Association Obrazovanje gradi Bosnu i Hercegovinu - Jovan Divjak
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Association, under the motto "Children of war victims - our lasting concern," is rooted in civic awareness and responsibility to assist highly vulnerable categories of children and youth. By addressing their educational, recreational, and cultural needs, the Association enables them to become valuable, progressive members of the community. This mission aligns with social interests, internationally recognized conventions on human rights and child rights, and the core values of philanthropy.
About This Cause
On July 28, 1994, during one of the most challenging periods in Sarajevo’s history, 58 citizens, including intellectuals, artists, soldiers, police officers, and ordinary individuals, established the Foundation/Association “Education Builds BiH” with the mission “children of war victims – our permanent concern.” This mission arose from the war's devastating impact, including the destruction of educational institutions and the collapse of the education system. In 2021, following the passing of Jovan Divjak, the Association’s founder and long-term executive director, the organization was renamed "Education Builds BiH - Jovan Divjak" in his honor. Over the past 31 years, the Association has continuously provided support to children of war victims, children and youth with disabilities or exceptional talent, children and youth from the Roma minority, and underprivileged children and youth. Guided by its "doors always open" policy, the Association has fulfilled its mission by offering moral and material assistance to children, youth, and their families across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since its establishment, the Association has benefited over 63,000 individuals, with services valued at more than 13.8 million BAM (≈7 million EUR / 7.3 million USD). This includes over 8,500 scholarships, worth nearly 7.8 million BAM (≈4 million EUR / 4.1 million USD); over 1,200 participants in psychosocial workshops, valued at 1 million BAM (≈520,000 EUR / 540,000 USD); nearly 49,000 children and youth who have received material aid, such as clothing, school supplies, and sports gear, worth over 3.3 million BAM (≈1.7 million EUR / 1.8 million USD); and over 4,700 beneficiaries who participated in educational projects in 18 European countries, Canada, Uruguay, and at Lake Boračko in BiH, valued at more than 1.2 million BAM (≈630,000 EUR / 660,000 USD). Additionally, the Association has supported 26 schools in BiH with donations of equipment, books, and facility renovations worth over 425,000 BAM (≈220,000 EUR / 230,000 USD). The Association secures funds through membership fees, philanthropic cultural events such as concerts and exhibitions, publishing activities, educational projects, and donations from businesses and individuals. Its material and technical resources ensure uninterrupted work. Over the years, the Association has carried out significant activities, including printing and selling calendars for 26 years as a fundraising initiative, organizing psychosocial workshops for 23 years to support children and families in overcoming post-traumatic experiences, promoting peace education and trust-building through local and international programs for 21 years, running the educational-inclusive camp “Boračko jezero” for 20 years to foster social inclusion and education, empowering youth through career development programs for 10 years, and providing support for youth from returnee communities for 15 years to enhance social inclusion and personal development. The Association has received numerous accolades. In 2021, it was proclaimed as an Association of Special Importance for the City of Sarajevo and as an Association of Public Interest for the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo. We are also proud to have received the Sixth April Award of the City of Sarajevo in 2016. Additionally, we are the recipients of the Freedom Award (International Center for Peace), Plaques of the Ministry of Education and Science of FBiH, and the Golden Plaques of the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo (2010 and 2021). Thanks to its donors, sponsors, and supporters from BiH, Europe, the USA, and Australia, the Association has continued to achieve its mission for over three decades, proving that the greatest investment is in people.