Key Steps Towards Sustainability

The Foundation for the Support and Development of Mentoring Programs Older Brother, Older Sister held a successful strategic planning meeting at Hotel Saraj in Sarajevo on June 19 and 20, 2023. The meeting was attended by members of the Board of Directors, friends of the Foundation, experts with experience in planning and managing other organizations, as well as representatives of partner organizations.

Strategic planning is a key component for the growth and development of organizations, allowing them to focus their vision and priorities for future work. The Older Brother, Older Sister Foundation, as both a donor and collaborator in implementing the mentoring program, aims to enhance the existing program while also opening the door to new mentoring initiatives, adapting them to the needs identified in the field.

During a dedicated strategic planning consultation session, participants discussed the first phase of planning and provided inputs and guidelines for the program’s sustainability and development components, in line with emerging social trends. The Foundation recognized the importance of partner organizations in this process, given their ability to bring concrete field experiences and insights into the actual circumstances of target groups.

Medina Gračić, coordinator of the Older Brother, Older Sister program at the Association Land of Children in Bosnia and Herzegovina from Tuzla, shared her thoughts on the significance of strategic planning: “The strategic planning meeting of the Older Brother, Older Sister program contributed to the development of new and improved ideas that will ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. I believe the Foundation has enormous potential and a unique opportunity to leverage its program in the market and expand activities through the implementation of international projects and providing services to a broader population. I also call on the governing structures to invest in the community’s priorities — children and youth — by supporting mentoring programs. The future lies with the youth, so it is crucial to retain and support new generations, putting children first.”

The meeting was facilitated by Aida Brdar and Andrea Mijatović, collaborators and long-time volunteers in the Older Brother, Older Sister program. Andrea shared her impressions of the meeting: “Working with people who have an inner motivation to contribute to this program, who are deeply committed to it, was truly a wonderful experience. Our shared goal was for the program to genuinely progress and maintain a high standard. This strategic planning session revealed the program's potential for further growth and expansion into other areas. I believe we could easily implement the program and this type of support in other sectors, such as the education and healthcare systems.”

The Foundation for the Support and Development of Mentoring Programs Older Brother, Older Sister extends its sincere gratitude to all participants of the strategic planning meeting for their valuable contributions. Their feedback, ideas, and guidelines will serve as the foundation for further improving the program and achieving its goals over the next five years.

Ivana Radić
Executive Director
Foundation for the Support and Development of Mentoring Programs
Older Brother, Older Sister