Mothers Centre Redo Sarajevo Bi H Mothers Centres

Mothers Centre Redo, Sarajevo, Bi. H

Mothers Centres Increase Sustainability of Cities o o Raise political awareness on the role of grassroots groups and neighborhood initiatives for reconciliation of work and life Contribute to developing and extending the range and quality of care for dependents, including children, the elderly, the sick and the handicapped

Function of Mothers Centres Continued o Raise the status of care work in contemporary societies o Contribute to reweaving the social fabric and to strengthening the social cohesion in urban environments

Functions Continued o Integrate the issues of families and caregivers into local governance o Favor multi-ethnic integration o Contribute to reducing urban poverty

Mothers Centers International Network for Empowerment (MINE) o Information from a Town Hall meeting in Sarajevo on 10. 09. 2005 http: //www. mine. cc/files/Sarajevo. pdf o Information from an article by Monika Jaeckel in 2002 http: //www. mine. cc/files/Mother_Centres_U NHabitat_article. pdf

Aims of Town Hall Meeting o o o Transnational: Understanding and being a part of different cultures National: Society-wide discussion about childraising in contemporary society Long-term goals: Recognition and acceptance of Mother Centres as “universities of parenthood” as a system of prevention and parental self-support

Aims Continued o o o Make practical experience of parents visible Find common things between academic and real world Emphasize and strengthen parents’ skills Reconcile traditional values and needs of modern life Advocate for families and children Balance between family life and work

Aims Continued o Tools: n n n Questionnaires International conferences Media campaign Co-operation with professionals Creation of national work teams

Feedback from Workshops o o o o The right of free speech Independence Self-confidence The right of religious choice Flexibility in taking care of children Co-determination in choice of school Flexible, family friendly working times

Feedback Continued o o o Flexible times in day-nurseries and schools Mainstreaming children with handicaps Smaller classes Support of weak children Participation in school reforms Improved system of old-age pensions

National Message o Mothers Centres make self-help visible, independently of religion and background, showing that the international network is a partner