Empowerment as an economic driver

Donate for Bosnia

Help in Bosnia
14.1 %

of the population are out of work

33.5 %

of young people in Bosnia are unemployed

652

is the average net wage

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Securing livelihoods and strengthening society: Help supports people in Bosnia and Herzegovina in freeing themselves from unemployment and poverty through their own efforts. 

We offer further education and training, support local businesses and promote climate-friendly initiatives to strengthen the economy and create sustainable prospects.

Donate now

How is Help providing support in Bosnia?

Using local strengths together

Help has been working for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1995. We are therefore very familiar with the challenges and opportunities in the country. Today, Help's work focuses on counteracting the great poverty and unemployment in Bosnia.

In the spirit of helping people to help themselves, we promote training for young people, provide start-up assistance for new businesses and support local companies. In doing so, we draw on existing structures: these include many regional gastronomy and accommodation options, the unique natural environment as an agricultural resource and tourist attraction, as well as centuries-old knowledge in the craft sector. Strengthening sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives is a focus of our work.

Following the fire in the Lipa refugee camp in December 2020, we provided emergency aid for numerous refugees. Together with our partner organization SOS Bihać, we provided those affected with relief supplies, including warm clothing, sleeping bags and hygiene products.

You can find more information on the local website of Help in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

What is the situation like in Bosnia?

Driven by the past

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the wounds of the war years have still not healed. In 1992, the Bosnian War broke out as a result of the collapse of Yugoslavia, in the course of which around 100,000 people died. The capital Sarajevo and many other Bosnian towns and villages were heavily destroyed and large areas of land were mined. Around 2.2 million people were displaced within the country or fled abroad.

The years of violence between Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian groups continue to this day. Power struggles between competing political camps, blockades in coming to terms with the war and an ailing economy are just some of the reasons for the lasting rift in society. Unemployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina is high and one in four adults has no job. The challenge for the future is to open up prospects for the younger generation in particular and to prevent emigration abroad as well as political and religious radicalization.

Bosnia has been facing an additional challenge for some years now: numerous refugees and migrants are trying to enter the European Union via the Balkan route. However, the EU's external borders are heavily guarded. Thousands of people continue to wait in temporary shelters along the Bosnian-Croatian border.

Carpenter with a passion

Kleinunternehmer, der von Help gefördert wird

Some days he can no longer walk without crutches: Enver from Bosnia has muscular dystrophy. He had to give up his job due to the hereditary disease, which also affects his son. He finds distraction from the pain in his passion - working with wood. "I've already worked in many professions, but I've always liked working with wood best." By selling his craftsmanship, he can continue to provide for his family.

Help provided Enver with equipment for his workshop, which he initially used to produce souvenirs. He now makes beehives, which provide him with much more income. He is very happy with this development.

I was very pleased to get your call and that you came to visit me. Now you can see that I have used your help.

Enver, carpenter

A monthly donation provides lasting help
Select your donation value
Eine Frau aus Bosnien, die von Help unterstützt wurde.
Von Help finanzierter Kfz-Mechaniker in Bosnien
Your donation for Bosnia & Herzegovina

Help us to promote local strengths in Bosnia and Herzegovina.