Tuzla Study Visit: Inspiration for Inclusion

Our second held study visit led to new knowledge, inspiration, empathy and creative solutions. The visit brought together 15 participants from various communities, with a focus on organizations supporting people with disabilities.

In Tuzla, we learned about innovative ideas and initiatives, and recognized changes that bring significant progress for society.  This was a valuable learning opportunity for participants to see examples of good practice, create strong connections, share ideas and strengthen their own work through meeting key actors from different sectors.

“There is a house in Tuzla that’s full of love…”

The visit to the Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities “Koraci nade” was an inspiring and motivating opportunity for learning and networking. The participants learned about the programs this Center runs to support children and young people facing challenges such as social exclusion and the toll it takes on their mental health and education.

The rooms of the Center were filled with a sense of compassion, embodying love, hope, and an unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for those in need. Everyone present was deeply moved by the center’s anthem, whose opening lines capture their mission and vision: “There is a house in Tuzla that’s full of love…”.

“The “Koraci nade” Center had the pleasure of hosting a study visit of representatives of various organizations from Bosnia and Herzegovina that support children, youth and people with disabilities. By sharing our work and experiences, we aimed to inspire our guests, encouraging them to remain persistent and motivated as they tackle challenges in their mission to support the well-being of children and young people with disabilities,said Jasmina Krivošija, director of the “Koraci nade” Center.

The value of academic partnerships

For years, the “Koraci nade” Center has maintained a successful partnership with the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation in Tuzla. This collaboration gives students hands-on experience working with children with multiple disabilities through practical training. During the visit, our participants learned about this partnership, which helps develop empowered future professionals who will shape the future of inclusion and support for those who need it most.

This collaboration can drive meaningful social change by bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical implementation.

Support for the employment of persons with disabilities and innovative approaches

After touring the center and learning about their progress to date, the participants had the opportunity to hear from representatives of RESET INŽINJERING doo. Tuzla – a unique model that supports persons with disabilities through education, professional training and employment.

In addition to this opportunity to learn about how RESET ENGINEERING builds economic independence, the visit also offered valuable insights into how innovative approaches can improve the lives of vulnerable groups and encourage the sharing of ideas.

Takeaways from the visit

“The study visit to the “Koraci nade” Center was a truly inspiring experience for me. From advanced working methods to positive practices in working with children with developmental disabilities, this experience serves as a testament that positive outcomes are possible with well-organized citizens!”, said Filip Spasojević from the Association for Community Development, Improvement and Support.

The visit provided access to practical knowledge for working with marginalized groups, helping participants improve their organizational approaches and motivating them to implement these insights in their communities.

“The experiences we gain through study visits provided by the PRAGG project are invaluable to those of us dedicated to this work. Sharing knowledge, experiences, and ideas with colleagues who understand our mission not only facilitates our work but also inspires enthusiasm for building a better future for our organizations. The “Koraci nade” Center can teach us so many things that we can apply in our own work. “Networking is crucial in the NGO sector, so I hope that we will continue to have such wonderful and productive meetings in the future,” said Dina Mujagić, manager of a community housing unit for up to ten people.

We’re confident that this visit to the “Koraci nade” center will inspire improvements in support systems and create sustainable change!

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