Ongoing AfterSchool Tutoring for 70 orphans in BIH

BOSANA FOUNDATION 

After School Program Report

July 2025 Report

Dear Supporters,

We are pleased to share our monthly update, highlighting the activities and achievements from our After School Programs in Tuzla, Sarajevo, Mostar and Zenica for the period from April to July 2025. As always, your continued support enables us to provide not only academic guidance but also emotional support and supportive role models to children and youth without parental care across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

From May to July, the Bosana team visited all After School Program sites to spend time with the children and volunteers, listen to their experiences and needs, and collaborate on creating promotional materials that will be shared with our donor network by August. These visits deepened our connection with each children's home and reminded us how essential personal presence and individualized support are. These activities not only contributed to the children’s academic progress but also supported their emotional development and overall well-being.

Read on to discover highlights and unique activities from each of our program locations.

Tuzla – After School Program

This July, thanks to the initiative of the Orphan Aid Association and the generosity of their donors in the United States, much-needed support reached the Children’s Home in Tuzla.  On July 3, a donation of beds and essential hygiene supplies was delivered, directly addressing urgent needs and helping improve the daily lives of the children. We are truly grateful to Orphan Aid for recognizing us as a trusted partner and for making this meaningful act of care possible.

Together with our local volunteers, students and staff from the Bosana Foundation organized a day full of engaging and joyful activities. More than 40 children participated, enjoying a memorable afternoon filled with connection and care.

Sarajevo – After School Program

Throughout the spring and early summer, Sarajevo’s After School Program remained vibrant with a combination of academic support and creative enrichment. In March, to celebrate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Independence Day, a two-day educational excursion was organized in Konjic. Children explored historical sites, hiked through nature, attended a civic lecture, and even tried indoor climbing, an experience that blended learning, adventure, and teamwork.

During April, May, and June, volunteers provided consistent academic assistance, with a special focus on five ninth-grade students preparing for their external graduation exams. By the end of the school year, all the students had passed successfully, showing just how effective ongoing mentorship can be.

In addition to regular tutoring sessions, volunteers introduced creative workshops, including a session on oral hygiene and a bookmark-making activity, both featured in promotional videos that reflect the program’s broader impact. The heartfelt reflections shared by volunteers and foster families this month reminded us of how deeply this program touches lives, not only those of the children but also of those who support them with care, patience, and empathy.

Mostar – After School Program

In Mostar, weekly instructional sessions continued steadily through June, with up to three volunteers providing academic support in subjects such as math, language, and foreign languages. These sessions helped students strengthen their study habits, gain confidence, and build lasting learning routines.

The team maintained a consistent and individualized approach, recognizing that encouragement and tailored support are essential to every child’s growth. Looking ahead, our volunteers will work together to design future activities aligned with the student’s evolving needs and available resources.

Zenica – After School Program

Public Institution Dom Porodica in Zenica continued to operate with structure, consistency, and a heartfelt commitment to children’s educational and emotional well-being. Sessions were held twice a week, providing academic support, STEM workshops, and psychosocial guidance to more than 50 primary and secondary school students.

As the school year progressed, the need for academic assistance, particularly in mathematics, physics, and language subjects, noticeably increased. Volunteers responded by offering individual tutoring, even outside regular hours and on weekends, ensuring that students were well-prepared for final exams. Their dedication paid off: many students reported improved understanding, higher grades, and a renewed sense of confidence in their abilities.

In parallel, dynamic STEM sessions brought hands-on learning and excitement into the program. Children explored 3D design, programming, electronics, and robotics in the STEM Maker Space Lab, developing not only technical knowledge but also critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. One of the most heartwarming moments from Zenica involved a young girl who eagerly awaited the arrival of volunteers each week, a testament to the meaningful bonds being formed. In Zenica, the After School Program has become more than a learning space; it’s a source of joy, stability, and growth. We are proud of the progress made and remain committed to continuing this work in the months ahead.

We are proud of the resilience and progress we’ve witnessed in each city.  

One volunteer shared how educational games helped her connect with children who were initially disengaged, while another noted how their sessions became safe spaces for open conversations and emotional support.

Perhaps most powerful was the story of a young boy who entered the program struggling with math and self-confidence. With the patient guidance of volunteer Amna, he not only passed his final exams with top marks but also gained self-assurance and a renewed love for learning. His foster mother wrote to express deep gratitude, highlighting the positive changes she witnessed in his behavior, mindset, and academic performance. Her message was a powerful reminder that the ripple effects of this program reach far beyond the classroom, into homes and hearts.

Links:

• Webpage After School Program - Bosana Foundation