The IBO (an internationally recognised curriculum taught in schools in 120 countries) and the UWC (provider of education to mixed multicultural groups) are in a strong position to bring divided national communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina together through education. An essential feature of this initiative is to overcome segregation in the education sector and to create confidence within the local community. The project aims
• through the United World College in Mostar to provide a living demonstration that Bosnian secondary school students from all local national communities can live and study together under the same teachers, follow a common curriculum and prepare for the same examinations.
Through its programme of professional development for Bosnian teachers, to motivate and qualify these teachers to adopt modern standards and methodologies in cooperation with colleagues from other European countries.
Through its associated programmes of social service, to foster an awareness of the importance of preparing Bosnian young people for lives of civic activism and responsibility in a democratic society.
Through the revitalisation of the Mostar Gymnazium, to make a contribution to the long term reunification of the City of Mostar which has an emblematic role in the entire country and further afield in the Balkan region.
Norway has in previous years supported reconstruction, laboratory equipment and programme support. The Norwegian funding in 2007 should contribute to full implementation of the planned programme that started in September 2006 as a part of the three-year budget of 4,8 million euros for the period 2006-09.