The local development group Simin Han received recognition for the most organized community in 2019. The recognition was awarded at the 13th Conference of Active Citizens, organized by the Network of Active Communities with the support of the Tuzla Community Foundation. This recognition has been awarded by the Network and the Foundation for the past 3 years to communities that implement the model of community organization in the best possible way and make successful results in their local groups.
The Simin Han Local Development Group has been active for 15 years and consists of activists, representatives of formal and informal groups of citizens, and institutions from the local community. This local group last year was an example of joint cooperation and action to solve the problems of the residents of this community. It launched a series of initiatives that made Simin Han a better place to live, such as: successfully lobbying for pedestrian crossings and traffic lights on the main road, reconstruction of the bridge on the Jala River, reconstruction of the rainwater collection system and the access to the local ambulance. One of the most significant initiatives they have launched and are currently implementing is the renovation of the elementary school “Simin Han”.
Project worth 150,000 BAM
Creating better safety and hygiene conditions in the school has emerged as a basic need in this community. Thus, activists from Simin Han set out to solve this problem with the aim of replacing windows and renovating school toilets. At the time of launching this initiative, Admir Hasanbašić, the current computer science teacher, held the position of school principal and recalls how the local group asked for help on several sides, knowing that it was a great challenge, but certainly not impossible: ˝In this initiative we started with good will and initial support of the Foundation in the amount of 5000 BAM. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but we had a plan and believed in it. With the funds of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Protection of the Environment of Tuzla Canton, we managed to solve the problem of replacing windows at the school premises, while with the joint funds of parents, individuals and local businesses, we also provided part of the funds for the renovation of toilets.
This is one of the better examples of how Local Development Group activists collaborate and initiate change in the community. The current director of the school, Senad Osmanović, agrees with this and continues to cooperate with activists who want to bring this project to an end: “The most important thing is for children to attend school in winter in a warm and safe environment.” Now comes the second phase of toilet renovation, but there is much more that can and should be improved. I am honored to be a member of a local group, because they obviously help the school, but it is also my personal satisfaction to be part of a group of people working on changing something, giving my personal contribution.”
In addition to this initiative, the members of the local group realized a number of social activities and events last year.
We have a rafting club, although we don’t have a river
One of the joint activities of this group is organizing a memorial regatta in memory of Angelina Hodžić, a colleague who was part of our team at the Foundation from its founding until her untimely death in 2015. People who are not living in Simin Han are also invited to the regatta. Salko Fejzić tells us more about that: “Although we don’t have a river, we have a rafting club. Angelina was happy to go rafting with us and was looking forward to meeting members of other active communities. Today, we continue to do this in memory of her, where we invite her family, because we are infinitely grateful to her for everything she taught us during her work at the Foundation.”
It should be noted that it was Salko who received recognition at the Conference for his long-term volunteer engagement. Salko is an activist who contributed a lot to the gathering of retirees through the organization of the chess club and the chess tournament, but he also participates in all other activities.
The example of all actors in this community is the Agora Center, which is a gathering place for a local group. Offering various types of non-formal education, Agora still does everything by cooperating with the citizens. For example, when they organize programs for women, then the final product is preceded by research – what women want. The main goal is to involve citizens, communicate and respect citizens’ needs.
Maida v. Maida
Maida Babajić, coordinator of the local group Simin Han, says that participating in projects makes her happy and emotionally fulfilled: “I like to joke that my motivation is to fight Maida Mehmedović, who leads the local development group Gornja Tuzla and who was awarded as the best mentor in 2019. I think that positive rivalry is a healthy environment for work, but also an opportunity for a joke.”
Activists from Simin Han are trying to respond to the needs of all categories, both young and old, but also children, women and everyone else. Within the Local Development Group during 2019, representatives of the Council of local community of Simin Han, Association of citizens Agora, Rafting Eco Club “Accent”, Active Women Simin Han, Association of Retirees Simin Han, Association of War Invalids Simin Han, Elementary School Simin Han, Parents council, Teen Club, Hunting club Simin Han, Chess club, and individuals and activists from local community Simin Han.
This group continues its work and activities. They certainly face the challenge of completing the renovation of the elementary school “Simin Han”, but also many other initiatives.
