heks

The economic and social situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina is still affected by the fallout from the Bosnian War (1992-1995). The population is heavily polarised by the ethnic divisions. Major steps towards political and economic reforms are repeatedly blocked. As might be expected in the circumstances, the economic development is also unsatisfactory. The existing business potential (establishment of industry, timber processing, farming, tourism, SMEs) cannot be fully exploited. Unemployment is very high, especially among young people.

Aims, points of focus, initiatives:

The HEKS programme (2009-2012) for Bosnia-Herzegovina will help to improve the social and economic conditions. The geographical focus is eastern Bosnia. The work of HEKS is specifically focused on the following areas:

• Development of rural communities: Support is given to agricultural producers with growing and marketing their products. The aims are to emphasise products with greater income-generating potential (e.g. vegetables) and to market these products more effectively. The central focus is on improving the value-added chain from production right through to marketing and processing.

• Youth unemployment: Youth unemployment is one of the biggest problems in Bosnia-Herzegovina. HEKS works closely with local companies to create apprenticeships and jobs for young people so as to facilitate their access to the labour market.
• Conflict prevention and ecumenical dialogue: HEKS has been fostering ecumenical dialogue between the different religious groups in Bosnia-Herzegovina for years. In this regard HEKS is backing the compilation and introduction of a text book for the new subject on the school curriculum entitled “Culture of Religions”. This is intended to promote and cultivate tolerance at an early age in the schools.