BOSANA FOUNDATION
After School Program Report
March 2024 Report
Dear supporters,
We are thrilled to present our quarterly report covering the period from January to March 2024. In this report, we provide a comprehensive overview of notable accomplishments and activities within our programs located in Zenica, Tuzla, Sarajevo, and Mostar.
The interest of children and young people in learning is continuous and growing day by day, which motivates us to continue our efforts in providing quality education and support to our participants. We are confident that our After School program will continue to have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young people in our community. Together, we empower children and youth in our community.
Please read on for a detailed overview of all the latest news from the previous months.
After School programs in Sarajevo and Mostar
During December, volunteers conducted tutoring classes with children. As the end of the school year approached, the children faced numerous tests and assignments, so the volunteers helped them prepare. They studied together, completed homework, and readied themselves for all their academic obligations.
Since the children were on vacation during January, there was no need for instructional classes. Instead, the volunteers engaged in various creative activities with them. They drew, made origami, played the piano, and learned English using visual aids. Towards the end of the month, they also enjoyed general knowledge quizzes to prepare for the upcoming school year.
Due to the measles epidemic in February, volunteers were prohibited from entering The Children’s Home in Sarajevo. Consequently, we did not work directly with the children. Instead, the volunteers contributed to planning the program for celebrating the association’s anniversary. They attended the ceremony, and some even presented the work of the ASP project. Volunteers also provided educational instruction for young children and foster children in their respective homes. We aim to offer adequate support to everyone during their studies.
After School program in Zenica
The After School Program in Zenica has made remarkable progress and has had a significant impact on assisting children and young people at the “Dom porodica” (Family Home). The program currently serves approximately 50 students, including 26 boys and 24 girls. Most of the participants are regular students from lower grades, ranging from first to seventh grade, and they exhibit a keen interest in instructional classes across various subjects, such as mathematics, computer science, foreign languages, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian language, and chemistry. Notably, there has been a growing interest even among older students, from eighth grade in elementary school up to fourth grade in high school, who also attend these instructional sessions.
Space challenges were overcome with the establishment of the STEM Makerspace Lab, providing access to modern tools and creating a conducive learning environment. This space not only facilitates learning and exploration but also serves as a place for socializing with volunteers, enriching leisure time.
Volunteer support, notably from Bosana Foundation scholarship recipients, has been instrumental in organizing impactful activities, such as an international day for children affected by cancer, fostering emotional connections. Workshops promoting creative thinking and scientific concepts complement instructional classes, with each volunteer offering personalized assistance to multiple students. Beyond classes, opportunities for socialization and celebration, including holidays and festivals, further enhance the program’s impact.
After School program in Tuzla
We currently have five volunteers actively providing tutoring classes, primarily for middle school graduates who are preparing for final exams and high school enrollment. In addition to the tutoring program, we have introduced non-formal education at the Tuzla Children’s Home. Our activities included:
December: On the occasion of the International Day of Human Rights, we hosted a film screening, followed by a thoughtful discussion. The audience consisted of school children and many volunteers who participated in the event.
January: Led by a certified First Aid trainer, we conducted a First Aid workshop for the children. The workshop covered basic interventions and principles, including crucial knowledge such as calling emergency services and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
February: Under the guidance of a stomatologist, we organized a fun activity for preschool children. The doctor of dentistry and the attending volunteers used games and creative tools to discuss dental hygiene and healthy eating in an engaging manner for the youngest audience.
We are currently working on organizing our next activity: a lecture on reproductive health for teenagers. We eagerly anticipate this event, along with many other activities that lie ahead. In addition to our dedicated Bosana scholars, who played a significant role in shaping these impactful stories in Tuzla, we received valuable assistance and support from the Bosnia and Herzegovina Medical Students Association (BoHeMSA). Students within this organization also volunteered for the activities mentioned above.
