Canton, City of Sarajevo and UNDP announce concrete support for EDUS

Consideration of support modalities for the non-governmental organization for work with children with developmental disabilities EDUS and further cooperation between the Canton and City of Sarajevo with UNDP on implementing sustainable development goals were the topics discussed today by the Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Elmedin Konaković and the Mayor of the City of Sarajevo Abdulah Skaka with the UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina Sezin Sinanoglu.

On this occasion, the realization of concrete aid and support for EDUS's work was announced in the form of allocating a building in the municipality of Novo Sarajevo, where centers would be located through which this association would provide care and educate children with developmental disabilities, primarily referring to preschool education for these little ones.

Coordinator Sinanoglu informed the Prime Minister and the Mayor about the activities undertaken so far, which, among others, related to the agreed support of some Istanbul municipalities for this association.

Prime Minister Konaković informed Coordinator Sinanoglu about all forms of support that Sarajevo Canton provides to EDUS, as well as to other similar associations.

- The fourth floor of the 'Vladislav Skarić' Elementary School building was allocated to EDUS, and a kindergarten attended by children of this association's members is now located there, with Sarajevo Canton covering all utility costs for their stay - stated Prime Minister Konaković, emphasizing that due to the complexity of this issue and the different views of the parents of these children, institutionalization of this or any similar association would not be a good move.

He added that the Government of Sarajevo Canton is ready to support their work, and thus the growth and education of these children, in every possible way.

According to Mayor Skaka, the City of Sarajevo is conducting similar activities in cooperation with EDUS, and after this meeting, they will be fully harmonized and coordinated with the Canton.

- The City of Sarajevo is currently working on the construction and equipping of two inclusive parks with the association 'Give us a chance', said the Mayor and informed those present about the agreement reached with the Turkish Development Agency TIKA, which is ready to support the renovation and equipping of EDUS's facility in Novo Sarajevo.

The implementation of sustainable development goals, which are a trend in the modern world, was discussed, and it was proposed that Sarajevo Canton, due to previously implemented activities and the developed Development Strategy of Sarajevo Canton with UNDP, become an ambassador of sustainable development in BiH.

- We will very gladly participate in all activities concerning strategic planning and achieving sustainable development goals, and our representative in these activities will be the Sarajevo Development Agency SERDA - emphasized Prime Minister Konaković, asking today's guest to address the Canton, as well as the City of Sarajevo, with an official letter detailing future cooperation.