The development of projects and fundraising is one of the crucial themes within the PRAGG project, providing organizations with a new set of useful knowledge and information that help them develop and implement initiatives more effectively in the field. In May, another training session was held for representatives of civil society organizations whose initiatives we support in their local communities. On this occasion, we spoke with participants who attended most of the PRAGG training sessions, including Edisa Demić from the Association for Education and Development "Dignitet" from Mostar, and Saša Kasagić from the Association of Parents of Children with Autism "Duga" from Gradiška. We discussed the importance of connecting with other people, what such meetings enable, and how important it is for organizations to invest in their staff and capacities for longevity and stability, ensuring they are not outpaced by time.

Can you briefly introduce your organization and its mission?

Saša Kasagić, Association of Parents of Children with Autism "Duga": “Our association works with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. We also provide psychological support to parents and guardians. All our programs are inclusive because we strive to break down societal barriers and enable children to freely integrate into the community. Our goal is equality for all.”

Edisa Demić, Association for Education and Development "Dignitet": “Dignitet is a non-governmental organization based in Mostar. Although we operate throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, our focus is on Herzegovina. Our vision is a life worthy of human dignity, advocating for dignity that should not be alienated from any human being. Through our activities, we strive to improve the daily lives of the people we work with. Life, freedom, and dignity are key values for every person, without exceptions!”

How did your organization get involved in the PRAGG project and its campaigns?

Saša: “We learned about PRAGG through social media and immediately applied. So far, we have participated in three different PRAGG training sessions.”

Edisa: “Dignitet was fortunate to be evaluated by one of PRAGG’s partner organizations, KULT. As a relatively young organization (active since 2020), we became aware that only by being educated, empowered, and connected can we achieve change. We are pleased to announce that we have received support from PRAGG for implementing an initiative to establish the Institute for Free Legal Aid of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, which is legally required but has not functioned in the past 10 years. The campaign will begin soon and will last for nine months.”

Since you have attended several PRAGG training sessions, what is your impression? Will the new experiences and knowledge gained help you continue your engagement and work with the associations you represent?

Saša: “The training sessions met our expectations. We learned how to better implement responsibilities, finances, project writing, and communication within our association. Now we will be able to carry out many activities independently, without relying on other organizations, which will greatly facilitate our future operations.”

Edisa: “Dignitet participated in all four training sessions so far within the PRAGG Cycle III: Project Writing, Advocacy, Public Campaign Management, and Finance and Administration. Although I have been active in the NGO sector for 20 years, I always want to learn something new. The training sessions were extremely useful, and it is especially significant that we connected with other people from all over BiH. This helps us build partnerships and share examples of good practice because the civil sector must be supportive and help each other. For instance, at the last training, I met someone who is now our partner, which shows that these meetings are much more than just strengthening organizational capacities. Organizations that invest in their staff and capacities are those that will last and not allow themselves to be outpaced by time but will be able to act appropriately for many years to come!”

What is the most important lesson you have learned in this process, and is there anything you would do differently now?

Saša: “Support is very important and should be publicly highlighted, but that is just the beginning. There are no limits; we are all equal.”

Edisa: “My love for activism has lasted for 20 years. This is not just a job but a calling. People who know me say it shows in my eyes when I work on improving human values and norms. As long as I feel that passion, I will be active and strive to achieve changes that many consider impossible. Words are forgotten, but an action that evokes a certain emotion is what is remembered! The good you do is the only true good you have!”