Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that is marked by the consequences of the 1992-1995 war. This is evident in economic terms, but above all in social coexistence and the mental health of the people.
The political system is still characterized by deep rifts and tensions between Bosniaks, Bosnian Serbs and Bosnian Croatians. The interpretation of the war and the associated responsibility for the horrific war crimes are very controversial topics. This prevents them from coming together and achieving the reconciliation that is so necessary for the future of the country.
In order to achieve stability, collective and individual traumas must be dealt with. This is where our work comes in.
Our Partner Organization
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we have been working with Udruženje za psiho-socijalnu podršku i bolju budućnost “Progres “, the Association for Psychosocial Support and a Better Future “Progres”, since 2010.
Progres is engaged in multi-ethnic dialogue programs, vocational training and psychosocial support for people with traumatic experiences. Progres helps young people, regardless of religion or ethnicity, to network, remember the past and work towards a non-violent society.
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Professional Training in Trauma Pedagogical Skills for Teachers
We turn schools into trauma-sensitive places.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we observe that the consequences of individual and collective trauma are often not recognized as such. Many children and youth suffer from the trauma of their parents, which sometimes manifests itself in domestic violence.
At the same time, past experiences of violence continue to have an impact in schools. In some regions, the principle of “two schools under one roof” still exists today, meaning that students of different ethnic backgrounds are taught separately in the same school building. This leads to ethnic segregation being passed on to the next generation. Reconciliation and the healing effect of remembrance have no place in this system.
The Project
Schools and classrooms should be trauma-sensitive places where children and young people can experience safety, self-efficacy and community. For this reason, we train teachers and other social professions in trauma-sensitive support for students.
In six modules, they learn the basics of psychotraumatology and methods of trauma pedagogy.
Parallel to the training, they can try out what they have learned in their work. “During the training, I learned that it helps to network with others,” says one participant, summarizing her experience. “If we raise awareness of the importance of the issue of trauma and don’t ignore it, then we have a new opportunity for the future.”
The project is funded by the Federal Foreign Office.
Training Young Dialogue Facilitators
We support young people in their commitment to peace and dialogue.
Social coexistence in Bosnia and Herzegovina is still characterized by tensions between the different population groups. In order to understand these conflicts, it is important to deal with the issue of trauma.
The effects of collective trauma can be seen in collective attitudes and in the development of trauma-based group identities. Individual and collective traumas are used to perpetuate fears and images of the “enemy”. Victim and perpetrator narratives become identity-forming, while personal guilt and shame are suppressed.
In order to enable dialogue between different communities, it is important to recognize these consequences of collective trauma and to work on a culture of remembrance that promotes reconciliation rather than division.
The Project
Together with our partner organization, we have been working on these issues with young people from all communities in the country since 2021, training them to become multipliers for trauma-sensitive dialogue.
In six modules, they learn to question traditional narratives and engage in dialogue.
“I am taking home a lot of courage and hope. I never thought I would be able to talk about all these things with others. But I can – and that gives me courage“, says a young participant. After the training, the participants implement small local projects and thereby spread the message of peace.
The project is funded by the Federal Foreign Office.
