Much of the criticism made by Bosnians toward the international community is the community’s tendency to implement projects without focus on sustainability. Sustainability has been the main mantra of “Sandnes –Dubrovnik” (S – D), with their projects having strong focus on transfer of competence, educational measures and industry development.
S – D is an ideal foundation that initiated their work in the Balkans during 1992. A majority of the work is done on a voluntarily basis. The foundation is owned by Sandnes County, LO (Labour Organization) in Sandnes and Gjesdal in addition to the business sector in the area of south–Rogland.
Initially the foundation gave exclusively aid support, with the main area of focus being Dubrovnik. As the situation in Croatia grew to become sustainable, S-Ds attention was drawn to BiH. Focusing on agriculture and education, the main aim has been to offer knowledge and competence rather than merely donating money. Owners of devastated houses were tasked to rebuild their houses themselves, with S-D providing technical assistance. The house owners were provided with building materials, and requested to repay 50% of the value. The money repaid is then put into a fund, the Kostres fundation, which is earmarked for infrastructural projects the whole village will benefit from. S – D admits it took some time to gain the trust of the locals. However today the mood is completely changed, as the villagers see the advantages of S-Ds work. Ownership of the rebuilt houses and infrastructure is strong, and also the community spirit has seen a sharp increase.
The foundation also has a strong focus on the agriculture sector, and by the transfer of competence aim at introducing new and more effective ways of farming. The outcomes are increased production and higher quality produce. In the future there will be an even stronger emphasis on mutual exchange of knowledge, not only in the agricultural sector, but also involving schools and pupils both from BiH and Norway.
The enthusiasts of S –D have reached high esteem in BiH. The S – D coordinator, Odd Berg, did even recently become an honorary citizen of the municipality of Drventa.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy is pleased to cooperate with S – D and wish them good luck in future projects.
Read newspaper articles here:
Posavske Novosti (Bosnian)
Posavske Novosti (Bosnian)
Stavanger Aftenblad (norwegian)
Posavske Novosti (Bosnian)
Stavanger Aftenblad (norwegian)
Stavanger Aftenblad1 (norwegian)