is enough to LOD III JLS click on like and you will receive updated information on LOD II JLS projects and on-going activities that you are interested in. Previous issues of the LOD bulletin can be found LOD I JLS and downloaded on websites www.ngo.ba and www. ba.undp.org.

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