Step by Step – Educational organization in Bosnia and Herzegovina
About the project
The education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina had to be rebuilt from scratch following the end of the Bosnian War. The war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-1995) led to a significant shortage of teachers and many untrained educators in the subsequent years. Moreover, many initially temporary measures that were introduced immediately after the war—such as separate schools and curricula for each ethnicity—have now been in place for almost 30 years. This has not only negatively impacted the quality of education in the country but also poses a challenge to peaceful coexistence. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, students are often not only physically separated by ethnicity, but the content of their education also differs—especially in subjects like history, which reinforces divisions within the population. This is particularly true as each ethnicity has its own narrative about victims and perpetrators during the Yugoslav Wars.
Therefore, the work of Step by Step is of critical importance. Step by Step is the leading organization for the professional development of teachers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The organization offers training, provides teaching materials, connects educators, and recognizes good practices. Furthermore, the work of Step by Step helps teachers impart skills such as critical thinking and constructive dialogue to their students, which are essential competencies for peaceful coexistence and greater social justice.
Why are we running this project?
Promoting constructive dialogue between ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina and encouraging critical examination of perceived facts and one's own history contributes to more peaceful coexistence. Unfortunately, this exchange has barely taken place in the country's schools for 30 years. Instead, students often learn different narratives about the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina in class, which leads to prejudice and tensions in society. Step by Step is a local organization that works to provide teachers with methods to improve their teaching and encourages students to question narratives and engage in dialogue with one another.
What are our goals?
We are convinced that the work of Step by Step helps to improve the education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to reduce tensions between the ethnic groups. Through our support of Step by Step, we aim to strengthen a local organization that is committed to promoting a more peaceful coexistence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
How does the project work?
Step by Step organizes workshops and training sessions for teachers across Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of promoting their professional development and introducing them to methods that foster critical thinking and constructive dialogue. In addition to the workshops, Step by Step also develops manuals and podcasts and maintains a platform that enables teachers to connect and learn from one another. Step by Step is continuously committed to improving education, promoting peaceful coexistence, and advancing social justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Your contacts
Julia von Dobeneck
Senior Expert
