BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
The RDDC has two projects in Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) that focus on integrating youth of diverse ethnic backgrounds. The first project, Nas Svijet (“Our World”), began in 2009 in Brcko. Every summer, RDDC instructors run a series of dance workshops for multi-ethnic youth in coordination with local partner organization Svitac (“Firefly”). The workshops follow the typical RDDC model involving dialogue about a pertinent social issue – such as HIV, conflict prevention or human rights – and a public performance as part of the city’s Annual Children’s Day Festival. Top students receive additional training in order to continue the workshops after the RDDC instructors depart.
In 2011, RDDC began its second program, Bridging Mostar Youth, in the divided city of Mostar. This program was created through a consortia of local organizations brought together by RDDC: RINGO, Nesto Vise, and B – Dance. Together, these organizations provide a multi-disciplinary dance program for underserved children living in the East Side and the West Side of the city. Dialogue sessions focus on social inclusion and education about universal human rights. Nesto Vise provides leadership training to top students to continue the program after RDDC instructors have completed the first six-weeks of workshops. RDDC has hired a local Project Coordinator to oversee and manage the project in the field.