Inspire Volunteer Abroad

Bosnia 2022

Dates of Program

1. July 2 – 12, 2022
Fundraising Target: CAD $4,000 (includes Udhiya/Qurbani)
2. July 16 – 24, 2022
Fundraising Target: CAD $3,500

Application Dates

Applications are open until May 22nd, 2022

Registration Fee

CAD 3$50 (Non-refundable)

Background

The 1992-1995 war transformed Bosnia-Herzegovina from a medium-income country within the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to now one of the poorest in Europe. Despite the success of post-conflict rebuilding, the economy has not yet returned to its pre-war level. Since 1993, IR has been supporting orphans through one-to-one sponsorships, education projects, as well as school supplies and food distribution programs.

This program aims to provide support to children in Sarajevo through a summer camp that is affiliated with the ongoing orphans’ program.

Inspire held 3 cohorts in 2019, running 3 summer camps with Orphans. Here are a few volunteer reflections

Main Activities

Volunteers will be assisting in a summer camp affiliated with the ongoing orphans’ program, to facilitate learning through a variety of activities such as:

  • Team building games
  • Educational activities
  • Sports tournaments

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to:

  • Visit local Islamic Relief projects in the area and interact with beneficiaries to hear their stories.
  • Participate in organized sightseeing activities, including visits to Baščaršija, War Tunnel Museum, and other historical spots.
  • Visit Srebrenica and go to the Srebrenica Memorial.

Fundraising Process

All finalized applicants are required to raise the required amount by June 15th, 2022. All the funds raised will be going towards Islamic Relief projects in Bosnia. IRC will provide each volunteer with a fundraising session that includes tips on how to fundraise, how to engage your network, etc. Also, IRC will set up an online LaunchGood fundraising page for each volunteer to raise funds for their project.  

Benefits of the Trip

The Inspire program aims to give volunteers a unique and eye-opening experience, where they can immerse themselves in a completely different context than they are normally accustomed to. This program encompasses the “give and take” principle; it is an opportunity to both give back to vulnerable communities overseas whilst learning and growing skills in an enriching environment. After completing the program, letters of reference will be given out to participants upon request. Participants will also be encouraged to continue volunteering with IRC following the trip to continue their humanitarian efforts. 

Accommodations/Costs

IRC will cover your stay in Bosnia, including your accommodation, transportation, food, and scheduled sightseeing activities. Please note that flights are NOT included in this, thus the volunteer is responsible for purchasing their flights to and from Bosnia, as well as mandatory health insurance. 

Pre-Departure Training

Once accepted into the program, all the volunteers are required to attend pre-departure training sessions that are held for 2-3 hours Bi-weekly. These sessions will focus on the details required for the Field Study, including fundraising, country profile, IR history, security in the field, activity planning, etc. These are mandatory!

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