Within the third RYCO Open Call for Project Proposals, supported by the Federal Republic of Germany, Srednja Zanatska Skola from Serbia and JU Skola za srednje srtucno obrazovanje i radno osposobljavanjee from Bosnia and Herzegovina, implemented the project \u201cTogether we can achieve more\u201d which took place from January 2020 to March 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project focused on international cooperation and professional exchange between the two schools for students with disabilities, by bringing them together and fostering youth cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given the Covid-19 circumstances, all planned activities were conducted online and modified in accordance with online youth exchange formats. Young participants met in online space to share their experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI really loved this project. It was fun and exciting and I enjoyed all the activities,\u201d Mr Senad Osmani, project participant, stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cParticipating in this project was a great pleasure. Beside practicing with technology, and trying to deliver real world communication, we gained new friends and new ideas. Young participants are now always asking for the friends they made during the project,\u201d Ms Tamara Lazovic, one of the teachers participating in the project added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project also helped to increase the skills and needs of students with disabilities by empowering them to overcome socio-economic barriers to strong youth engagement in society, tackle various prejudices and stereotypes and enabling them to discuss their vision and ideas in a safe environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith pleasure and enjoyment, I cooperated, shared experiences and socialized with colleagues and students from partner schools in Sarajevo. We have made a wonderful friendship and I hope and look forward to the future cooperation we have agreed upon,\u201d Mr Bogoljub Radovanovic, Project Assistant, emphasized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the fact that the project activities took place in an online setting, young participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia made new friends, built new connections and got to know other cultures and experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis project gave us something to do other than the normal everyday activities and to meet new friends from another place. I\u2019m very grateful for that,\u201d Ms An\u0111ela Stameni\u0107, project participant, underlined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking of key takeaways for this experience, another project assistant Ms Amra Beganovic Celebic added that: \u201cThis project helped me get out of my comfort zone, learn new skills and have a great time with the students and colleagues\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, young participants in the project \u201cTogether we can achieve more\u201d managed to successfully address common challenges, discussing solutions and foster youth empowerment and role for the betterment of Western Balkan societies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n