The second study visit opened doors to new insights, inspiration, empathy, and creative solutions. The visit gathered 15 participants from various communities, with the focus on organizations addressing issues related to people with disabilities.

We visited Tuzla – a city where we encountered numerous ideas, learned about different initiatives, and recognized changes that represent an important step forward in society. Participants had the opportunity not only to acquire new knowledge and familiarize themselves with best practices, but also to forge strong connections, exchange ideas, and strengthen their work by connecting with key players from various sectors.

"There is a house in Tuzla, where love resides..."

The visit to the "Steps of Hope" Center for children with multiple disabilities was very inspiring, motivating, empathetic, and a great opportunity for learning and networking. Participants got acquainted with the center’s work and the programs it offers to support children and young people facing challenges such as social exclusion and everything that exclusion brings to their mental health and education.

The rooms filled with love, hope, and the desire to offer opportunities to those in need of additional help and support stirred emotions in everyone present and fully showcased the mission and vision of the center, which is perfectly encapsulated by their anthem, which begins with the words: "In Tuzla, there is a house where love resides..."

"The 'Steps of Hope' Center had the pleasure of hosting a study visit for representatives of various organizations from Bosnia and Herzegovina that work on the issues of children, youth, and people with disabilities. By presenting our work and exchanging experiences, we wanted to inspire the participants to remain persistent and motivated in their work and the challenges they face in achieving goals aimed at the well-being of children and young people with disabilities", said Jasmina Krivošija, Director of the "Steps of Hope" Center.

Why is collaboration with the academic community important?

The "Steps of Hope" Center has been successfully collaborating with the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation in Tuzla for years, thus creating opportunities for students to gain valuable experience working with children with multiple developmental disabilities through practical training. Thanks to the visit, our participants were able to learn more about this collaboration, which contributes to the creation of empowered future professionals who will shape the future of inclusion and support for those who need it the most.

Furthermore, collaboration can contribute to important social changes, as it builds bridges between theory and everyday life.

Support for the employment of people with disabilities and innovative approaches in work

After touring the center and learning about all the steps taken so far, participants had the opportunity to hear about the experience of RESET ENGINEERING d.o.o. Tuzla – a unique model that provides support to people with disabilities through education, professional development, and employment.

In addition to opening doors for economic independence, this visit also provided valuable insights into how innovative approaches can improve the lives of vulnerable groups and encourage the exchange of ideas.

What did we take away from this visit?

"The study visit to the 'Steps of Hope' Center was truly an inspiring experience for me. From advanced working methods to positive practices in working with children with developmental difficulties, this experience serves as a belief that positive outcomes are possible with good organization from citizens!", said Filip Spasojević from the Association for Community Development, Improvement, and Support.

Besides practical knowledge and an overview of skills for working with marginalized groups, which can enhance the work of their organizations, this visit motivated the participants to apply the knowledge gained in their own communities.

"The experiences we gain through study visits made possible by the PRAGG project are of great importance to those of us working in this field. The exchange of knowledge, experiences, and ideas between colleagues, as well as conversations with those who understand the message we are sending, greatly facilitates our work and provides enthusiasm for developing an even better future for our organizations. The 'Steps of Hope' Center has many things we can learn from and look up to in our work and approach. Networking is the most important factor in the NGO sector, so I hope we will continue to have such beautiful and productive meetings in the future", added Dina Mujagić, head of the "Care outside the family home for up to ten users" residential unit.

We are confident that the visit to the "Steps of Hope" Center will serve as inspiration for improving the support system and creating sustainable change!