Within the ACoRD project (Alliance for Joint Rural Development) implemented by the Agency for Cooperation, Education and Development, ACED, from Banja Luka with 4 other partner organizations and the Association of Citizens “Something More” from Sarajevo, the Association for Economic Development REDAH from Mostar, LAG Una Sana from Sanski Most and ELARD from Brussels held a set of trainings in the period from September to December within the “Training Program for Rural Animators”. Training for rural animators was realized at 5 locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Bihać, Mostar and Brčko), through a set of 6 modular trainings, ie through education in the following areas:
Rural development,
Rural economy,
Rural sociology,
Rural ecology,
Lobbying and advocacy,
Public policies and public campaigns.
The trainings were attended by representatives of non-governmental organizations from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the total number of participants who were part of the training was 160, from 88 organizations, while 105 of them exercised the right to a certificate according to pre-established criteria.
By awarding certificates to rural animators, the rural population is officially richer by 105 rural animators who will use their knowledge and experience to influence the development of rural communities. As representatives of civil society organizations, they will work in the field, be in constant communication with the population and help them carry out activities necessary for economic and rural development. All activities of rural animators have one common goal – a better quality of life for all in rural areas.
The award ceremony took place on March 12 at the Hollywood Hotel in Sarajevo. The program part was opened by the President of the Network for Rural Development in BiH, Mr. Miodrag Matavulj, who also, as an introductory speaker, introduced the participants to the activities and work of the Network, as well as the importance of rural animators in the implementation of the Network. The potential for better cooperation of civil society with public institutions in the sector of agriculture and rural development is also noticeable. Namely, the head of the Department for Rural Development of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry of FBiH, Mr. Pejo Janjić, emphasized that this ministry will use the capacities of animators for its activities in rural areas. Mr. Janjić supported the idea and role of rural animators in society, and especially drew attention to the relevance of strengthening links between rural animators and institutions involved in the creation and implementation of agricultural and rural policy measures. Mrs. Slavica Ašonja, a representative of LAG Devetak, and also one of the rural animators from Han Pijesak, also addressed the audience. Also, the representative of the Association of Agronomists and Turismologists RADA from Banja Luka, Nemanja Jungić, who is also a rural animator, shared his impressions of the training program.
The program part ended with the awarding of certificates and brochures by the President of the Network.
Brochure_Rural animators
