Projects

From Vision to Reality: The Remarkable story of 'Collaboratio Balkanica 2.0'

The highly successful project "Collaboratio Balkanica 2.0" recently reached a significant milestone in its transformative journey. This one-year initiative, implemented by i-dijaspora in collaboration with the South East European Youth Network and supported by the expertise of Collaboratio Helvetica, delved into the root causes of systemic problems prevalent in the Western Balkans region. By fostering cross-border collaboration and bringing together a network of passionate activists and change catalysts, the project aimed to spark positive transformation.

The seeds of "Collaboratio Balkanica 2.0" were sown during a youth exchange program held in Baden. The exploration of topics related to "Theory U" and design thinking provided the initial impetus for continued collaboration. Recognizing the vast potential for creating lasting change, the project team set out to develop an educational program that would act as a catalyst for transformation in the Western Balkans. With unwavering support and expertise from partners in Switzerland, the project took shape.

The Process:

  • Online sessions

The project commenced with a series of online sessions, bringing together participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Switzerland. These sessions served as a platform for knowledge sharing, idea generation, and fostering connections among the participants. Through interactive discussions and workshops, the foundation for the subsequent live events was laid.

  • Event in Kladanj, Bosnia:

From 23rd to 29th of November 2022, the Muška voda complex in Kladanj played host to the first live event of "Collaboratio Balkanica 2.0." Participants engaged in intensive workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and collaborative activities focused on exploring the root causes of systemic issues.

"This project, which took place in Kladanj, was a meditational journey, where the human being becomes one with the wonderful nature that surrounds it and reflects on actual problems, that it shares with the world. That I think happened to each participant. "

Sindi Isufi, Albania

  • Online Work Phase:

Following the event in Kladanj, participants embarked on an online work phase, ensuring that the momentum and collaboration continued despite physical distances. Through virtual platforms and online tools, like Miro, an infinite online whiteboard, participants shared their insights, progress, and ideas, collectively working towards actionable solutions. Within their respective SDG groups, participants brainstormed ideas and found solutions for various topic related to peacebuilding, education and sustainable recourses.

  • Event in Stein am Rhein, Switzerland:

The culmination of "Collaboratio Balkanica 2.0" took place during an event in Stein am Rhein, Switzerland, where participants reconvened in person. Building upon the work accomplished online, participants engaged in further workshops, knowledge exchange, and cross-cultural learning.

The uniqueness of this project lies precisely in the fact that its last part cannot be viewed as a separate entity, but rather the entire process and all the benefits it has brought to us as participants, as well as, I'm certain, to the members of the organizational team. The possibility of the project's "continuation" has allowed me to realize personal growth, as well as the progress of each participant. Together, we have not only overcome disagreements and conflicts of opinion but have also been strengthened by them through our continued work on a monthly basis, leading to the final days of the project when we became a cohesive team. A team that has collectively faced all obstacles, become like a family, and achieved excellent results in our work :) The last sentence holds a special weight for me, and the feeling I had when saying goodbye to the group and departing for the station in Stein am Rhein is something I wish for every future project and all young people who are on the verge of filling out an application for something similar to feel as well.

Katarina Babic, Serbia

  • Next steps

Based on the inputs received from the participants, our dedicated team of trainers will work over the next 6 months to create a toolkit for our journey. In the fall, we will present it in Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It’s an eerie thing, feeling that something is inherently wrong with the society we live in, but not actually knowing what that thing is. “Collaboratio Balkanica 2.0” gave us the tools to identify the individual stakeholders who constitute our functionally-dysfunctional systems, and it equipped us with the knowledge of how the systems themselves mold their respective stakeholders. We are, in fact, shaped by the systems we were, or still are, a part of. By providing the tools and making us aware of the bigger picture, this project gives us motivation – and some much-needed wind at our back – to contribute towards systemic and social change, and, hopefully, towards a better future. I cannot wait for the opportunity to continue to work towards that goal with all my dear, brilliant friends I made on this project along the way.

Milan Krkovic, Montenegro

This project is implemented by i-dijaspora in coperation with SEEYN (South East European Youth Network) and expertise from Collaboratio Helvetica with support from Movetia - the Swiss Agency for Exchange and Mobility.


Marko Buric