25 years ago, after the Srebrenica genocide, a young group of survivors returned to the village to build a peaceful community that would withstand growing nationalism and racism. The idea was born to transform the completely destroyed and uninhabitable village of Kasapic, next to Srebrenica, into an eco- and peace village called 'Ekometa'. The organization “Prijatelj Prirode – Oaza Mira” is the sponsor of this project. In recent years four houses and a mill have been built here using local craftsmanship and methods. Volunteers can help further expand the eco-village.
Volunteer work
The volunteer work will consist of carpentry, working with stones and general renovation. A new house is being built that will serve as accommodation and social meeting place for future groups of youngsters in the village. In addition, a path is being constructed with river stones. There is plenty to do in Kasapic.
Accommodation
The volunteers stay in accommodation in the Ekometa Village - Lopovac BB, with separate areas for men and women. The volunteers provide the meals themselves (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on location. There is a washing machine and internet is only accessible via a mobile phone. Volunteers are requested to bring their own work clothes, gloves and work shoes, as well as a sleeping bag.
Leisure
In your free time it is possible to discover the area by hiking in the surrounding mountains, taking a trip to the Drina Canyon, swimming in Lake Jadar and Perucac or visiting the Srebrenica Memorial Center.
Travel
Volunteers are requested to travel to Srebrenica bus station themselves and this can be done in two ways. The Tuzla bus station can be reached from Tuzla airport and there are two buses per day leaving to Srebrenica. From Sarajevo, private mini buses leave for Srebrenica early in the morning. From the bus station in Srebrenica you can take a cab to the project location. A cab can be booked in consultation with the people of the project.
You arrange the travel to your project yourself. IBO asks all volunteers to travel in the most sustainable way possible, so preferably by train or bus. What you at least can do, is compensate your CO2 emissions. You can find more information about this on the website of Milieu Centraal. You can also compensate your emissions via IBO, by donating to our partner’s tree planting project in Uganda. You can read more about that here.
Preparation
IBO offers a good preparation for your volunteering work abroad.You will receive a digital information package and an invitation to a preparation meeting. Read more about the proces from departure until return.
Costs
For this project you pay €35 registration fee and €179 participation fee. If you become an IBO-supporter, you don't have to pay the registration fee.
This includes accommodation and meals, local transport, an information pack and (online) preparation meeting. Excluding travel, insurance and any outings.
Register
Go to register to enroll in this project.