Ongoing AfterSchool Tutoring for 70 orphans in BIH

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.

Links:

• ASP page