As part of their working visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, representatives of the Committee on Social Policy of the Senate of the Czech Republic and representatives of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bosnia and Herzegovina visited the SEI Centre today. During the visit, they were introduced to the results achieved so far through the project “Socio-Economic Inclusion in Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SEI)”, the Centre’s operational model, and opportunities for its further development.

The visit was organized within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czech Republic, with a particular focus on exchanging experiences in the fields of social and healthcare services, labour market development, social inclusion, and inclusive public policies.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Siniša Milić, who expressed his gratitude to the Czech Republic for its continued support of the SEI project. He emphasized that the project is unique not only in Brčko District but also in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with tangible results that are already visible within the local community.

The Czech delegation was led by Mr. Lumír Kantor, Chair of the Committee on Social Policy of the Senate of the Czech Republic, accompanied by Mr. Martin Bednář, a member of the delegation, and representatives of the Embassy of the Czech Republic.

During the visit, representatives of the SEI Centre presented the project’s key activities, achieved results, and practical support models for beneficiaries, highlighting the Centre’s contribution to social inclusion, skills development, employment support, and the strengthening of local partnerships. Particular attention was given to the role of the SEI Centre as a space that combines social support, education, practical work, and the development of opportunities for individuals requiring additional assistance to become more actively involved in the social and economic life of the community.

As part of the event, a cooperation agreement for 2026 was signed between CARE Balkans and the Development and Guarantee Fund of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring the continuation of joint activities aimed at strengthening the SEI Centre and its role within the local community.

Director of the Development and Guarantee Fund of Brčko District, Ognjen Okilj, emphasized that the SEI Centre has demonstrated the value of this support model for both beneficiaries and the wider community.

“The SEI Centre has shown that there is a genuine need for a place that combines support, learning, practical work, and social inclusion. It is particularly important to us that the Centre’s achievements have been recognized by international partners, as this confirms that Brčko District is developing models that can serve as examples of good practice. Our goal is to continue strengthening the Centre’s capacities, engaging new beneficiaries, and developing activities that will have a long-term impact on the local community,” said Okilj.

On behalf of the International Projects Implementation Unit of the Development and Guarantee Fund of Brčko District, Zlatan Musić underlined that the successful implementation of the current project provides a strong foundation for preparing new initiatives and engaging with potential donors regarding future support for the SEI Centre.

“The results achieved so far provide us with a solid basis for approaching partners and donors proactively with concrete proposals for the continuation of the project. Our goal is not only to successfully complete the current activities but also to initiate timely discussions on new funding opportunities and support models, enabling the SEI Centre to further expand its services and continue contributing to social inclusion, employment, and community development. Today’s visit is also significant because it demonstrates international interest in initiatives that deliver measurable results and have a clear vision for future growth,” Musić stated.

Music added that the Development and Guarantee Fund of Brčko District, together with its partners, plans to prepare new donor initiatives in the coming period, focusing on the continuation of the project, the development of new activities, the strengthening of the Centre’s sustainability, and the expansion of support services for beneficiaries.

The visit of representatives of the Senate of the Czech Republic and the Embassy of the Czech Republic represents an important recognition of the work accomplished by the SEI Centre to date, while also providing an opportunity to present Brčko District as a community that promotes inclusive approaches, strengthens local partnerships, and actively cooperates with international partners in areas of significant social importance.

The Development and Guarantee Fund of Brčko District and its partners remain committed to completing the current project activities while simultaneously preparing new project proposals and funding opportunities, ensuring that the SEI Centre continues to serve as a key local mechanism for social inclusion, skills development, and the active participation of citizens in the social and economic life of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina.