More than 500 students of the Technical Faculty in Bihać got new premises and equipment with the support from the European Union

Technical Faculty of the University in Bihać has presented renovated premises and new equipment, which will facilitate a quality practical education and professional development of more than 500 students. The initiative has been implemented through the project “Individual measure for strengthening capacities of migration glows in BiH”, financially supported by European Union (EU), and implemented by International Organization for Migrations (IOM).

Total investments into reconstruction and procurement amounted to BAM 100.000, half of which was spent on infrastructural works, and the other half for the procurement of the equipment. Five room were renovated, including new floors, electrical installations, and LED lightning. New functional zones were introduced by adding new walls in the rooms and renovation of the unused premises.

The procured equipment included computers, 3D printers, laser graver, machine for sublimation, steam irons, electrical components, and other technical equipment, which will help students to get advanced and more applicable education, especially in textile, wood processing, and electrical departments. The equipment is available to students for their regular classes, but also for producing their final and research papers and works.

During the monitoring visit to the Una-Sana Canton by the representatives of the EU Delegation to BiH, with the support of the IOM representatives, a presentation of the cooperation between Technical Faculty and a broader community was organised, which is implemented in the Temporary reception Centre Lipa. The cooperation includes workshops with people on the move through the design of the handcrafted pieces in textile and wood processing industry, which once again proves the value of mutual learning and exchange of knowledge between local students and people on the move.

Dr. sc. Damir Hodžić, Dean of the Technical Faculty of the University in Bihać has pointed out to the European Union delegation:

The project has been categorised as very relevant for the local community, as it deals with key matters, such as inequality in education, lack of diversity and inclusivity, and social cohesion within the system of education for technical professions. The project-based initiative will have a long-term effect on lives of individuals, they will contribute to the development of communities, and also nourish harmonious environment aimed at learning.

Beneficiaries of services will be university and secondary school students, people on the move, children without parental care, or persons of poor financial standing. Through such engagements, the project aims at creation of platforms for dialogue and mutual learning, which motivates social cohesion and tolerance among beneficiaries.

European Union continues with its investments in Una-Sana Canton in different areas, such as civil protection, healthcare, education, security, sports, and culture, thus contributing to the sustainable development of local communities.