„Such educational initiatives are necessary in Bosnia and Herzegovina!“ was one of the conclusions of the 20 participants in a two-day workshop on the prevention of prejudices, stereotypes, stigmatisation and violence towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersexual (LGBTI) schoolchildren, which took place 24-25 May on Jahorina.

During this workshop, for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina, representatives of the Ministries of Education, school staff, civil society representatives, members of the LGBTI community from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina had the opportunity to discuss this topic. One school director highlighted: „This workshop is very important for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I thought I knew things. This knowledge means a lot to me, and it is clearer to me how to act now… this gives me serosity in approach towards my job and my personal transformation. “

During discussion it was concluded that support from parents, school staff/phycologist and non-governmental sector is key for the mental wellbeing of LGBTI students, who are one of the most frequent victims of physical and mental violence, including bullying. However, as the school system does not sufficiently or not at all address specific needs of LGBTI persons, this gives space for prejudices and stereotypes. It is therefore important to sensitise school staff on this topic. In addition, in this process it is important to educate pupils for empathy, inclusion and importance of diversity and respect.

This workshop is implemented within the action “Promotion of diversity and equality in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, which is part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme „Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022“.