Project “Cross-border Volunteers’ Networking for Local Community Development”, implemented by the LDA Sisak and OKC Banja Luka, is publicly presented in Vrginmost and Ozalj (Croatia) and Laktaši and Gradiška (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The presentations gathered local authorities, public institutions and all interested citizens. According to the project activities, opening of local volunteer services (LVS) are to be opened in April 2013 in these towns. The purpose of these public presentations was to present future role of LVSs in community to their potential beneficiaries and establishes partnerships for future cooperation with social partners. The objectives and activities were presented to be implemented within this cross-border project, especially highlighting activities planed in each town.
Public presentation in Vrginmost was organised on 20 February 2013 by the project partner association Sunflower-centre for community development in cabinet of Municipality Gvozd Mayor. LDA Sisak project coordinator Mrs Paula Raužan presented the project itself and Mr Jugoslav Jevdjić from OKC Banja Luka concept of LVS work, its advantages and benefits for local community, same as concrete examples of cooperation between public institutions and LVS.
In town hall of Ozalj, public presentation was held on 22 February 2013, organised by partner Local action group Vallis Colapis. The meeting opened Mrs Mirjana Vidiček, Head of department for finances and economy, expressing her great pleasure for upcoming project activities since they will include all citizens living in the area of Local action group. Coordinator of LVS Vallis Colapis Mrs Maja Vinski, presented upcoming project activities in their geographical area, followed by presentations of project coordinators, Mrs Paula Raužan and Mrs Vanja Kukrika.
Public presentation of the project held in Laktaši town hall opened Mayor Mr. Milovan Topalović on 20 March 2013, and organised by Centre for children, youth and family. LVS Laktaši Coordinator Mrs Milana Milanović, informed present public that LVS if formally to be open on April 17, and said is hoping to establish excellent cooperation wit both public institutions and civil society organisations. Project coordinators on behalf of project leaders, LDA Sisak and OKC Banja Luka, presented the project objectives and LVS working concept and system of organised work with volunteers.
Association Most organised the public presentation on 22 March 2013 in Gradiška opened by Head of development department of Municipality of Gradiška, Mrs Brankica Brkić. Mrs Brkić said she is pleased that LVS will be functioning in her town since she is convinced that is a right tool to involved young people in community work, but in its social and public work as well. In this way, public will grow on positive attitude towards volunteering.
LVS Coordinator, Mr Predrag Borojević, is convinced that good voluntary programs will increase life quality in the town. Project coordinators, Mrs. Paula Raužan and Mrs. Vanja Kukrika, highlighted positive experiences and good practice from previous similar activities that led to great awareness rising in communities where LVSs are functioning. As they singled out, by building capacities of public institutions and civil organisations and good cooperation, the objective will be met – setting up qualitative and efficient system of volunteer’s management.
Participants of these public presentations had opportunity to get answers to their many questions, mostly on concrete good practices of placing volunteers in public institutions through LVS services.
