Birmingham Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association Charity Reg. No. 1042767 ## **Annual Report** ## **Birmingham Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Association** **For the Year Ending 31st December 2024** ## **Introduction** Birmingham is home to one of the largest Bosnian communities in the United Kingdom — a community shaped by resilience, memory, and the ongoing commitment to rebuild lives after the horrors of war and genocide. Our association continues to serve as a vital anchor for the **first and second generation of Bosnian genocide survivors** , many of whom arrived as refugees and have since become an integral part of the fabric of this city. **Head office:** Bosnia House 36 Medley Road Birmingham B11 2NE T: +44(0)121 772 3052 1 Birmingham Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association Charity Reg. No. 1042767 This year, we strengthened our role as a place of connection, learning, cultural pride, and intergenerational support — ensuring that both the legacy of the past and the hopes of the future remain alive and protected. ## **Community Impact & Support** Our work remains rooted in solidarity and care. Over the past year, we provided support and belonging for families, elders, young people, and those finding their place between two homelands. Key community-building activities included: - Weekly social gatherings and community support sessions - Cultural and commemorative events that preserve memory and identity - Inter-generational programmes connecting elders and youth - Informal support networks for newly arrived families and vulnerable members These ongoing activities contribute not only to wellbeing and social inclusion, but also to safeguarding cultural identity for future generations. **Head office:** Bosnia House 36 Medley Road Birmingham B11 2NE T: +44(0)121 772 3052 2 Birmingham Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association Charity Reg. No. 1042767 ## **Education & Youth Engagement** Our **Bosnian Supplementary School** continued to grow, offering language, culture, and heritage education to young people proud of their roots. We expanded youth engagement through: - Football and multi-sport activities - Indoor recreational programmes, including table tennis and creative workshops - Cultural learning and leadership opportunities A particular point of pride was seeing our youth group formally recognised for their contribution to community life — an achievement honoured by **Lord Khan, Minister for Housing and Local Communities** . Their recognition reflects the resilience and ambition of a new generation who carry their heritage with confidence. ## **Cultural Heritage & Public Engagement** Cultural life has always been central to the Bosnian story — a way to heal, to celebrate, and to ensure that history is not forgotten. This year we: - Supported **traditional Bosnian folk dance** classes and performances - Participated in the **International Folk Festival in Italy** **Head office:** Bosnia House 36 Medley Road Birmingham B11 2NE T: +44(0)121 772 3052 3 - Birmingham Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association Charity Reg. No. 1042767 - Represented our community at major regional and national events including: - **Refugee Week Birmingham** - **International Mother Tongue Language Day** at Midlands Arts Centre - **Bosnian Supplementary Schools Day** in Hertfordshire These events allowed us to share our culture, honour our story, and contribute to Britain’s wider multicultural landscape. ## **Community Space: Bosnia House** Our community played an active role in the improvement and development of **Bosnia House** — now a vibrant hub offering language classes, cultural programmes, youth initiatives, and intercommunity collaboration. Bosnia House is more than a building; it is a symbol of survival, identity, and community ownership. The continuing volunteer involvement in its improvement demonstrates a deep commitment to building a lasting home for present and future generations. ## **Partnerships & Thanks** **Head office:** Bosnia House 36 Medley Road Birmingham B11 2NE T: +44(0)121 772 3052 4 Birmingham Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association Charity Reg. No. 1042767 We extend gratitude to everyone who supported our work — volunteers, parents, young people, and elders whose efforts sustain our organisation and spirit. We especially thank: - Our partners across Birmingham and the UK - Local authorities and community networks - **The Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network** for consistent support and collaboration This shared commitment enables us not only to preserve our heritage, but also to contribute actively to civic life in the UK. ## **Looking Ahead** As we move forward, our priorities include: - Strengthening educational and youth programmes **Head office:** Bosnia House 36 Medley Road Birmingham B11 2NE T: +44(0)121 772 3052 5 Birmingham Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association Charity Reg. No. 1042767 - - Expanding cultural and wellbeing activities - Continuing development of Bosnia House as a community hub - Ensuring our history and identity are preserved and understood - Promoting cohesion, participation, and opportunity for all generations Our vision remains clear: **to honour the past, empower the present, and invest in the future of our community in Birmingham.** ## **Closing Reflection** Three decades after arriving as survivors, we stand today as neighbours, students, parents, professionals, and citizens who contribute to the life of this city every day. This report reflects not only the work carried out, but the shared belief that community matters, memory matters, and identity matters. **Head office:** Bosnia House 36 Medley Road Birmingham B11 2NE T: +44(0)121 772 3052 6 Birmingham Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association Charity Reg. No. 1042767 Together, we continue to build a home — here in Birmingham, and in our hearts for Bosnia. ## **Financial report** ## **31st December 2023 - 30th December 2024** |**INCOME**|**£**| |---|---| |Supplementary school subscription|£
120.00| |ECL Lottery Fund|£
13,870.00| |Heart of England Foundation|£
12,498.00| |Awards For all|£
19,967.00| |Folk dance classes- subscription|£
920.00| ## **Head office:** Bosnia House 36 Medley Road Birmingham B11 2NE T: +44(0)121 772 3052 7 Birmingham Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association Charity Reg. No. 1042767 |**EXPENDITURE**|**£**| |---|---| |Room hire|£
4,200.00| |Printing/Postage|£
1,940.00| |Traditional folk dance group|£
2,980.00| |Volunteer expenses / Supplementary school|£
3,920.00| |Costumes for youth dancing group|£
2,870.00| |Equipment|£
2,640.00| |Freelance|£
6,250.00| |Stationary|£
1,890.00| |Refreshment|£
1,910.00| |Trips|£
4,930.00| |Miscellaneous|£
1,980.00| |**Total expenditure**|**£**
**35,510.00**| ||| |**Balance carried forward 30/12/2023**|**£**
**17,182.00**| |**Income**|**£**
**55,179.00**| |**Expenditure**|**£**
**35,510.00**| |**Balance at the bank on 310th December 2022**|**£**
**36,851.00**| **Secretary Treasurer Dr. Anes Ceric** **Jusuf Sacic** **15th October 2025** ## **15th October 2025** **Head office:** Bosnia House 36 Medley Road Birmingham B11 2NE T: +44(0)121 772 3052 8