Education Bosnia and Herzegovina Project #10173

Ongoing AfterSchool Tutoring for 70 orphans in BIH

by Bosana Foundation

Project Report | Mar 10, 2025
Bosana After School Programs - March Report

By Zenica, Sarajevo, Mostar & Tuzla | Program Coordinators

After School Program

BOSANA FOUNDATION

After School Program Report

March 2025 Report

Dear Supporters,

We are delighted to share our quarterly update for the period from November 2024 to March 2025, highlighting the wonderful progress and activities across Tuzla, Sarajevo, Mostar, and Zenica. Thanks to your continuous support, we’ve been able to offer children and youth opportunities that go beyond just education—they help shape their futures, ignite their creativity, and nurture their growth.

This program has always been about empowering children. We’re not just helping them with their homework; we’re providing them with space to dream, explore, and build the skills they need to thrive. This quarter, we had the privilege of hosting a wide range of educational workshops, creative sessions, and, of course, connecting with an incredible group of volunteers. The positive impact of our efforts is felt not just by the children, but by everyone involved—especially the volunteers, who gain as much as they give.

Quarterly Report: November 2024 to March 2025

Tuzla – After School Program

After a brief pause for exams, the After School Program in Tuzla is back in full swing, and we’ve had an exciting quarter full of diverse activities.

We kicked things off with a volunteer training session for those who would be tutoring children at the Children’s Home in Tuzla, including Bosana’s student scholarship recipients and medical students from the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Medical Students’ Association (BoHeMSA). The volunteers completed a special education course that equipped them with the essential skills needed for effective tutoring. Following the training, the After School Tutoring program launched and has been running smoothly, with positive feedback from both the children and volunteers.

Activity Highlights:

Art Therapy Session: This was more than just a creative outlet—it was a chance for children to reflect on their goals and dreams for the future.
Musical Workshop: For many, this was their first introduction to playing an instrument, and the excitement was palpable as they learned their first guitar chords.
Readers Club: We’re nurturing a love of reading, and the kids are loving it! The storytelling sessions and book discussions have sparked some amazing conversations.
Sports Training: The sports hall came alive with energy as children stayed active through fun and competitive games during the cold winter months.
New Year’s Celebration: With support from BoHeMSA Association, children created New Year’s wishlists, received presents, and enjoyed a festive party with Santa Claus. A creative card-making and art workshop followed, making the season extra special.

Looking ahead, after a short break for exams, we’re excited to continue our program with many more engaging activities. We’re eager to build on this momentum and make the next quarter even more successful.

Sarajevo – After School Program

The After School Program in Sarajevo continues to provide academic support and creative engagement for children in multiple locations, including Djeciji dom Bjelave, Maliporodicni dom Titova/Marijin Dvor, Mali porodicni dom Blagovac, and Mali porodicnidom Sokolovic Kolonija. Our dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that children receive the help they need to improve their academic performance and build self-confidence.

The instructional classes cover a broad range of subjects, including mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, and foreign languages (English and German). These lessons help children better understand school material, prepare for exams, and develop learning strategies that will benefit them long-term. The impact of this program is evident in their improved academic results—all children successfully completed their schoolwork, and many achieved exceptional grades.

Beyond academic support, the program offers enrichment activities that foster creativity and practical skills. One volunteer leads piano lessons, allowing children to explore music, develop discipline, and express themselves artistically. Additionally, a new first-aid course was introduced at Djeciji dom Bjelave, where children learned basic emergency response skills, including CPR, handling unconscious individuals, and treating burns and fractures. This knowledge empowers them to act responsibly in everyday situations.

Creative and interactive workshops were also a significant part of the program. Activities included:

STEM-based learning through quizzes and problem-solving games, enhancing logical thinking and teamwork.
English language workshops, where children practiced conversational skills through fun exercises.
Art and crafts sessions, such as origami, drawing, and creating 3D paper models, which improved fine motor skills and encouraged artistic expression.
Outdoor activities, where children enjoyed time in Hastahana Park, engaging in physical exercise and social interaction.
LEGO building challenges and puzzle-solving games, promoting creativity, patience, and strategic thinking.

Looking ahead, we are expanding the program to new locations. Following discussions with caregivers, one volunteer will begin providing tutoring for a child in foster care, and another will start working with SOS Djecije selo to support children in their educational journey.

Through education, mentorship, and creative engagement, the Sarajevo After School Program continues to empower children, foster their potential, and create a strong foundation for future success.

Mostar – After School Program

The program in Mostar remains focused on instructional classes, providing essential academic support to children. Although we currently lack funding for additional extracurricular activities like in other cities, our dedicated scholarship recipients continue to selflessly commit their time to helping the children overcome learning challenges. We are so proud of their commitment and perseverance.

Zenica - After School Program

After School Program in Zenica continues to make a lasting impact, providing knowledge, support, and a strong sense of community for children and youth at the public institution "Dom porodica" Zenica. With the dedication of volunteers, 54 elementary and high school students are improving their educational skills, building self-confidence, and laying the foundation for future success.

We kicked things off with instructional classes led by a committed team of ten volunteers, who provide tutoring in key subjects such as mathematics, physics, English and German, and computer science. The lessons are tailored to the students' needs, helping them achieve better results in school. A standout success this quarter is seventh-grade student E., who has significantly improved her grades in mathematics and physics, gaining confidence along the way.

A special addition to the program is one of the Bosana Foundation scholarship recipients, bringing an innovative physics tutoring approach. By incorporating practical examples, she helps students understand complex concepts and see the real-world applications of what they learn in class.

Key Activities & Impact:

STEM Workshops in the Maker Space Lab: Led by ASP coordinator Adi, these interactive sessions introduce children to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on experiments, modeling, and creative problem-solving tasks. These workshops help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for their future.
One-on-One Tutoring: The program’s personalized instructional classes have helped many students improve their grades and gain confidence in challenging subjects, ensuring they stay on track academically.
International Childhood Cancer Day (February 15th): A fifth-year medical student volunteer led a special workshop where children created drawings and messages of support for children with cancer, raising awareness and fostering empathy among participants.

The After School Program at the public institution "Dom porodica" is much more than tutoring—it’s an opportunity for children to feel accepted, motivated, and inspired. Every new lesson, every solved problem, and every smile is proof of the program’s impact on their learning and personal growth.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to providing children with the tools to succeed through learning, creativity, and the support of volunteers who believe in their potential.

Holiday party

Links:

ASP page

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Nov 11, 2024
Bosana After School Programs - November Report

By By Zenica, Sarajevo, Mostar & Tuzla | Program coordinators

After School Program Activities (July - November)

BOSANA FOUNDATION

After School Program Report

November 2024 Report

Dear Supporters,

We are excited to share our quarterly report for the period from July to November 2024. This report highlights the key activities and accomplishments of our After School programs in Tuzla, Sarajevo, Mostar, and Zenica. With your invaluable support, we continue to provide children and young people with opportunities for growth, learning, and personal development.

Our primary goal is to empower children through education, foster creativity, and support their overall well-being. Over the past few months, we have successfully organized a variety of educational workshops, creative activities, and expanded our volunteer network, all contributing to the academic, social, and emotional growth of the children involved.

Quarterly Report: July to November 2024

Tuzla – After School Program

After a short break due to exam season, we resumed our After School Program in October, now supported by new volunteers from the local Tuzla community. To kick off the new season, we organized an educational workshop on healthy eating habits, attended by over 30 middle school children from the Children’s Home, alongside 20 student volunteers from Tuzla’s Medical Faculty (Student Council MEDICUS and BoHeMSA Association).

Activity Highlights: Participants made a fruit salad while learning about the health benefits of fruits and other aspects of healthy eating. This activity was one of the most engaging in the program’s history, with everyone having fun while gaining valuable knowledge.

Looking ahead, we have plans for various activities, including a sports tournament, art therapy sessions, a musical evening, and a Readers' Club, with a pilot project set to launch in November.

Another significant upgrade over the past few months has been the increased interest in volunteering for the program—both within and outside the Bosana Foundation. We did a great job promoting the program, so new interested volunteers keep reaching out to our coordinator all the time. We now have an online network consisting of over 60 volunteers, and the number keeps growing.

Sarajevo – After School Program

During the summer break, instead of instructional classes, volunteers organized creative workshops to entertain the children.

Mathematics & Logic Workshop: Aimed at making math more engaging, the workshop involved six older children and included a quiz to change their perceptions of the subject.
Ice Cream Craft Workshop: Seven children participated in creating ice cream models using decorative paper, showcasing creativity and teamwork.

Creative workshops continued in August, attracting more children.

Jewelry Making Workshop: Five girls created necklaces and bracelets, enjoying the wide range of materials and customizing pieces for friends and family.
Chemical Experiments Workshop: Six children engaged in experiments like "Dancing Popcorns" and "Volcano Eruption," sparking their interest in science.

As school resumed, we continued with creative activities before the start of tests.

Various Workshops: Workshops included jewelry making (five children), English language learning through play (five children), and a creative drawing session based on incomplete information, fostering teamwork and creative thinking.
Sweet Paper Flowers: Eight children participated in making flowers from paper and candies, demonstrating creativity and initiative.

Three new Bosana scholars joined as volunteers, working alongside our returning volunteers.

Instructional Classes: Six volunteers now provide tutoring in subjects like mathematics, physics, languages, biology, and chemistry across multiple locations, including the Bjelave Children’s Home and Mali Porodicni Dom Titova.
Piano Lessons: One volunteer also leads piano lessons, contributing to the children's creative development.

Each month brought new opportunities for creativity, learning, and team collaboration, with continued enthusiasm and engagement from the children and volunteers.

Mostar – After School Program

The program continues to focus on instructional classes, with plans to expand this year through project funding in partnership with the Iuventus Association in Sarajevo, the driving force behind the After School Program in Mostar. In October, we welcomed a new volunteer, a Bosana scholar who grew up in the sameChildren’s Home. Her journey is inspiring, as she now hopes to motivate other children there to pursue education and follow her path to university. Her success is particularly meaningful given the challenges faced by children from foster homes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where education continuation rates are low. Her story proves that change is possible.

We’re also proud of our volunteer Elvir, who earned a full scholarship through his hard work in the professional development program. Elvir continues to volunteer at the Children’s Home, finding motivation in the positive changes he sees in the children’s lives. His experience demonstrates the powerful impact of our efforts at the Bosana Foundation.

Zenica - After School Program

As part of the After School program during the summer and 2024/2025 school year, 52 children from the Public Institution "Dom porodica" in Zenica participated. The program focuses on instructional lessons and activities designed to help the children advance academically, develop skills, and build self-confidence.

Key Activities:

Instructional Lessons: Subjects included math, English, German, physics, and computer science, with the highest attendance from students in grades 5-8.
STEM Workshops: Children engaged in hands-on activities, learning math, English, and other subjects in an interactive way, sparking curiosity and creativity.

Impact:

Academic Improvement: Around 15 sixth- and seventh-graders showed significant progress in math and English, which reflected positively in their grades.
Positive Feedback: Seventh-grade students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate, noting not only academic improvements but also valuable lessons about unity and support.
Community Building: The program fosters a sense of community, where children can express their interests, tackle challenges, and share success with peers and volunteers.

From July to November 2024, the After School Program continued to support children in Tuzla, Sarajevo, Mostar, and Zenica, helping them overcome challenges through education and creativity. We focused on engaging new student volunteers and expanding our support network, reflecting growing community interest. Based on these results, we are confident our efforts will havea lasting positive impact on both the children and the community.

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Jul 11, 2024
Bosana After School Programs - July Report

By Zenica, Sarajevo, Mostar & Tuzla | Program Coordinators

After School Program - Bosana Foundation

BOSANA FOUNDATION

After School Program Report

July 2024 Report

Dear Supporters,

We are delighted to present our quarterly report for the period from April to July 2024. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the notable accomplishments and activities within our After School programs in Zenica, Tuzla, Sarajevo, and Mostar. Our mission to provide quality education and support to children and young people without parental care continues to thrive, thanks to your unwavering support.

Goals and Achievements: Our primary goals are to enhance the educational experience of children and young people without parental care, promote physical and mental well-being, and foster creativity and critical thinking skills. This quarter, we achieved significant milestones by organizing educational workshops, health programs, art therapy sessions, and special events like SpringFest. These activities not only helped in the academic growth of children but also contributed to their overall development and happiness.

Quarterly Report: April to July 2024

Tuzla – After School Program

SpringFest was a major event that brought together around 50 children of all ages. Our team of volunteers, including Bosana scholars and medical students from BoHeMSA and Student Council MEDICUS, along with a certified First Aid instructor and a doctor, ensured the event's success.

Activities: Spoon races, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, promoting outdoor fun and physical activity.
Health Program: Included discussions with a doctor, first aid demonstrations, BMI calculations, and medical evaluations. Data collected on children's health was shared with the center's staff.
Art Therapy: An engaging clay workshop that allowed children to express their creativity.

Reproductive Health Lecture in March: Focused on high school students, this interactive session allowed young people to ask questions anonymously and receive answers from medical students, making the information more relatable and engaging.

Sarajevo – After School Program

From January to March 2024, visits to the Children’s Home were suspended due to a measles outbreak in the Canton of Sarajevo. Despite this challenge, our commitment to supporting the children never wavered. In March, we launched an art section with the help of a student artist volunteer, bringing creativity and joy to the children.

Instructional Classes: Volunteers resumed educational courses, including piano lessons where children learned new compositions.
Outreach: We extended our services to small family homes and foster families, ensuring all children received assistance with their studies.
Art Exhibition: In June, children showcased their artwork in an exhibition, a culmination of months of creative workshops.

Mostar – After School Program

Our dedicated volunteers, including Bosana scholarship recipients Elvir, Amina, and Saud, continued to lead instructional classes for children until July. We look forward to welcoming new volunteers in September to further our mission of supporting youth education.

Zenica - After School Program

We organized a variety of educational activities at the Public Institution "Dom porodica" in Zenica. Instructional sessions were held twice a week, with about 50 children divided into primary and high school groups. The After School program was implemented smoothly, and children are now equipped with new knowledge and skills that will benefit their future education and careers.

Subjects Covered: Mathematics, computer science, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian language, English, physics, and chemistry.
Specialized Education: Workshops in robotics, programming, and STEM, including hands-on experiences with 3D printers, Arduino, and Micro Bit tools.
Individual Tutoring: Extra help provided outside regular sessions, tailored to children's specific needs.

Our After School Programs in Zenica, Tuzla, Sarajevo, and Mostar have made significant progress in providing valuable educational experiences. We are proud of the progress and impact of these activities and look forward to continuing our mission to empower children and youth without parental care in our community. Thank you for your continued support.

Quarterly Report April-July 2024

Links:

Web page - After School Program, Bosana Foundation

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