In poor rural districts around Srebrenica there is a lack of comprehensive network of quality primary schools and fully skilled teachers. During the war, in Srebrenica and surroundings many families fled the region or were killed. After the war not many survivors returned to the region and therefor the number of children that attend primary school these days is not high, which resulted that students, which attend different classes are combine into a single class, while a single teacher needs to lecture children at different levels and divide his time and attention. Due to lack of time and qualified staff, the teachers frequently fail to bring teaching time and curricula into line with the everyday lives of children and have outdated teaching methods. Because of this group work, independent learning, critical thought and problem solving, the use of new technologies and the development of life skills tend to be neglected. Also children that come from poorer or more disadvantaged backgrounds, have parents with limited abilities to help them with their homework, pay for their education and they may have to walk very long distances to school. As a result, these children are less able to follow the curriculum and young people lack the crucial knowledge and skills which they need in the high school and in the labor market.

Additionally in Bosnia and Herzegovina, only around 15% of 4 to 5 year old children are enrolled in pre-school education. That is a very sober percentage as stimulation and development is critical in first six years and has the longest-lasting effects on children’s development. In rural areas this percentage is even lower.

“Before any great things are accomplished, a memorable change must be made in the system of education…to raise the lower ranks of society nearer to the higher.” John Adams