Centre for transfer of traditional craft skills

BHcrafts is a humanitarian, non-governmental organization which works on improving the quality of life for people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It cooperates with hundreds of women of different ethnical background. It offers various hand made products which include clothing and fashionable accessories both for children and adults, home furnishings, toys, traditional Bosnian products and much more.

From September 2005, BHcrafts is implementing the project 'Centre for transfer of traditional craft skills' which is financed by the European Union.

Centre Objectives

The main objective is to strengthen the economy of NE Bosnia and Herzegovina with emphasis on rural areas. The specific objectives are:

• Strengthen SMEs from NE BiH which are involved in craft production
• Increase sales of handicrafts from NE BiH on local and foreign markets
• Provide better income - generation opportunities for craft producers
• Improve tourist attractions of BiH through improved offer of well designed and high quality souvenirs

In regional development strategy which was developed by NERDA (Regional Development Agency for NE B&H) the establishment of the Centre is identified as one of the most important projects for development of North East B&H.

Centre Activities

The main activities of the Centre include the following:

• Improve the structure of craft production
• Development of new products
• Preparation and organization of trainings for craft producers
• Promotion of products in the country and abroad
• Increase the capacity of small and medium enterprises and beneficiaries (craft producers)

There are many other project activities which should improve craft production, supply chain and lead to improved competitiveness of handicrafts on local and foreign markets.

Expected Results

• Centre for transfer of traditional craft skills established and fully functioning
• Craft production efficiently organized in NE Bosnia and Herzegovina per cottage industry model
• The skills and competitiveness of SME's involved in craft production improved
• Quality, design, affordability of handicrafts improved
• Attractive tourist destinations supplied with souvenirs
• Increased turnover in the handicraft sector
• Increased entrepreneurial skills of craft producers
• Increased income of craft producers

Development of souvenirs

The Centre will develop a line of unique practical souvenirs at affordable prices. The souvenirs will be promoted to all potential customers, among which are tourist biros, travel agencies, chambers of commerce, hotels and other institutions through promotional materials and various Center’s activities. Established connection with these institutions will improve tourist offer of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Objectives for the future period

The Centre currently provides design and product development services, market research, marketing services on local and foreign markets and training programs for three SME's from North East B&H:

• Association ' TREBAVA-SJEVER', Modrica
• Association ' ZORA', Milici
• Association ' LUCA', Bijeljina

However, the long term objective is to provide these services to all craft associations in B&H and become the Centre for entire country.

You can also support this project by purchasing BH Craft products made with devotion and care. Your purchase will improve the lives of hundreds of women.
For any further information please contact:

Centre for transfer of traditional craft skills

Address: Izeta Sarajlica 5
Tuzla
Phone No: 035 314 461
Fax No: 035 314 460
E-mail: office@bosnianhandicrafts.com

Web: www.bhcrafts.org