As part of the European Union project "Establishment of a Network for Rural Development of Herzegovina – HeRuDNet", a training on organizational development for non-governmental organizations from the Herzegovina region – founders of the Herzegovina Rural Development Network – was held on January 30 and 31, 2025. The training was held in Čitluk, and 25 people attended.
Organizational development for civil society organization (CSO) networks refers to process of improving and strengthening the capacities of networks through strategic planning, enhancing internal structures, and strengthening relationships among network members, all aimed at increasing the network's efficiency, impact, and sustainability, thus creating a stable foundation for the joint achievement of goals.
During the training, participants had the opportunity to meet each other and exchange experiences, which is essential for successful cooperation throughout the program.
The first day covered topics such as networking and cooperation, global standards for NGOs, familiarisation with different types of networks and alliances, as well as the benefits and challenges of networking. Discussions was also focused on organizational development of the network, its structure, responsibilities of members, and the rules and procedures within it.
The second day was focused on partnership building and conflict management. Participants learned how to define common goals, build mutual trust, and recognize and overcome conflicts within the network. As well, they ellaborated issue of communication and coordination with external actors. Through the topics of evaluation and progress monitoring, participants gained knowledge on how to track the network’s progress, ensure its su tainability, and create monitoring systems based on CSO standards.
The training was conducted by the director of REDAH, Ivica Sivrić, and external expert Slavica Ašonja, who stated after the training:
"The training was adapted to the project goals in a way that training participants, as founders and members of the Rural Development Network, in addition to theoretical and practical knowledge related to organizational development, will be familiarized with the work of networks, their organization, and the challenges related to their establishment, development, and future functioning."
The lead project partner is the Association for Economic Development REDAH Mostar, which, together with partners, the Agricultural Cluster Old Herzegovina from Trebinje and the LINNOVATE Foundation from Livno, will commit to implementing the project in establishing a functional and sustainable network for rural development of Herzegovina, in order to improve the living and working conditions of the inhabitants of Herzegovina through its activities. The project will last for three years (2024-2027), with a total value of 662,133 Euros, of which the EU finances 90% of the project value (595,800 Euros).
