The Political Academy is the annual program of supplemental education for younger members of the Serb community which additionally motivates and prepares them for all the processes (participation in decision-making, negotiation, representation, etc.) at the level of local and regional self-government. The Academy’s program is intended for individuals wishing to take on an active role in the wider community – academic, media, or general – allowing them to research, advocate and raise awareness about topics of special interest for the Serb community.
Special emphasis is placed on younger generations given the significant demographic changes in the Serb community after the war, which today predominantly consists of middle-aged and older age groups. This fact adversely affects Serb organisations, therefore, one of the goals of the Political Academy is to support their gradual generational rejuvenation.
The program of the Political Academy is designed to cover various topics and features lecturers who are relevant experts from the region. The Program encompasses the following topics:
- Political and legal status of Serbs in Croatia
- Identity and history of Serbs in Croatia
- Visit to Jasenovac and other relevant localities
- Elections, representation, and activity within institutions
- Activity within the community
- Project planning, project management, obtaining financing from EU funds, local community financing and operation, personal data protection
- Role of media and modalities of media presentation
- Serbs in Croatia in relation to the EU and Serbia
The educational program also encompasses discussions and workshops aimed at fostering critical thinking and securing the social component necessary for the active participation in public life. The SNV’s Political Academy is also designed as a place where students from different parts of Croatia and the region can meet and network.
The success of the current program has served as the basis for the program of the Regional Academy Minority Integration Network (MINTEGNET). MINTEGNET has been realised in cooperation with the Journalists School from Novi Sad and its primary purpose is education and professional training for representatives of minority communities from the area of the former Yugoslavia. Representatives of the Croatian minority in Serbia (Vojvodina) and Serbs from Croatia participated in this program.
The Political Academy’s Advanced Program is intended primarily for Serb representatives in local and regional governments. By participating in advanced educational programs, the minority representatives are given an opportunity for further education and specialisation.
Contact
Jelena Nestorović
jelena.nestorovic@snv.hr
