CRS Partners in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Caritas

Caritas Bosnia-Herzegovina and associated diocesan Caritas organizations are Catholic Relief Services' closest partners in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Now the only faith-based organization in Bosnia-Herzegovina working on counter-trafficking issues, Caritas is part of an important network of counter-trafficking groups. CRS, Caritas Italiana and Caritas Bosnia-Herzegovina also cooperate in Parish Social Ministry, an initiative to promote voluntary work and social solidarity at the parish, diocesan and national levels.

Foundation for Creative Development

Over the years, CRS has addressed issues such as youth migration by working with the Youth Center for Creative Development. At one time, the center was an operational part of CRS. However, having established itself within the Ilidza neighborhood of Sarajevo, the center became an independent institution in 2004. Foundation for Creative Development is becoming increasingly self-sustaining by renting out equipment and producing promotional media for local businesses, nongovernmental and international organizations. CRS Bosnia-Herzegovina continues to work closely with Foundation for Creative Development.

Mikra

In 1997, CRS launched Mikra, a microcredit program, to provide a more just economic future for poor women in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Mikra, now a locally owned and registered microfinance institution, continues to provide low-interest, accessible financing to low-income women in the sales, services and production industries. With a portfolio of approximately $6 million, Mikra has a high client retention rate and is recognized as one of the most socially conscious microlenders in the country. In 2005, Mikra expanded its product base to include agricultural credits, limited individual lending and reached out to provide credit to several new underserved communities.

NGO Social Support Network

CRS works with a network of eight local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to implement successful reconstruction and return programs. Together, we help provide long-term solutions for returning refugees. The network includes members from many parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina: Altruist from Mostar, Snaga Zene from Tuzla, Most from Visegrad, Pod Istim Suncem from Jablanica, Majka Terezija from Vares, Centar Zivota from Konjic and Srebrenica 99 from Srebrenica. CRS and these groups provide people with information and support before, during and after their relocation, encouraging a positive, sustainable return process for the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

BOSPO

BOSPO is an independent, multiethnic, nongovernmental organization that provides educational, psychosocial and economic information and legal aid to citizens in Bosnia-Herzegovina and abroad. BOSPO's activities include the development and promotion of public advocacy concepts and manuals, the publication of informational newsletters, and training and support for NGOs and community groups. In 2003, CRS teamed with BOSPO to develop advocacy skills among activists and organizations throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina.