[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On December 5th, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Association in Hertfordshire celebrated its 25th anniversary. The only BiH organization in Great Britain covering the entire county (Hertfordshire) and even wider covering the county of Essex and a large part of North London. From the very beginning without the help of the “Bosnia Project” (Bosnian Project) we had to manage and rely solely on our own strength with a little help from the local Red Cross. Once we organized and registered with the commissariat for humanitarian organizations, help also arrived from Regugee Action.
Our organization actively participates in the establishment of the UK Network, and is also successful in seeking funds from the National Lottery. This is followed by the employment of workers and the opening of an office in Hertford and then in Borehamwood, the establishment of a supplementary school, that is, the separation of our students from the BiH supplementary school in London. From its establishment to the present day, the school has used three different locations in Borehamwood. The school is a regular participant, and occasionally hosts, meetings of Bosnian and Herzegovina supplementary schools, the traditional and largest manifestation of BiH citizens in Great Britain.
Our organization BiHCAH marks all significant dates: Genocide in Srebrenica, White Arms Day, Independence Day and Statehood Day. Hundreds of students and teachers have passed through our school. Here we must mention Aldijana Jakupović (nee Paratušić) who was both a student and later a teacher at our school. A folklore group and a football team were also founded. As a successful organization, we have hosted many guests, but we would still like to single out: Amor Mašović, Ed Vulliamy, Lord Falconer (Charles Falconer- Lord Chancellor/Justice), Ramiz Salkić, Vice President of the RS, as well as several BiH ambassadors and consuls.
For a quarter of a century, the executive board of the organization, through which dozens of our members have passed, has been successfully leading the organization. On the occasion of 25 years of existence, the executive board takes the opportunity to thank individuals who have left their mark on the work of our organization. Former board members: Lamija Azzato, Alma Huremoviċ, Ana Paratušić, Selma Mustafić, Dina Fejziċ, Saliha Jakupović, Esad Mujkanović, Fahrudin Omerović; Former employees: Sakib Podgorić, Merima Filipović, Zuhra Kalić, Vedat Spahović Azra Dautoović; Former teachers: Amra Duharić, Sakib Podgorić, rah. Mahmut Filipoviċ, Ismeta Filipović, Dina Fejzić, Aldijana Jakupović, Saliha Jakupović, S Jelača and Besima K. (if we have forgotten anyone, please let us know).
Also, he has been with us for many years and Jasmin Odobašić, teacher. Our long-time treasurer Nihad Filipović, who still likes to visit us today, also left a great mark, as did today’s executive board (former) and volunteers led by Sabahudin Saldumović, Elmin Pepelar, Alija Hamulić, Emir Kahrimanović, Emina née Gunić, Nihad, Baja, Edin, Iso, Sedin, Emsud, Ivan, Bajro, Enes, Samir, Ipo¸Eldin Paratušić who was a sponsor with his garage EMP Performance and many others past and present (sorry if we forgot anyone). We must also mention those who are no longer with us and thank them very much for everything they contributed to the survival and work of the organization. If we have a bright future, there is our youth, of which we are very proud.
Special thanks to the individuals who have been actively involved in the work of the organizations and committees since their founding:
Džemal Paratušić – member of the founding board and long-time president.
Ismet Balić – member of the founding board, long-time president and secretary, and current school coordinator
Sabit Jakupović – member of the founding board, long-time president and secretary, founder and first coordinator of the supplementary school, as well as the current teacher of our school.
Thank you to everyone who has been with BiHCAH all these years
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