Phase 1
The project “Strengthening the Role of Local Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina” is a significant initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens by strengthening local governance, enhancing services and infrastructure, and promoting democracy and social inclusion. The project is financially supported by the governments of Switzerland and Sweden, while the implementation is managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in BiH.
The city of Bijeljina is one of the 23 local government units in BiH selected to participate in this project, enabling significant investments in the development of local communities. The total value of the project for the City of Bijeljina is 353,458.18 BAM, of which 272,136.94 BAM is provided as donor funds, while the City of Bijeljina contributed 81,321.24 BAM.
Key Project Activities
Within the project, six local communities were selected where numerous activities were carried out:
1. Equipping and improving the work of local communitiesModern computer and multimedia equipment (computers, tablets, printers, projectors, and screens) was purchased for all selected local communities, as well as for the “VukKaradžić” Social Centre.
2. Training and educationRepresentatives of the local communities attended a set of training courses on topics such as project cycle management, computer skills, lobbying, advocating for citizens' interests, and creating local community development plans.
3. CitizenforumsCitizen forums were organized to define priorities for improving the local community, which were later incorporated into the local communities' work plans.
4. Implementation of Infrastructure ProjectsThrough two public calls for local community projects, numerous projects were implementedwhich contributed to improving the living conditions of citizens:
Additionally, other projects were implemented, such as the construction of a bridge over the Modran River and the renovation of the meeting and wedding hall.
5. Cooperation of local communities with the non-governmental sectorThe project encouraged cooperation between local communities and civil society organizations, resulting in the implementation of two significant projects:
The project “Strengthening the Role of Local Communities in BiH” has significantly contributed to the development of local communities in Bijeljina by improving infrastructure, strengthening the capacity of local community representatives, and promoting active citizen participation in decision-making. Strengthening cooperation between local government, citizens, and the civil sector has resulted in an improved quality of life and sustainable community development.
The city of Bijeljina is one of the 23 local government units in BiH selected to participate in this project, enabling significant investments in the development of local communities. The total value of the project for the City of Bijeljina is 353,458.18 BAM, of which 272,136.94 BAM is provided as donor funds, while the City of Bijeljina contributed 81,321.24 BAM.
Key Project Activities
Within the project, six local communities were selected where numerous activities were carried out:
- Janja
- Ljeskovac
- CrnjelovoDonje
- SuvoPolje
- “VukKaradžić”
- “Ledinci”
1. Equipping and improving the work of local communitiesModern computer and multimedia equipment (computers, tablets, printers, projectors, and screens) was purchased for all selected local communities, as well as for the “VukKaradžić” Social Centre.
2. Training and educationRepresentatives of the local communities attended a set of training courses on topics such as project cycle management, computer skills, lobbying, advocating for citizens' interests, and creating local community development plans.
3. CitizenforumsCitizen forums were organized to define priorities for improving the local community, which were later incorporated into the local communities' work plans.
4. Implementation of Infrastructure ProjectsThrough two public calls for local community projects, numerous projects were implementedwhich contributed to improving the living conditions of citizens:
- LCJanja – Improved conditions for cultural and artistic activities for young people, equipment purchased for the work of the Cultural and Artistic Society.
- LCLjeskovac – Renovated premises of the local community council, changing rooms, and stadium for the needs of the football club.
- LCCrnjelovoDonje – Stands and changing roomswere built for the football club, as well as an outdoor gym.
- LCSuvoPolje – A sub-artesian well was built in the school yard and changing rooms for sports activities were renovated.
- LC“VukKaradžić” – Street lighting was installed and changing rooms for sports activities were renovated.
- LC“Ledinci” – A pedestrian path in KraljaDragutina Streetwas built, improving pedestrian safety.
Additionally, other projects were implemented, such as the construction of a bridge over the Modran River and the renovation of the meeting and wedding hall.
5. Cooperation of local communities with the non-governmental sectorThe project encouraged cooperation between local communities and civil society organizations, resulting in the implementation of two significant projects:
- “We Said It, Now You ShowYourself” – Empowering unemployed women in rural areas through training in hand weaving and jewelry making.
- “Equal Opportunities for All” – Supporting children with developmental difficulties by purchasing school supplies and organizing creative workshops.
The project “Strengthening the Role of Local Communities in BiH” has significantly contributed to the development of local communities in Bijeljina by improving infrastructure, strengthening the capacity of local community representatives, and promoting active citizen participation in decision-making. Strengthening cooperation between local government, citizens, and the civil sector has resulted in an improved quality of life and sustainable community development.
