A high-level delegation along with representatives of the British Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey attended the launch of the Economic Empowerment of Srebrenica project
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal attended the launch of the project „Economic Empowerment of Srebrenica“, organised by Posao.ba – a Sarajevo based company, and met numerous young people and companies from Srebrenica, who are trying to revitalise Srebrenica’s economy, and society, with the help of the project.
The project „Economic Empowerment of Srebrenica“ is implemented in cooperation with the Association „Friends of Srebrenica“ and the Municipality of Srebrenica, with the help of the UK and Turkish governments. The project has tremendous significance, not only for Srebrenica’s economy, but also for revival of the entire region, especially in giving young people a reason to stay in Srebrenica.
“Economic Empowerment of Srebrenica“ aims to help young people from wider region of Srebrenica in finding a job or starting their own business. This is delivered through carefully designed training adjusted to the specific needs of employers, an intense development program for start-ups and in developing the private sector overall. Posao.ba presented its achievements to the delegation. The significant results, achieved in a short period of time, so far include the creation of five start-up companies in Srebrenica, as well as establishing cooperation with three existing companies that will hire more than 100 people from the region over the next period.
The Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu addressed the attendees and on this occasion highlighted several important matters: “The purpose and timing of this project is very pertinent considering the commemoration ceremony surrounding the 20th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide. We want to facilitate, support and promote development of this region so that it starts to attract investments and produce new jobs. Turkey and the United Kingdom, understanding the potential of the people of the region, have combined their efforts through this project to establish a sustainable program for economic development of Srebrenica with strong financial support. Turkey over the years has tried to contribute in many ways and will continue to support this region. The new Branch of Ziraatbank will officially be opened in Srebrenica tomorrow. We are working together for the economic empowerment of this region and to increase the level of employment with sustainable solutions. With the work of project partners and entrepreneurship combined with our support, we hope to see Srebrenica return to its former good days.”
British Ambassador, H.E. Edward Ferguson, also addressed the attendees saying: “I am delighted that the British Embassy has been able to support this exciting project which will help create new employment opportunities for young people in the Srebrenica region. We want to encourage them to use their skills and creativity to grow existing businesses, and to create new ones. A thriving town, where young people of all backgrounds can live and work together in peace and prosperity, is a powerful answer to those who sought twenty years ago to divide and destroy this community.”
Edin Mehić, founder of Posao.ba, presented the project and its results so far.
HRH The Princess Royal and the Prime Minister Davutoğlu, along with high representatives from both embassies, met users and partners of the project, including young entrepreneurs, people employed through the project, and companies cooperating with the project.
The „Economic Empowerment of Srebrenica“ (EES) project has in different ways supported „Srebreničanka“, a frozen chips factory, Mag-Mal, company for the production of tools for CMC machines, as well as the company Alma Ras. Alma Ras was the first company with which the EES project established cooperation and hired ten new seamstresses from the Srebrenica region with the help of project. The seamstresses will undergo three months of training which will provide them with the required skills for the labour market and so become fully qualified for the manufacturing processes in Alma Ras.
The Municipality of Srebrenica has also recognised the significance of this project and generously supported it. With the help of the Municipality, the EES project established a business centre in Srebrenica, whose space, equipment and business services are at the disposal of start-up companies within the program, as well as open to use for other companies from the Srebrenica region.
Today’s visit by HRH The Princess Royal and the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has recognised and encouraged the significant work already achieved by the project’s partners and implementers, giving them additional motivation to continue with started initiatives.
ST
About the „Economic Empowerment of Srebrenica“ programme
The programme is designed for unemployed people from the region of Srebrenica, under 40 years of age, who are ready for further education or have ideas for starting their own business.
The public call for programme applications is still open. For more information please visit Posao.ba website, EES Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/projekat.EES?ref=hl, or reach us via phone +387 33 610 646.
