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Nobody will ever forget the horrific images on our television screens from the wars in the former Yugoslavia over a decade ago. Approximately three million people including 500,000 children were displaced, made homeless or suffered the loss of one or both of their parents. St Joseph & The Helpers Charity are engaged in ongoing projects in Bosnia & Herzegovina including building projects which provide shelter, education, jobs and improve the lives of orphans and the victims of war.
Heartfelt Thanks!
On behalf of my fellow Directors
I wish extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members, helpers and donors in Ireland, UK and USA who have raised over €1,600,000 for our building and humanitarian projects since our charity was formed. 100% of your donations go directly to the projects as all administration costs are paid by the directors of the charity.
Through your magnificent support
our projects are now making a huge difference to the lives of others in a country that has close to 60% unemployment. We can't thank you enough for your wonderful support.
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| We need your donations so that we can help the people of Bosnia Herzegovina. If you would like to contribute click one of the links below. Thank you.
For Euro donations click here
For UK donations click here
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| Our Work in Bosnia & Herzegovina |
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| Our Work > Visoko School |
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 Artist’s impression illustrating new floor, roof and entrance area.
Restoring School For All To Share
Built in 1900 and until 1945 Visoko school was one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Bosnia & Herzegovina and open to all religious groups. In the academic year 1939 - 1940 it had 536 students; 156 seminarians, 213 from local area and 167 boarders.
In 1945 the Communist Party confiscated the building and adjoining grounds for occupation by The Yugoslavian National Army. This arrangement continued until the fall of communism in 1992 when the Bosnian Army took possession. The building was handed back to the Franciscans in 2007. The majority of the grounds remain confiscated and in the ownership of the present Government.
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We need YOU! Can you help us to restore life to Visoko School which was closed by the Communists? The school will educate together poor, diligent, mixed, talented students from all religious and ethnic communities. It is hoped eventually to have 360 students; 1/3 seminary students, 1/3 locals and 1/3 boarders.
The Franciscans have over the centuries cherished the tradition of education. Visoko secondary school will, in terms of civilisation, spirituality and education be very beneficial both to the church and to society as a whole in Bosnia & Herzegovina. |
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We need your help to rebuild and educate our community...
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Fr. Mijo Dzolan, Franciscan Provincial, Bosnia & Herzegovina, writes: - |
Dear Friends,
“In addition to thanking all friends for their expressed concern and solidarity, I bear the message that participation in this project is an expression of true friendship to all in Bosnia & Herzegovina and a big help in our efforts to become, through education, part of the European family where we essentially belong”.
Will you become a friend to Fr Mijo and help to revitalise a wonderful school? Are you willing to help St Joseph & The Helpers charity raise funds for him?
Restoration Work Underwway
First Year Proposed Building Costs:
During the years of occupation, the basement area rooms were lowered without any additional stabilisation to the building. To alleviate concerns about this, a supporting wall was built around the perimeter of the building with damp proofing, cladding and drainage.
Total cost €30,500. (Stg £24,500).
Raise building to accommodate additional floor, replace existing roof, new windows & floors, brickwork, cornices, ventilation, and guttering.
Total cost €340,000. (Stg £270,000)
Installation of heating, lighting, plumbing, plant equipment, prepare 2 classrooms, dining facilities and accommodation for 30 students.
Total cost €775,000. (Stg £610,000). |
The Children of Bosnia & Herzegovina need You!
Help us to undo the work of the Communists. We need your support in order to revive a school that was shut down by them. The war is over so let us together help this scarred, divided country to heal some of its wounds.
The brutal war in Bosnia & Herzegovina from 1991 to 1995 left the country devastated with some 250,000 killed and an estimated 2,000,000 (half the population) people becoming refugees or internally displaced persons. The war destroyed communities throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina, physically, economically and morally.
Consequently, there is high unemployment and widespread poverty. This leads to young people leaving school to do menial jobs in order to support their families. Visoko School wants to educate the poor, talented multi-ethnic youth of Bosnia & Herzegovina so that they can break out of a vicious circle of impoverishment.
Being educated together will hopefully encourage inter-ethnic trust and lead to a culture of peace based on tolerance and mutual respect.
Removing Existing Roof
Foundation Works
Our Mission Statement
“Our mission is to help the people of Bosnia & Herzegovina as they struggle to recover from the Yugoslav wars. We aim to relieve poverty and advance education whilst respecting varying religions and cultures".
Our Promise to You
The directors do not receive a salary or claim expenses. They personally cover all administration costs. Therefore, 100% of your donations go directly to the project. |
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